Lesson 18: True Disciples and Faithful Stewards

Sections 41, 48, 51, 69, 70, 72

Section 41

Section 41 from the Joseph Smith Papers:

http://josephsmithpapers.org/paperSummary/revelation-4-february-1831-dc-41

What is a disciple?  (See D&C 41:5)

The word we translate as disciple is μαθητής (mathetes), which is defined as "a learner, a disciple, a pupil"  (http://biblehub.com/greek/3101.htm).  How would being a learner or a pupil relate to discipleship?

"Speaking of becoming a Zion people, President Spencer W. Kimball said: “As important as it is to have this vision in mind, defining and describing Zion will not bring it about. That can only be done through consistent and concerted daily effort by every single member of the Church. No matter what the cost in toil or sacrifice, we must ‘do it.’ That is one of my favorite phrases: ‘Do It.’” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1978, p. 122; orEnsign, May 1978, p. 81.)"  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-41-49/section-41-the-first-bishop-is-called?lang=eng)

In Section 41, the Lord calls the First Bishop of the Church, Edward Partridge.  Why did the Lord call Brother Partridge to this calling?  (41:11)  What is the office of a Bishop?  (41:9-10)

(https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-41-49/section-41-the-first-bishop-is-called?lang=eng)

41:12 holds a warning for us.  What is it?  How may we heed it?

Section 48

The Saints had been called to gather at Ohio because of the persecution they were undergoing in New York.  However, Section 48 makes it very clear that Ohio was only a temporary gathering place and that a more permanent one would yet be revealed.  "The Lord used the phrase present time three times in this section, implying that Ohio would be only a temporary Church center."  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-41-49/section-48-ohio-a-temporary-abode?lang=eng)

The Student Manual gives us the following information:

"The First Presidency of the Church holds the keys of the gathering to the New Jerusalem. President Harold B. Lee said: “The Lord has clearly placed the responsibility for directing the work of gathering in the hands of the leaders of the Church, to whom He will reveal His will where and when such gatherings would take place in the future. It would be well, before the frightening events concerning the fulfillment of all God’s promises and predictions are upon us, that the Saints in every land prepare themselves and look forward to the instruction that shall come to them from the First Presidency of this church as to where they shall be gathered. They should not be disturbed in their feelings until such instruction is given to them as it is revealed by the Lord to the proper authority.” (Ye Are the Light of the World, p. 167.)"  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-41-49/section-48-ohio-a-temporary-abode?lang=eng)

What qualifies an individual to participate in the gathering of Israel?

Section 51

As the Saints began arriving in Ohio, they came with many and varied resources, talents, and needs.  Bishop Partridge, the first Bishop in the Latter-Days, obviously had a large burden in ensuring that these Saints were cared for and their needs met.  He sought the advice of the Lord on this topic and in response, Joseph Smith received the revelation known as Section 51.

How were the Saints to treat one another?  (51:9)  Is this requirement still in effect?  In that same verse, the Lord tells the Saints that they are to "be alike" and to "receive alike."  What does this mean?  

"President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote: “The Lord endeavored to teach these members, in part, at least, and train them in the great principle of consecration as a preparatory step before they should be permitted to journey to Zion, for it was in keeping with this law upon which the City of Zion was to be built. Thus these saints from the East were to be organized according to the law of God. (Sec. 51:4–6.) This land in Ohio was in this manner to be consecrated unto them ‘for a little season,’ until the Lord should provide for them otherwise, and command them to go hence. (Sec. 51:15–16.)” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:204.)"  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-50-59/section-51-bishop-edward-partridge-and-the-law-of-consecration?lang=eng)

In 51:19, we learn the reward of good stewardship.  What is a stewardship?  

Section 69

(https://history.lds.org/article/revelations-in-context-doctrine-and-covenants-john-whitmer?lang=eng)

(http://mormonhistoricsites.org/oliver-cowdery-commemorative-events-and-symposium/)

In Section 47, John Whitmer was called to be the Historian of the Church.  In Section 69, he was called to serve as a companion to Oliver Cowdery during his journey with the revelations that would be contained in the Book of Commandments and the money for its publication.  He was not released from his calling as Historian, but was told specifically to continue in that stewardship.

69:5 What does it mean to send forth an account of your stewardship in our day?

