Most Worth. Mar 10th

Tues, Mar 10th: DC 14–18
Both section 14, 15 and 16 and very short, but personal revelations that are cannonized as scripture for Latter-Day Saints. Because they are good messages for us all. The Lord, after calling David, Peter, and John Whitmer by name, tells them that they need to help the work go forth and cry repentance unto the people and bring souls to Him. The Lord acknowledges that these men have asked before what would be of most worth to them. It is not being a doctor or a lawyer or any sort of trade. The thing that will be of most worth is teaching repentance (and all things that will lead people to repentance). This is not to brush aside the importance of developing a trade, contributing to society by doing so or to diminish any other good occupant of time. We are encouraged to do these things, but while doing these things, what will be most valuable is teaching true and good principles that will lead people to their Savior. Also, I think it goes without saying (but I'm saying it anyway) that being a parent and taking that opportunity seriously is a part of bringing people (little people) to repentance. This line of thinking goes for anyone that has shepherding duties; callings, neighbors, aunts, uncles, grandparents. So, to sum up, you teach repentance by the way you live and affect other people.

Here is a great quote by Elder George Albert Smith, about how to go about teaching repentance:
" It is not necessary for you to be called to go into the mission field in order to proclaim the truth. Begin on the man who lives next door by inspiring confidence in him, be inspiring love in him for you because of your righteousness, and your missionary work has already begun."

Section 17
Martin Harris just really has a hard go of everything despite his great and righteous desires. Poor guy. This section refers to Jospeh and Oliver discovering that there are to be three witnesses to the Golden Plates. David Whitmer, Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris were moved upon by the Spirit to be these witnesses and went into some trees, with Joseph Smith to pray for direction and answers. After praying two times with no answer, Martin withdrew himself, naming himself as the reason they were not receiving the desired revelation, and walked off to pray by himself. The other three saw an angel who showed the men the plates. After the vision, Joseph went to find Martin, who when found, was fervently praying. He had not received an answer and asked Joseph to join him. When they prayed together, the same vision came to these two men.

What a great example Martin is for us. He received revelation that he was to be one of the three witnesses to the Golden Plates, he acted on the revelation and prayed with all connected to the situation. He had the integrity, courage and major humility to withdraw himself from a group of men who were all praying for the same great revelation, to allow the revelation to occur despite his great desire to be a part of it.

I think I will include section 18 with the readings tomorrow.