The recent article by President Nelson caused some reflection on the subject of Revelation, especially when he quoted an April 2006 General Conference talk by Elder Bednar - That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be With Us,

“The standard is clear. If something we think, see, hear, or do distances us from the Holy Ghost, then we should stop thinking, seeing, hearing, or doing that thing. If that which is intended to entertain, for example, alienates us from the Holy Spirit, then certainly that type of entertainment is not for us. Because the Spirit cannot abide that which is vulgar, crude, or immodest, then clearly such things are not for us. Because we estrange the Spirit of the Lord when we engage in activities we know we should shun, then such things definitely are not for us.”

This year as we begin our study of the Doctrine and Covenants, the subject of revelation will be apparent in every lesson. The book of Doctrine and Covenants contains selections of revelations pertaining to the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Questions of how, when and why the restoration is necessary are revealed in its pages. It is a modern testament to the ongoing revelatory process that continues today, in preparation for the Savior to return. It is the blueprint for his latter-day kingdom on earth. Just as Elder Bednar taught, we see how important the role of the Holy Spirit is in receiving revelation; without it, it does not happen. In the Doctrine and Covenants we see examples of challenges caused by its loss, and blessings poured out upon those who diligently sought it.

Elder Bednar’s council caused me to think of the various sources and types of media that I consume. In fact, it motivated me to consider a New Year’s resolution - I will pay more attention to the sources and types of media that I casually consume for entertainment, actively avoiding those that do not contribute constructive education, inspiration or positivity in any form. For the most part undesirable media is easily recognized but less easily avoided. In entertainment we often find ourselves, at best distracted, and at worst choosing to leave the influence of the Holy Spirit behind.

The sections in Doctrine and Covenants are not placed in chronological order, the first chapter being received after the church itself had been officially organized, succeeding already many revelations. It is however, placed in the beginning of the book by revelation, as the Lord’s own words in preface to his reveled commandments. It is his “voice of warning, unto all people” (D&C 1:4) which is just as real and relevant today as it was in 1831. The word was declared by the “weak and simple” (D&C 1:23) just as it was when the savior instructed his 12 apostles to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matt 28:19).

President Nelson reminds us that Joseph Smith had to, “grow into the principle of revelation” which growth is apparent in his history, and in the pages of the Doctrine and Covenants. For us it is no different. We may also receive revelation, but it is a principle that must be desired, earnestly sought, practiced, and exercised. Repentance is key to the process. Without the purifying changes repentance brings we cannot be worthy of the Holy Spirit.

This brings me to New Year’s resolution number two, seek revelation. To seek revelation in general is an unclear and ultimately unsuccessful objective. Rather, we should seek to always be worthy of receiving revelation, as it may be needed in times indeterminate. If we follow the example of Joseph Smith, our desire for revelation must be focused on something specific. A question that is brought by study, in most cases. For Joseph this began with prayer asking, “which of all the sects was right” (JSH 1:18). My plan will be to find something specific through study that I desire to better understand, write it in my personal journal and pray in faith. This method has worked for my great satisfaction in the past.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:24-28

Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding. And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known; And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed; And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent; And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time.