June 23–29: “Worth … the Riches of the Whole Earth”

Doctrine and Covenants 67–70

From 1828 to 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith received many revelations from the Lord, including divine counsel for individuals, instructions on governing the Church, visions of the latter days, and many inspiring truths of eternity. But many of the Saints hadn’t read them. The revelations weren’t yet published, and the few available copies were handwritten on loose sheets that were circulated among members and carried around by missionaries.

Then, in November 1831, Joseph called a council of Church leaders to discuss publishing the revelations. After seeking the Lord’s will, these leaders made plans to publish the Book of Commandments—the precursor to today’s Doctrine and Covenants. Soon everyone would be able to read for themselves the word of God revealed through a living prophet, vivid evidence that “the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are again entrusted to man.” For these and many other reasons, Saints then and now consider these revelations to be “worth … the riches of the whole Earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 70, section heading).

See Saints, 1:140–43.

Ideas for Learning at Home and at Church

Doctrine and Covenants 67:1–9; 68:3–6

The Lord’s servants speak His will when moved upon by the Holy Ghost.

The decision to publish the revelations received by Joseph Smith seems like an easy one, but some early Church leaders weren’t sure it was a good idea. One concern had to do with imperfections in the way Joseph Smith wrote the revelations. The revelation in section 67 came in response to that concern. What do you learn about the Lord’s prophets and revelation from verses 1–9? What additional insights do you gain from 68:3–6?

How have you come to know for yourself that the revelations God gives His servants are true? You might also ponder experiences when you felt the Lord was speaking to you through one of His servants (see Doctrine and Covenants 68:4). When have you felt “moved upon by the Holy Ghost” (verse 3) to say something? How did the Lord “stand by you”? (verse 6).

Before the Book of Commandments was printed, several Church leaders signed a written testimony that the revelations in the book are true. To see a copy of their testimony, see “Testimony, circa 2 November 1831,” Revelation Book 1, 121, josephsmithpapers.org.

Doctrine and Covenants 67:10–14

“Continue in patience.”

How do jealousy, fear, and pride keep us from growing closer to the Lord? How do we overcome the “natural man” or “carnal mind” so that we can “see [Him] and know that [He is]”? (verse 10; see also Mosiah 3:19). What do you find in these verses that inspires you to “continue in patience until ye are perfected”? (verse 13).

Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–31

I can help center my home on Jesus Christ.

The Lord’s words in Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–31 refer specifically to parents, but whether or not you’re a parent, you can use His counsel to do your part to center your home on the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Listed below are some of the principles the Lord says should be taught in the home. Consider how you can make each one of these part of the foundation of a Christ-centered home—the home you live in now or your future home. The resources and questions provided can help.

• Repentance: Study Alma 36:17–20, and notice how Alma was blessed at a critical time because his father had taught him about the Savior’s atoning mission. How can you help inspire your family to turn to Jesus Christ and repent? (see also 2 Nephi 25:26).

• Faith in Christ: Read President Russell M. Nelson’s five suggestions for developing faith in “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains” (Liahona, May 2021, 103). Ponder how these suggestions could create a culture of faith in your family.

• Baptism: Review the baptismal covenant as described in Mosiah 18:8–10, 13. How can your efforts to keep this covenant strengthen your family?

• Gift of the Holy Ghost: Study the invitations on pages 17–19 of For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices. What do you feel inspired to do to invite the influence of the Holy Ghost in your home?

• Prayer: What do you learn about the power of prayer in the home in “Love Is Spoken Here”? (Children’s Songbook, 190–91). What blessings does the Savior promise in 3 Nephi 18:15–21?

• Other principles you find in Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–31:

What counsel would you give to someone whose family members don’t support their efforts to build faith in Christ?

See also “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Gospel Library; Topics and Questions, “Parenting,” Gospel Library; Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Parents,” Liahona, May 2023, 55–59.

Doctrine and Covenants 69:1

“True and faithful” friends help me follow Jesus Christ.

Why do you think it was “wisdom in [the Lord]” for someone “true and faithful” to accompany Oliver Cowdery on the assignment described in this verse? How does this principle apply to you?

Help learners lift each other. Each individual in your class or family is a rich source of testimony, insights, and experiences living the gospel. Invite them to share with and lift each other.

Doctrine and Covenants 70:1–4

I am accountable for the revelations the Lord has given.

The Lord gave certain elders the responsibility to oversee the publishing of the revelations. Even though you do not have that specific responsibility, what is your stewardship or responsibility “over the revelations and commandments”? (verse 3).

For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.

People, Places, Events

• Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources: William W. Phelps

• Book of Commandments

• Revelations of Joseph Smith

Click to see more

Ideas for Teaching Children

Doctrine and Covenants 67

The Doctrine and Covenants teaches me about Jesus Christ.

• Tell your children about how Joseph Smith’s revelations came to be printed in a book (see “Chapter 23: The Doctrine and Covenants,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 90–92, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library). Help them remember some of the things you’ve learned about Jesus Christ from Doctrine and Covenants so far this year. You might also share with each other some of your favorite verses from Doctrine and Covenants.

  Chapter 23: The Doctrine and Covenants: August–November 1831

• You could also show your children the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price and talk with them about how they are different and how they are similar (see the descriptions of these books in Guide to the Scriptures). How can we know that the scriptures are true? What do we learn from Doctrine and Covenants 67:4, 9 about the revelations the Lord gave to Joseph Smith?

Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–31

I can be baptized when I am eight years old.

• In Doctrine and Covenants 68:27, the Lord specified how old a person must be to be baptized. Help your children discover what He said. Why does Jesus want us to be baptized? A song like “Baptism” (Children’s Songbook, 100–101) can help. Using pictures or verses 25–31 (or both), help your children discover things the Lord wants children to learn.

• Read with your children about the assignment the Lord gave Oliver Cowdery in the section heading for Doctrine and Covenants 69. What counsel did the Lord give in verse 1? Why is it important to be with people “who will be true and faithful”? Maybe your children could tell about someone they know who is “true and faithful.” Sing together a song that encourages the children to be true and faithful like the Savior, such as “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79). How can we make sure we are true and faithful to the Lord? How can He use us to bless others when we are true and faithful?

For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.

The Book of Commandments, precursor to the Doctrine and Covenants, was printed on a press like this one.