Section 70

From the Student Manual:

"D&C 70:3. What Does It Mean to Be a Steward?

Stewardship is not ownership. Stewardship is management with a responsibility to account to the owner or master. The basic principle was taught by the Lord when He said: “I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built the earth, my very handiwork; and all things therein are mine. … Behold, all these properties are mine, … and if the properties are mine, then ye are stewards; otherwise ye are no stewards.” (D&C 104:14, 55–56.)" (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-69-80/section-70-
the-lords-steward?lang=eng)

70:4 What stewardship(s) will we have to account for in the day of Judgment?  (See v9)

In 70:14, we are told to be equal.  What does it mean to be equal?  Does "equal" differ from "same?"

Section 72

From the Student Manual:

"The Prophet received the first eight verses of section 72, and immediately Newel K. Whitney was ordained. Then the Prophet received the rest of section 72."  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-69-80/section-72-duties-of-a-bishop?lang=eng)

In this section, we continue the theme of stewardship.  Newel K. Whitney was called to serve as a Bishop in Kirtland, under Bishop Partridge who became the Presiding Bishop of the Church.  This call was to facilitate the care of the Saints.  "Bishop Partridge was called as the first bishop of the Church. Later, when others were called, he became the equivalent of what today is called the Presiding Bishop. Newell K. Whitney thus was actually under the jurisdiction of Bishop Partridge. “The bishop in Kirtland was to ‘hand over’ to the bishop in Zion, the record of the stewardships, where the permanent records should be kept. For this responsibility Newel K. Whitney was called to act as bishop. He was to keep the Lord’s storehouse in Kirtland, and to receive funds in that part of the vineyard, and to take an account of the elders as he was commanded; to administer to their wants, all those who should pay for that which they received, inasmuch as they have wherewith to pay. These funds received were to be consecrated to the good of the Church, ‘to the poor and needy.’ If there were any who were unable to pay, an account was to be made ‘and handed over to the bishop in Zion, who shall pay the debt out of that which the Lord shall put into his hands.’” (Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:270.)"  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-69-80/section-72-duties-of-a-bishop?lang=eng)

(https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-69-80/section-72-duties-of-a-bishop?lang=eng)

Why do you feel the Lord spent so much time reviewing the concept of Stewardship with the early leaders (and members) of the Church?  Does this still apply today?  How do we render an account of our stewardship?  How can we be better stewards?

Lesson 17: The Lord's Law to the Church

D&C Sections 42 and 44

Section 42

(https://www.thejewishnews.com/2011/10/28/man-v-god/ten-commandments/)

"The word law in a gospel sense refers to the statutes, judgments, and principles of salvation revealed by the Lord to man. Christ is the law (see 3 Nephi 15:9)—He gave it and embodies its principles. In this sense, the law of the Lord is a revelation of His character and attributes.

"God has given laws to assist us in our quest to become like the Father and the Son. No one can come to the Father except through obedience to the laws that Christ has given (see D&C 132:12). The violation of these laws is what constitutes sin (see 1 John 3:4). The Lord in His infinite love and wisdom often gives laws to His children suited to their level of preparation. The law of Moses was given to prepare the children of Israel for higher laws. The laws given in section 42 were to enable the Saints to purify their lives in preparation for the establishment of Zion."  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-41-49/section-42-the-law-of-the-lord?lang=eng)

How do laws come to us?  Are laws restrictions?  Is it possible for the leadership of the Church to lead us astray?  (See v.10.)  How are we to receive the law of the Lord?

Several times in the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord reiterates to us that His House is one of order.  How does D&C 42:11 pertain to this truth?

"It is only by obedience to law that one can become sanctified. Those who, by their agency, submit to law and are governed by God’s laws are preserved, protected, and sanctified through the operation of those laws. Those who do not live the laws of God cannot be sanctified by the Savior through those laws; therefore, they must inherit a kingdom other than the celestial. Each of us must be able to abide by the law of the kingdom we inherit (see D&C 88:21–24; 34–35)." 
 (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/enrichments/enrichment-g-the-nature-and-purpose-of-law?lang=eng)

In what ways does the Lord standardize the teachings of Missionaries?  (See vv 12-17.)

How may we demonstrate to our Savior that we truly love him?  (See 42:29-31, 38, 45).

