Counsel for an Elect Lady

Lesson 11

Section 25

Theme

The daughters of God should seek and follow the Lord’s will in order to fulfill their divine calling.

Theme Analysis

1. The Lord revealed to Emma Smith her callings and responsibilities.

   1. She was to walk in virtue before the Lord.

   2. She was to sustain, comfort, and assist her husband.

   3. She was to spend her time writing and learning and was to expound scriptures and exhort the Church.

   4. She was to make a selection of sacred hymns to be used by the Church.

2. The Lord cautioned Emma in areas where she might be tempted.

   1. She was not to murmur because she had not seen what her husband had seen.

   2. She was to lay aside the things of the world and seek for celestial glory.

   3. She was to beware of pride and to delight in the glory which came to her husband.

3. Emma Smith was promised that if she would remain faithful she would inherit eternal life.

   1. Each should develop her own talents.

   2. Each should serve where called, and follow the Lord’s counsel as given through his prophet.

4. Each daughter of God has special talents and capabilities. It is vital to the success of the Lord’s work that they all serve valiantly in his kingdom.

5. All daughters of God who fulfill their divine callings will be crowned with eternal life.

Study Sources

Student Manual

Section 25

Use material from Historical Background and Notes and Commentary to teach this revelation in its historical context.

Standard Works

• D&C 25. Keeping in mind the theme of this lesson, read and ponder this section.

• 1 Corinthians 11:3, 11–12; Ephesians 5:22–33. According to the Lord’s plan, what is the proper relationship between man and woman?

• 1 Peter 3:1–6. How can a woman best help her husband if he is weak in the gospel? See also Ephesians 5:22–24.

• D&C 83:2. What great responsibility do men have to their wives?

• Proverbs 31:10–31. What are some of the characteristics of righteous women? What will be some of their rewards?

• Alma 32:23. Are women entitled to the ministration of angels?

Basic Library

• Teachings, pp. 226–29, 238–39. Counsel of the Prophet Joseph Smith to women.

• Discourses, pp. 211–18. Counsel from President Brigham Young for women.

• Gos. Doc, p. 272. Neither man without woman, nor woman without man, can be exalted.

• DS, 3:178. Motherhood is a woman’s most noble calling. Men are not superior to women. Discusses the relationship of men and women to the priesthood.

• N. Eldon Tanner, in CR, Oct. 1973, pp. 123–28; or Ensign, Jan. 1974, pp. 7–10. Discusses the role of womanhood, present-day allurements, the influence of women, an ideal home, and roles of mothers and fathers in the home.

Additional Sources

• Bruce R. McConkie, “Our Sisters from the Beginning,” Ensign, Jan. 1979, p. 61. Men and women have equal claim on spiritual gifts.

• Spencer W. Kimball, “Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters,” Ensign, Nov. 1978, pp. 102–6. Women’s fireside address.

• Spencer W. Kimball, “The Blessings and Responsibilities of Womanhood,” Ensign, Mar. 1976, pp. 70–72. Role of men and women. Priorities defined.

• Harold B. Lee, “Maintain Your Place As a Woman,” Ensign, Feb. 1972, pp. 48–56. The divine role of women.

Some Suggestions for Presentation

(Ideas Other Teachers Have Used)

Neither Is the Man without the Woman nor the Woman without the Man in the Lord (Discussion)

In this day, when so many people are challenging the divine callings of men and women, it is important that the youth of the Church understand the roles of men and women from a divine perspective. The Lord has not left us without direction—the standard works and the living prophets bear testimony of this divine perspective. Paul, through inspiration, gave an excellent summary of husband-wife relationships. Read 1 Corinthians 11:3, 11–12, and Ephesians 5:22–23 carefully with your students, discussing principles such as using the Church and the Savior as models for behavior.

A Charge to an Elect Lady (Scripture Analysis, Transparency)

Doctrine and Covenants 25 outlines Emma’s callings from a divine perspective. Note her relationship to God (see vs. 2), her relationship to her husband and family (see vs. 5), and her Church callings (see vs. 7).

How does this counsel given Emma coincide with the Lord’s counsel to mother Eve given in Moses 4:22? With Peter’s counsel in 1 Peter 3:1–6? With Paul’s counsel in Ephesians 5:22–23, 33?

The concluding verse of Doctrine and Covenants 25 states that this revelation is not applicable to Emma Smith alone, but “unto all.” Therefore an examination of the qualities of an elect lady outlined here will be of value to all women everywhere. Transparency 7, “Instructions for an Elect Lady,” outlines these qualities.

As a conclusion you may wish to share the statement of Elder James E. Talmage, found on Transparency 8, “The Divine Potential of Women.”