March 17–23: “Seek for the Things of a Better World”: Doctrine and Covenants 23–26
“March 17–23: ‘Seek for the Things of a Better World’: Doctrine and Covenants 23–26,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 (2025)
“Doctrine and Covenants 23–26,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: 2025
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Emma Smith
March 17–23: “Seek for the Things of a Better World”
For most people, being baptized is a reverent, peaceful experience. The baptism of Emma Smith and others, however, was disrupted by a mob who mocked them, threatened them, and forced them to flee. Later, just as Joseph was about to confirm the new members, he was arrested for upsetting the community with his preaching. In all this opposition, how could Emma find reassurance that she was doing the right thing? The same place we can all find it—through revelation from the Lord. He spoke to Emma about “the things of a better [world]”—His kingdom—and her place in it. He told her not to fear, to “lift up [her] heart and rejoice,” and to “cleave unto the covenants [she had] made.” And these words of encouragement and counsel are His “voice unto all” (Doctrine and Covenants 25:9–10, 13, 16).
The Savior can lift me “up out of [my] afflictions.”
The revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 24 was given to “strengthen, encourage, and instruct” Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery during a time of trial (section heading; see also Saints, 1:94–96). Look for words in Doctrine and Covenants 24 that you feel would have been strengthening and encouraging to them.
What do the following scriptures suggest to you about how the Savior helps you with your challenges?
I have an important role to play in God’s kingdom.
As Emma Smith watched the Restoration unfold through her husband, Joseph Smith, she might have wondered what her role might be. Look for answers God provided in Doctrine and Covenants 25. Do you find anything in this section that you feel is His “voice unto [you]”? (verse 16).
What does the phrase “the spirit of meekness” mean to you? Consider searching section 25 for words and phrases that help you understand what it means to be meek. Elder David A. Bednar’s message “Meek and Lowly of Heart” could also help (Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 30–33). How is Jesus Christ an example of meekness to you? (see Matthew 11:28–30). Think about things in your life you can do “in the spirit of meekness.”
“Lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.”
As you ponder the Lord’s counsel in Doctrine and Covenants 25:10, it might help to make a list of “things of this world” He wants you to “lay aside.” Then you could make a list of “things of a better [world]” He wants you to seek. You might choose at least one thing from the first list that you will lay aside and one thing from the second list that you will seek.
President Russell M. Nelson has given counsel and promises about “[putting] aside many things of this world.” Look for it on page 77 of his message “Spiritual Treasures” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019). How will you follow his counsel?
As you read verse 13, think about the covenants you have made with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. What does it mean to “cleave unto” these covenants? How do your covenants help you “lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better”?
See also Topics and Questions, “Sacrifice,” Gospel Library.
Invite sharing. If you’re teaching others about how to “lay aside the things of the world,” consider ways to invite them to share what they are doing to follow this counsel. We can draw great strength and courage from hearing each other’s insights and experiences.
What are some of your “song[s] of the heart”—songs that express your feelings about Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ? Consider singing or listening to a few of them. What is it about these songs that makes them special to you?
You might also ponder how these hymns are like a prayer. What do sacred music and prayer have in common? How have your sacred songs been “answered with a blessing”?
“All things shall be done by common consent in the church.”
The phrase “common consent” in this verse refers to the act of raising our hands to show that we sustain and support a person who is receiving a calling or a priesthood ordination. How would you explain to a visitor to a Church meeting what it means when we sustain someone? What answers do you find in President Henry B. Eyring’s message “The Power of Sustaining Faith”? (Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 58–60).
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
The Savior can lift me “up out of [my] afflictions.”
To learn about some of the afflictions or challenges Joseph Smith and the early Saints faced, you could review “Chapter 11: More People Join the Church,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 46–47, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library. Then you and your children could discover what the Lord said to Joseph about his afflictions in Doctrine and Covenants 24:1, 8. You could also share with each other how the Lord helps you during difficult times.
To learn what it means to be “patient in [our] afflictions,” you and your children could re-create the experiment in the video “Continue in Patience” (Gospel Library). What does Doctrine and Covenants 24:8 teach us about patience? How does the Savior let us know that He is “with [us]” during our afflictions?
After reading Doctrine and Covenants 25:12, you could tell each other about your favorite hymn or Church song—your “song of the heart”—and sing them together. Share with each other why you love these songs. Why is the Lord happy when we sing these songs? How is our singing like “a prayer unto [Him]”?
To understand what it means to “cleave unto the covenants” (Doctrine and Covenants 25:13), your children could take turns holding on to something as tightly as they can. Then you and your children could talk about how you “cleave” or hold on to your covenants. If needed, review with your children the covenants we make (see Mosiah 18:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37; and this week’s activity page).
To give your children context for Doctrine and Covenants 25:13, you might point out that this is something the Lord told Emma Smith soon after her baptism. Why would this be good counsel for someone who was recently baptized?
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
