Doctrine and Covenants 119

Let’s dive into some of the incredible leadership and spiritual insights I've found woven into the spirit of this revelation and the broader context of the Doctrine and Covenants.

Righteous Leadership & Meekness

When I contemplate effective leadership, my mind often goes to power, influence, and perhaps charisma. But the scriptures, particularly the Doctrine and Covenants, redefine what true leadership means. It’s not about asserting dominance but about cultivating a spirit of meekness, gentleness, and long-suffering.

As I reflect on the principles underpinning D&C 119—obedience to a divine command—I see a reflection of the same spirit needed in leadership. It’s about submitting to God’s will, a characteristic often paired with meekness. The Lord’s pattern for leadership is beautifully articulated in D&C 121:41-42:

I find this verse incredible. It teaches me that true righteous leadership doesn't demand; it persuades. It doesn't dominate; it blesses through a quiet, Christlike influence. This is the ultimate spiritual power—the power to inspire, lift, and draw others closer to God, all rooted in humility and love, not force or control.

Priesthood Accountability & Power

The very act of receiving D&C 119, a revelation laying out a specific God's law, speaks volumes about priesthood accountability. It reminds me that those entrusted with the priesthood, and indeed all members of the Church, have a sacred duty to sustain and live by divine principles.

I’ve learned that spiritual power isn't granted merely by ordination or position.  It's earned through righteousness and faithful living. D&C 121:36-37 emphasizes this:

This truth hits me profoundly. It means that my personal choices, my integrity, and my commitment to eternal principles directly impact my ability to access and wield heaven’s power. Living God's law, whether it's tithing as outlined in D&C 119, or any other divine commandment, isn't just about checking a box; it's about cultivating a relationship with heaven that opens the channels for genuine spiritual power. It’s about demonstrating accountability to God above all else.

Receiving Revelation

One of the most glorious aspects of the restored gospel, for me, is the understanding that God still speaks to His children. Doctrine and Covenants 119 itself is a prime example of continuous revelation through a living prophet. Joseph Smith, despite immense challenges, continually sought and received divine guidance for the Church and its members.

I often reflect on how important personal revelation is in my life. While D&C 119 was a revelation to the Church through its prophet, it teaches me that God is a God of order and direction. He desires to guide us. The promise of revelation is not just for prophets, but for each of us in our stewardships.

As stated in D&C 8:2-3:

I believe that we can access this invaluable personal revelation in our own lives, which guides our choices and empowers our service, by living righteously, seeking diligently, and demonstrating our willingness to obey (as the Saints were asked to do in D&C 119).

Overcoming Persecution

The context surrounding many of the early revelations, including D&C 119, was often one of intense persecution. The Saints, led by Joseph Smith, faced incredulity, hostility, and violence. Nevertheless, they pressed forward, continually building Zion and establishing God's law even in the most trying circumstances.

This reminds me that living eternal principles isn't always easy or popular. There will be opposition. Learning to face adversity with faith, resilience, and long-suffering is a vital part of our spiritual journey. The Lord’s words to Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail resonate deeply with me as I consider enduring through challenges:

I strive to integrate these lessons, from kneeling and persuasion to the profound accountability that unlocks spiritual power, into my daily life.

I believe that as we diligently seek to understand and live by God's law, allowing revelation to guide us, and facing adversity with faith and long-suffering, we will truly gain spiritual dominion and become the kind of leaders Joseph Smith exemplified—leaders after God’s own heart.

I find immense strength in this. It teaches me that even in the face of persecution, when overcoming evil seems impossible, God is with us, refining us and preparing us for greater purposes. Our obedience, like the Lord's instruction about tithing in D&C 119, becomes a testament of faith during trials.

Spiritual Dominion through God’s Law

The concept of dominion can sometimes be misunderstood, perhaps misconstrued as worldly control or power over others. However, when I think about spiritual dominion in the context of the Doctrine and Covenants, it’s about something far grander: dominion over self, over sin, over the natural man, and the ability to command the elements of this world for righteous purposes.

How do we achieve this? We achieve this by strictly adhering to God's law and eternal principles. D&C 119's instruction on tithing, for instance, requires discipline, faith, and a willingness to put God first. This act of trust builds spiritual capacity. When we align our wills with God’s, we unlock immense spiritual power.

The promise given to the faithful is profound:

I interpret this as a promise of dominion—not a dominion of force, but one of light, truth, and genuine influence. By living God's law, by being accountable to Him, by seeking revelation, and by leading with meekness, we gain a profound internal power to overcome our weaknesses, to resist evil, and to become instruments in His hands in a truly powerful way. This is the ultimate reward of a life dedicated to righteous leadership.

My Takeaway

Doctrine and Covenants 119, while succinct, points me to a vast landscape of eternal principles vital for our spiritual progression and for becoming effective, righteous leaders in our homes, communities, and the Church. From the quiet strength of meekness and persuasion to the profound accountability that unlocks spiritual power, these are lessons I strive to integrate into my daily life.

I believe that as we diligently seek to understand and live by God's law, allowing revelation to guide us, and facing adversity with faith and long-suffering, we will truly gain spiritual dominion and become the kind of leaders Joseph Smith exemplified—leaders after God’s own heart.

What have you learned?

1. I thought Doctrine and Covenants 119 was just about tithing. What else can I learn from it, according to the text?
2. How does the text redefine "righteous leadership" compared to what we might usually think?
3. The article talks about "spiritual power." How can I, as an ordinary member, access or unlock this power in my life?
4. How does the concept of "receiving revelation" relate to D&C 119 and my life?
5. The article mentions that early Saints faced a lot of "persecution." How can the lessons from D&C 119 help me when I face difficult challenges or opposition today?