Lesson Two

In lesson two we studied Doctrine and Covenants Sections 6-9 and 11-13.
I chose to use these sections and make ten 'Cause and Effect' or 'If...Then..." statements.

1.  If we inquire, then we will know the mysteries of God

• I think this one is pretty straightforward.  If we have something we need to know we can ask our Heavenly Father and he will present us with the answers.

2.  If we seek for wisdon instead of riches, then we will be made rich.

• I think this can all be interpreted in different ways for different people.  I interpret the second half as saying that we will be made rich with blessings.  It can be viewed monetarily, but I feel the Lord means that we will be blessed.  Part of those blessings easily could be money.  While they could be money, I also feel that they could be characteristics (patience, comfort, etc...), they could be happiness, they could be blessings of starting a family.  Any number of things could be put in place of 'riches'.

3.  If we do good and remain faithful until the end, then we will recieve the Lord's greatest gift of salvation.

• Every person on this earth needs the blessing of being saved.  None of us are perfect, and without the Lord's salvation, it would be impossible to live with Him and our families again.  All He asks is that we remain faithful and do good.  It's very little to ask for such a great blessing.

4.  If we have righteous desires, God will grant us these desires.

• John the Beloved had the desire to remain on the earth to continue bringing souls to Christ.  God saw that this was a righteous desire and granted it to him, just as he granted Peter's desires.  Our Heavenly Father cares about our happiness and when we righteously desire something, He will do whatever He knows is best for us.

5.  If we ask things of the Lord, then He will tell us in our minds and hearts the answers that we wish to know.

• We will feel and hear the Spirit if we ask the Lord the questions that we have, or ask Him for things that we need.  A few verses later we are cautioned to not ask for things that we know we shouldn't ask for.

6.  If we don't have faith, then we can do nothing. 

• We must have faith in order to progress and learn.  Without faith, we can't do things necessary to grow.

7.  If we study the things we need to know, then ask, the Lord will cause a burning in our bosoms as confirmation.

• The Lord will always lead us and direct us.  If we study, religiously, or secularly, the Lord will help us to learn the things we are studying.  He will also use that burning in our bosom as confirmation to help us make important decisions.

8.  If we assist in bringing forth His work, we will be blessed. 

• I think the term 'blessed' is very vague, but I think that's also because it encompasses many things.  I apply this to missionary work and the importance of bringing souls to the Lord.  He will pour out blessings in all kinds of aspects.

9.  If we put our trust in the Spirit and keep the commandments then the Spirit will enlighten our minds and fill us with joy.

• I feel like this one is also straightforward as well.  I like this one because it simply tells me that if I am obedient, I will have joy.  I love the word joy because it just sounds so happy.  I think that if we are filled with joy, we won't go wrong.

10.If we ask of the Lord and it is not right we will have a stupor of thought because it is wrong.

• This is the one I chose to focus on the most and apply to my life.  I have been really confused lately, and haven't known what to really do with my life.  I'd been praying and praying about a big decision of mine, and then I was talking to a good friend.  She quoted the scripture I based this off of and then asked me, "How do you feel when you think about moving to Provo?"  I thought about it, then realized that there was no stupor of thought, instead it felt good.  She told me that I must have my answer and then we discussed that scripture a bit more.  That scripture was crucial in my decision to move or not.  I am so very grateful for these cause and effect statements.  I am also grateful for the scriptures and I know without a doubt that they are true!