Section 42 introduces the concept of Consecration.  What does it mean to consecrate something?  How does consecration relate to the Baptismal Covenant?  Is 42:45 a commandment to live after a consecrated manner?  How?

In verse 53, the Lord commands us to stand in the place of our stewardship.  What does this mean?  What is a stewardship?  How does this apply to our callings in the church?  How does this apply to our callings as members of a family?  How does this apply to our situation as members of a community, a workforce, a citizen, or any other aspect of our being?

In verse 69, the Lord commands us to rejoice because of the restoration of the Priesthood.  What blessings does the Priesthood bring that are prompt joyful response?

D&C 44

In Section 44, the Lord commands the Church to gather for yet another Conference (there had been three previous ones, though the Church was not yet a year old).  What is the purpose of Conferences?  What are your feelings about General Conference?  Stake Conference?  Unit Conference?

"President David O. McKay explained:

“Reference to the Doctrine and Covenants will disclose the fact that there are four principal purposes of holding conferences of the Church:

“First, to transact current Church business [D&C 20:62],

“Second, to hear reports and general Church statistics [D&C 73:2],

“Third, to ‘approve of those names which I (the Lord) have appointed, or to disapprove of them’ [D&C 124:144],

“Fourth, to worship the Lord in sincerity and reverence, and to give and to receive encouragement, exhortation, and instruction [D&C 58:56; 72:7]” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1938, pp. 130–31)."  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-41-49/section-44-the-fourth-general-church-conference?lang=eng)

In D&C 44:6, the Lord gives a very specific commandment.  Is it related to Consecration?   How may we more fully abide this law?  What are the benefits of obeying it?

(http://www.scribd.com/doc/98210904/Mormon-Tithing-Form)

Lesson 16: "Let Every Man Esteem His Brother As Himself

Lesson 16: "Let Every Man Esteem His Brother As Himself"

D&C Sections 37-38

The Prophet Joseph Smith said, "“We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object” (History of the Church, 3:390)." (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-30-40/section-38-if-ye-are-prepared-ye-shall-not-fear?lang=eng)

(https://www.lds.org/scriptures/history-maps/map-6?lang=eng)

Fayette The Prophet Joseph Smith left Fayette for Kirtland, Ohio, in January 1831. The three New York branches (Fayette, Colesville, and Manchester) followed in April and May 1831 under the Lord’s command to gather (see D&C 37–38).

D&C 37

"This revelation was given eight months after the Church was officially organized. Since 6 April 1830, the Church had grown to about 200 Saints in the state of New York. Missionary efforts had been extended westward to Kirtland, Ohio, and to the borders of Missouri. Missionaries had been particularly successful in the Kirtland area, where they baptized about 127 people during the two or three weeks they spent there on their way to Missouri (see Roberts, Comprehensive History of the Church, 1:231). The Church continued to grow rapidly in that area after they departed."  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-30-40/section-37-ye-shall-go-to-the-ohio?lang=eng)

If this revelation was given eight months *after* the Church was officially organized, and the Book of Mormon was published in March of 1830, what was the translation referred to in 37:1?

"Section 37 is the first revelation directing the Saints to gather to a central place."  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-30-40/section-37-ye-shall-go-to-the-ohio?lang=eng)

Why was it important that the Church gather in one place?  Is that commandment still in effect?  If not, why not?  If so, how are we to observe it?

Verse 4 implies that the Lord finds it "wisdom" to have commanded that the Church gather "at the Ohio," but that participating in that gathering is a matter of individual agency.  The Instructor's Manual asks the question, "Whom does the Lord desire to come unto him and receive the blessings of his gospel?"  (Scriptures for discussion in conjunction with this question are found in 2 Nephi 26:24-28,33 and Acts 10:34-35.)  If the Lord is omnipotent and wants us "to come unto him and receive the blessings of his gospel," why do we need to have choice?

