Every so often, the Lord gives us a glimpse of His boundless “majesty and power” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:47) through stunning revelations. Doctrine and Covenants 88 is that kind of revelation—one about light and glory and kingdoms that can make our earthly cares seem small by comparison. Even if we can’t comprehend it all, we can at least sense that there’s far more to eternity than we ever realized. Of course, the Lord doesn’t share these grand truths to intimidate us or make us feel small. In fact, He promised, “The day shall come when you shall comprehend even God” (verse 49; emphasis added). Perhaps it was to that glorious end that the Lord commanded His Saints in Kirtland to form the School of the Prophets. “Organize yourselves,” He said. “Prepare every needful thing; and establish … a house of God” (verse 119). More than anywhere else, it is within God’s holy house—and in our homes—that He can lift our vision beyond the mortal world, “unveil his face unto [us],” and prepare us to “abide a celestial glory” (verses 68, 22).
Just days after warning that war would be “poured out upon all nations” (Doctrine and Covenants 87:2), the Lord gave a revelation that Joseph Smith called an “olive leaf,” which is a traditional symbol of peace (Doctrine and Covenants 88, section heading; see also Genesis 8:11). Throughout your study of section 88 this week, look for the Lord’s messages of peace to you.
The words light and law are repeated many times in section 88. Mark or note verses where you find these words in verses 6–67, and write down what you learn about light and law—and about Jesus Christ. What do you feel inspired to do to receive light and live the “law of Christ”? (verse 21).
What experiences have shown you that the promises in these verses are true? What is your next step to “draw near unto” Christ? Consider making the hymn “Nearer, My God, to Thee” (Hymns, no. 100) part of your study and worship.
I can become clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
The Lord’s command to “sanctify yourselves” appears twice in section 88 (verses 68, 74). What do you think this phrase means? You might review some of the passages under “Sanctification” in the Guide to the Scriptures (Gospel Library). How do we become sanctified? Let this question guide your study of Doctrine and Covenants 88:67–76, and record any spiritual insights you gain.
The Lord told the Saints to establish a “school of the prophets” in Kirtland (Doctrine and Covenants 88:137). Much of the instruction in section 88 taught them how to do it. This instruction could also help you “establish … a house of learning” (verse 119) in your own life. In fact, you could look at verses 77–80 and 118–26 as blueprints to “remodel your home [or your life] into a center of gospel learning” and “a sanctuary of faith” (Russell M. Nelson, “Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 113). It could be interesting to sketch what your personal “remodel” might look like, including phrases from these verses that you feel you need to apply.
It might also help to explore these questions: Why are learning and education important to the Lord? What does He want me to study? How does He want me to learn? Look for answers to these questions in verses 77–80 and in “Truth will make you free” (For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices, 30–33).
What do you think it means to learn “by study and also by faith”? (verse 118). What insights do you gain from Elder Mathias Held’s message “Seeking Knowledge by the Spirit”? (Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 31–33).
See also Topics and Questions, “Seeking Truth and Avoiding Deception,” Gospel Library; “A School and an Endowment,” in Revelations in Context, 174–82.
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
You could start a discussion about Doctrine and Covenants 88:33 by asking your children to talk about gifts they have been given—both those they received joyfully and others they did not. Maybe they could act out receiving a gift with joy. Then you could talk about gifts Heavenly Father gives us (such as the gift of the Holy Ghost). How do we receive these gifts with joy?
Doctrine and Covenants 88:63 contains action words that might inspire some fun activities to encourage your children to seek the Lord’s presence in their lives. For instance, can you and your children think of a game for discussing the phrase “seek me diligently and ye shall find me” (emphasis added) or “knock, and it shall be opened”?
Children need variety. “Most children learn best when multiple senses are involved. Find ways to help children use their senses of sight, hearing, and touch as they learn. In some situations, you may even find ways to include their senses of smell and taste!” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 32).
To emphasize the Savior’s invitation to “draw near unto me,” you could ask one child to hold a picture of Jesus (like the picture at the end of this outline) on one side of the room while the other children stand on the other side. As your children think of things they can do to come closer to the Savior, they can take a step toward the picture, and the child holding the picture could take a step toward the other children. Talk with your children about how you draw near to the Savior and how He draws near to you. You could also sing with them a song about this topic, like “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75).
Ask your children to tell you about what they are learning in school or Primary. You might also share some things you are learning. Then you could show your children the words what, why, and how. Help them search Doctrine and Covenants 88:77–79 to find out what the Lord wants us to learn about. Then look together in verse 80 to find out why He wants us to learn and in verse 118 to find out how we should learn.
As you read Doctrine and Covenants 88:119 to your children, they could make a temple spire with their arms every time they hear the word “house.” Explain that Heavenly Father wanted Joseph Smith and the Saints to build a temple, or a “house of God.”
You could ask your children to choose seven words that describe their home. Then help them find, in Doctrine and Covenants 88:119, the seven words the Lord uses to describe His house. How can we make our home a “house of God”?
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
