October 13–19: “His Sacrifice Shall Be More Sacred unto Me Than His Increase”: Doctrine and Covenants 115–120
“October 13–19: ‘His Sacrifice Shall Be More Sacred unto Me Than His Increase’: Doctrine and Covenants 115–120,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 (2025)
“Doctrine and Covenants 115–120,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: 2025
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painting of Far West, Missouri
Far West, Missouri, by Al Rounds
October 13–19: “His Sacrifice Shall Be More Sacred unto Me Than His Increase”
There was reason for the Saints to be optimistic about their newest gathering place, Far West, Missouri. The city was growing rapidly, the land seemed abundant, and nearby was Adam-ondi-Ahman, a place of great spiritual significance in the past and in the future (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:53–56; 116). Still, it must have been hard for the Saints not to think about what they had lost. Besides being driven from Independence, the center place of Zion, the Saints also had to flee Kirtland, leaving their beloved temple after only two years. And this time it wasn’t just enemies outside the Church causing trouble—many prominent members had turned against Joseph Smith, including four members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Instead of focusing on what they lost, the faithful just kept building Zion, this time in Far West. They made plans for a new temple. Four new Apostles were called. They understood that doing God’s work doesn’t mean you never fall; it means you “rise again.” And though you’ll have to make sacrifices, those sacrifices are sacred to God, even “more sacred … than [your] increase” (Doctrine and Covenants 117:13).
President Russell M. Nelson said that the Church’s name is “a matter of great importance” (“The Correct Name of the Church,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 87). Think about why this is true as you read Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–6. What does the name of the Church have to do with its work and mission?
Zion and her stakes offer “refuge from the storm.”
As you study the powerful imagery in Doctrine and Covenants 115:5–6, consider the role the Lord wants you, as a member of His Church, to fulfill. For example, what can you do to “arise and shine forth” or “be a standard for the nations”? (verse 5). What spiritual storms do you notice around you? How do you find “refuge” through gathering? (verse 6).
Imagine you were Newel K. Whitney or his wife, Elizabeth, who were experiencing a prosperous life in Kirtland and then asked to leave. What do you find in Doctrine and Covenants 117:1–11 that might have helped you make this sacrifice? What sacrifices do you make for God? What do these verses teach you about who God is and what He does?
The sacrifice asked of Oliver Granger was different from the Whitneys’: the Lord assigned him to stay in Kirtland and settle the Church’s finances. While he represented the Church with integrity, he ultimately wasn’t very successful. Consider how the Lord’s words in Doctrine and Covenants 117:12–15 apply to the things He has asked of you.
The instructions in sections 119 and 120 clarify what tithing is: we contribute “one-tenth” of our interest (or income) each year (see Doctrine and Covenants 119:4). But these revelations do more than give a definition. The Lord told the Saints that tithing would “sanctify the land of Zion.” And without this law, He said, “it shall not be … Zion unto you” (verse 6). Have you ever thought about tithing in this way? How can paying tithing help make you more sanctified, more prepared for Zion?
What do you learn from these revelations about how the Lord’s servants use tithing funds? What is significant to you about the phrase “by mine own voice unto them” in Doctrine and Covenants 120?
Elder David A. Bednar has given a helpful description of how tithing is used and the blessings that come from obeying this law in “The Windows of Heaven” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 19–20). The following questions may help as you study his message:
Who determines how tithing is used after it is paid to the Church?
What is tithing used for?
What blessings come as a result of paying tithing? For example, in what ways does paying tithing strengthen your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
What can you learn from Elder Bednar’s invitation?
How can you help others increase their faith in the Lord’s law of tithing?
Help others apply what they’re learning. Even when a person wants to pay tithing, sometimes they don’t know how. If you’re teaching your family or a class, consider taking some time to explain how to pay tithing, either online or with a Tithing and Other Offerings slip. (See Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 27.)
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
To help your children learn the name of the Church and understand why it is important, consider asking if any of them can say the Church’s full name. You could then show them the name from Doctrine and Covenants 115:4 and have them repeat it with you. As you do, consider pointing out significant words and why they are important. You could also review “Chapter 43: Jesus Christ Names His Church” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 164, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library) or sing “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77).
My example can help others come to Christ and find safety.
Your children may know people who are struggling and need “refuge” from the “storms of life” (verse 6). How can they help these people? Consider inviting your children to stand when you read the word arise in Doctrine and Covenants 115:5. They could stretch out their fingers like rays of sunlight when you read shine forth. Remind your children that our light comes from Jesus Christ, and help them think of ways they can “shine forth” as He does.
Your children could draw a picture depicting Doctrine and Covenants 115:6. For example, they could draw a storm with people taking refuge in a Church building. What might the storm represent? How does the Savior’s Church provide help? Help your children think of a friend, family member, or neighbor in need. How can we invite them to find help in the Church of Jesus Christ?
Invite your children to pretend that they are Newel K. Whitney. How would they feel if the Lord asked them to leave their successful job and move someplace new? (It might help to review “Chapter 41: Trouble in Kirtland,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 158–60, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library.) As you read together Doctrine and Covenants 117:1–11, ask your children to stop you when they hear something that would help them have the faith to obey the Lord. What sacrifices do we make to obey the Lord? How does He bless us?
Heavenly Father uses tithing to bless His children.
Many of the children you teach may be too young to earn money and pay tithing, but it’s good for them to understand how tithing contributes to the Lord’s work throughout the world. Consider using the pictures and activity page at the end of this outline to help them understand what tithing is. (See also “Chapter 44: Tithing,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 165–66, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library.) How does Heavenly Father use tithing to bless His children? Share your feelings about the law of tithing and how it has blessed you.