D&C 38

"During the month of December 1830, Joseph Smith received by revelation the remainder of the book of Moses. Chapters 6 and 7 dealt specifically with the establishment of Zion in Enoch’s day. Two things were needed before Zion could be built in this dispensation, however: revelation from the Lord giving His law and the order of Zion, and the preparation and sanctification of the Saints. The fulfillment of the first requirement was begun on 2 January 1831. During the third conference of the Church, the Prophet received Doctrine and Covenants 38. In it the Lord said that He was “the same which had taken the Zion of Enoch into mine own bosom” (D&C 38:4). He further revealed why He had commanded the Saints to move to Ohio: “There I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high” (D&C 38:32). This revelation was the Lord’s answer to those who wondered why they should move three hundred miles to the west in the dead of winter."  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-30-40/section-38-if-ye-are-prepared-ye-shall-not-fear?lang=eng)

The establishment and building up of Zion are major themes in the Doctrine and Covenants; indeed, I might argue that it is a handbook on how to do just that.  What does D&C 38:25-26 have to do with the establishment and building up of Zion?  (See verse 27.)  

Is Zion a religious community?  What does it mean to be religious?  How can you tell if someone else is (or you, yourself are) religious?

The Instructor's Manual asks, "How should the gospel cause us to act towards others? (Matthew 7:12; James 1:22-2:26)?" and "What should be the attitude of the Saints toward those who are of the world and who think and act differently? (Matthew 5:38-48)."

Elder Harold B. Lee stated, “If we are not united, we are not his. Here unity is the test of divine ownership as thus expressed. If we would be united in love and fellowship and harmony, this Church would convert the world, who would see in us the shining example of these qualities which evidence that divine ownership. "  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-30-40/section-38-if-ye-are-prepared-ye-shall-not-fear?lang=eng)

As with so many other sections in the Doctrine & Covenants, 38 begins with an introduction wherein the Lord identifies himself as the speaker.  Why do you suppose this is done?  Wouldn't Joseph have known by now who was speaking to him?

The early Saints were given several instructions throughout Section 38, complete with promises.  How would you complete the following chart?

D&C Verse	Instruction	Promise	How does this apply to me?
D&C 38:8
D&C 38:15
D&C 38:16-19
D&C 38:22
D&C 38:23-27
D&C 38:30-32
D&C 38:34-38
D&C 38:40-42

For Further reading: 

"The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work" by Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  Ensign, May, 2003.  (https://www.lds.org/liahona/2003/05/the-essential-role-of-member-missionary-work?lang=eng&query=member+missionary+work)

"Be a Missionary All Your Life" by Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  Ensign, September 2008.  (https://www.lds.org/ensign/2008/09/be-a-missionary-all-your-life?lang=eng&query=member+missionary+work)

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-08-3235-fellowshipping-2?lang=eng

Lesson 15: "Preparation for a Greater Work"

D&C Sections 35, 37, 39, 40, 47

Section 35

Section 35 was given when the church was a mere eight months old (December, 1830).  At this point, Joseh Smith was in Fayette, New York, working on the translation of the Bible.  

"The Prophet Joseph Smith recorded: “In December Sidney Rigdon came to inquire of the Lord, and with him came Edward Partridge; the latter was a pattern of piety, and one of the Lord’s great men. Shortly after the arrival of these two brethren, thus spake the Lord: [D&C 35].” (History of the Church, 1:128.)"  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-30-40/section-35-i-have---prepared-thee-for-a-greater-work?lang=eng)

Sidney Rigdon's ecclesiastical history to this time had been characterized by movement.  He had been a Baptist and later became a Campbellite minister.  Verses 4-5 indicate that while Sidney had been chosen to minister for the Lord throughout his life, he had lacked something previous to accepting Parley P. Pratt's invitation to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  What did Sidney gain in joining the Church and accepting ordination to the Priesthood?

From the Student Manual:

D&C 35:3–6. “Sidney, … Thou Wast Sent Forth … to Prepare the Way”

President Joseph Fielding Smith showed how Sidney Rigdon had been prepared long before the missionaries came to Ohio and met him: “The Lord told Sidney that he had looked upon him and his works, having reference to his ministry as a Baptist and later as one of the founders of the ‘Disciples’ with Alexander Campbell and Walter Scott. During those years the hand of the Lord was over him and directing him in the gathering of many earnest souls who could not accept the teachings of the sects of the day. His prayers in which he sought further light than the world was able to give, were now to be answered. The Lord informed him that he had been sent to prepare the way, and in the gathering of his colony and the building up of his congregation in and around Kirtland, the hand of the Lord was directing him, and the way for the reception of the fulness of truth was being prepared. It should be carefully noted that a great number of forceful, intelligent men who became leaders in the Church had been gathered by Sidney Rigdon, with the help of the Lord, in this part of the land. Without any question, the Spirit of the Lord had rested upon these men, as it did on Sidney Rigdon and Parley P. Pratt, to direct them to gather in Kirtland at that early day. When, therefore, Parley P. Pratt, Ziba Peterson and their companions came to Kirtland they found the way prepared for them through the preaching, very largely, of Sidney Rigdon, so that it was not a difficult matter for these missionaries to convince this group of the truth. While Sidney was preaching andbaptizing by immersion without authority, which the Lord informed him in this revelation, yet it all resulted in good when the Gospel message reached them. These men were not only convinced and ready for baptism, but were in a condition by which the Priesthood could be given them, and this was done.” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:160.)" (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-30-40/section-35-i-have---prepared-thee-for-a-greater-work?lang=eng)

In 35:19, Sidney is given instruction to watch over the Prophet that his (Joseph's) "faith fail not."  (See also v. 22)  What is the care we should extend to our leaders?  What can we do to sustain the Prophet?  The Stake President?  The Bishop or Branch President?  The Primary Chorister?  Our Home or Visiting Teachers?  Does the Lord view these callings as being of greater or lesser significance?

Elder Neal A. Maxwell stated, "Since patience is one of the traits of a saint (see Mosiah 3:19), it should not surprise us that we must sometimes learn patience not only by physical suffering, but also by sometimes having something to offer which, for one reason or another, we are prevented from offering, at least on the terms we would like to make the contribution. To trust God enough to accept the reality that he knows perfectly both what we have to offer and what we desire is a special form of trust. After all, when we sing in the hymn, “I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord” (Hymns, no. 75), presumably our pledge includes a willingness to stay right where we are, if that is where the Lord wants us."  ("It's Service, Not Status, That Counts."  Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve.  Ensign, July 1975.  https://www.lds.org/ensign/1975/07/its-service-not-status-that-counts?lang=eng)

Sidney Rigdon was a good preacher (he was known as "the golden throat"), but at this point in his membership, he was called to be a scribe for the Prophet.  Why do you feel the Lord may have asked Sidney to stay in Fayette with the Prophet rather than return to Kirtland to stay with the congregation that had joined the Church with him?

In Verse 24, the Lord makes a promise to Sidney Rigdon.  Is that (or a similar) blessing offered to us on the same condition?

Section 36

Section 36 introduces us to Edward Partridge, whom Joseph Smith described "was a pattern of piety, and one of the Lord's great men." (See D&C 36 section heading.)  What do you suppose one must do to be considered a pattern of piety and great int he sight of the Lord?  In verse 1, Edward is called a servant, blessed, forgiven, and called.  May we accept those titles as well?  How?

Section 36 begins and ends with the identity of the Lord (vv 1-8).  What do the titles the Lord ascribes to himself mean to you?

Section 39

"Shortly after the Church conference of 2 January 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith recorded: “There was a man came to me by the name of James Covill, who had been a Baptist minister for about forty years, and covenanted with the Lord that he would obey any command that the Lord would give to him through me, as His servant, and I received the following: [D&C 39].” (History of the Church, 1:143.)"  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-30-40/section-39-40-revelations-to-james-covill?lang=eng)

Verses 1-3 of this section give us more titles that describe the Lord.  Which stands out most to you and why?

In verse 6, the Lord defines the Gospel.  What "good news" do you find in that verse?  What promise is given to those who receive the Gospel?  (v.22)  Compare this description with that of the "doctrine" given by Christ in 3 Nephi 11:31-33.

Verses 10-11 contain a material conditional statement.  What is John Covill's responsibility (the if part of the conditional)?  What is the Lord's promise (the then part of the conditional)? 

From the Student Manual:

"

D&C 39:10–11. The “Iffy” Blessings

In these verses the use of the word if is an indication that the blessings James Covill was to receive were conditional. President Harold B. Lee said:

“I sat in a class in Sunday School in my own ward one day, and the teacher was the son of a patriarch. He said he used to take down the blessings of his father, and he noticed that his father gave what he called ‘iffy’ blessings. He would give a blessing, but it was predicated on … ‘if you will cease doing that.’ And he said, ‘I watched these men to whom my father gave the “iffy” blessings, and I saw that many of them did not heed the warning that my father as a patriarch had given, and the blessings were never received because they did not comply.’

“You know, this started me thinking. I went back into the Doctrine and Covenants and began to read the ‘iffy’ revelations that have been given to the various brethren in the Church. If you want to have an exercise in something that will startle you, read some of the warnings that were given through the Prophet Joseph Smith to Thomas B. Marsh, Martin Harris, some of the Whitmer brothers, William E. McLellin—warnings which, had they heeded, some would not have fallen by the wayside. But because they did not heed, and they didn’t clear up their lives, they fell by the wayside, and some had to be dropped from membership in the Church.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1972, p. 130; or Ensign, Jan. 1973, pp. 107–8.)" (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-30-40/section-39-40-revelations-to-james-covill?lang=eng) 

What promise is given to those who receive the Gospel in v.22?

Section 40

"President Joseph Fielding Smith explained that James Covill “was convinced of the truth, for it is clear that the Lord revealed to him things which he and the Lord alone knew to be the truth. However, when he withdrew from the influence of the Spirit of the Lord and had time to consider the fact that he would lose the fellowship of the world, and his place and position among his associates, he failed and rejected the promises and blessings which the Lord offered him.” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:174.)" (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-30-40/section-39-40-revelations-to-james-covill?lang=eng)

Why do some people reject our efforts to share the Gospel with them?  (See verse 2.)  How should we treat such people?  (See verse 3.)

Section 47

"In the dispensation of the fulness of times, the Lord commanded the Prophet Joseph Smith to keep a regular history of the Church. Oliver Cowdery and others were called to assist in the important task. John Whitmer, who previously had served as a secretary to the Prophet in Fayette, New York, was later asked to write the history of the Church. John’s reaction to the call was by his own report quite negative. He did say, however, “The will of the Lord be done, and if He desires it, I wish that He would manifest it through Joseph the Seer” (in History of the Church, 1:166n). Accordingly, on 8 March 1831 at Kirtland, Ohio, the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received the revelation known as section 47."  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-41-49/section-47-the-importance-of-church-records?lang=eng)

How can John Whitmer's reaction to a calling he did not want serve as an example for us?  How do we react when we receive a calling for which we feel over- or under-qualified?  How should we react?

Why do we need to keep records if we have a Prophet on the earth to reveal the will of the Lord to us?  

From the Student Manual:

"

D&C 47:1. Why Is Keeping Accurate Records So Important?

The Prophet Joseph Smith said of the value of accurate records:

“It is a fact, if I now had in my possession, every decision which had been had upon important items of doctrine and duties since the commencement of this work, I would not part with them for any sum of money; we have neglected to take minutes of such things, thinking, perhaps, that they would never benefit us afterwards; which, if we had them now, would decide almost every point of doctrine which might be agitated. But this has been neglected, and now we cannot bear record to the Church and to the world, of the great and glorious manifestations which have been made to us with that degree of power and authority we otherwise could, if we now had these things to publish abroad.

“Since the Twelve are now chosen, I wish to tell them a course which they may pursue, and be benefited thereafter, in a point of light of which they are not now aware. If they will, every time they assemble, appoint a person to preside over them during the meeting, and one or more to keep a record of their proceedings, and on the decision of every question or item, be it what it may, let such decision be written, and such decision will forever remain upon record, and appear an item of covenant or doctrine. An item thus decided may appear, at the time, of little or no worth, but should it be published, and one of you lay hands on it after, you will find it of infinite worth, not only to your brethren, but it will be a feast to your own souls.

“Here is another important item. If you assemble from time to time, and proceed to discuss important questions, and pass decisions upon the same, and fail to note them down, by and by you will be driven to straits from which you will not be able to extricate yourselves, because you may be in a situation not to bring your faith to bear with sufficient perfection or power to obtain the desired information; or, perhaps, for neglecting to write these things when God has revealed them, not esteeming them of sufficient worth, the Spirit may withdraw and God may be angry; and there is, or was, a vast knowledge, of infinite importance, which is now lost.” (History of the Church, 2:198–99; see also Alma 37:8.)" (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-41-49/section-47-the-importance-of-church-records?lang=eng)