Section 25 in the Doctrine and Covenants is the Lord's revelation to Emma Smith. She was an elect lady called of God. All the women in the church should follow her example with these 10 attributes she possessed.
1. Verse 1- "...all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom."
Since Emma Smith received and lived the gospel, she was considered a daughter of God. When we live the commandments of God, we are able to return to God's kingdom and reign as princesses.
2. Verse 2- "...walk in the paths of virtue before me."
Emma Smith was a virtuous woman, and we are commanded to be virtuous as well. Our virtue should be of the most importance to us. Proverbs 31:10 says, "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies." In our world today, virtue is a rarity. When a woman has virtue, she is aware of her self-worth and her importance in God's eyes.
3. Verse 3- "...Thou art an elect lady..."
In the footnotes, we learn that being an elect lady means to be called of God. Emma Smith was foreordained by God to serve specific purposes, and she was called for a reason.
4. Verse 5- "...Be a comfort unto... thy husband..."
Elect ladies are always there for their husbands. They comfort them, support them, praise them, and love them. Translating the Book of Mormon was a very difficult calling with a lot of pressures; Joseph Smith needed all the support he could get, especially from his wife. Wives need to let their husbands know that they're behind their righteous decisions and doings 100%.
5. Verse 6- "...And be unto him a scribe..."
The Lord had other duties for Oliver Cowdery to fulfill, so while he was away, Emma Smith was called to take his place as a scribe for the prophet. I'm sure being a scribe was a demanding position, but since Emma was an elect lady, she was willing to do what the Lord asked. Emma Smith had children, a house, and a husband to take care of, but she still accepted God's commandment.
6. Verse 8- "...And thou shalt receive the Holy Ghost."
Elect ladies have the guidance of the Holy Ghost. With the spirit guiding us, we are able to know what the Lord would have us do. Because Emma Smith was a righteous woman, she was blessed with the Holy Ghost. We need the Holy Ghost to guide us, comfort us, warn us, and praise us.
7. Verse 10- "...Thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better."
To be an elect lady, one must focus on the riches and blessings that come from the Lord. Those are the blessings that will last for eternity. If a woman is searching for the instant gratification the world offers, she does not possess the qualities of an elect lady. Since elect ladies are called of God, they must be willing to focus everything they have on God and His work.
8. Verse 11- "And it shall be given thee, also, to make a selection of sacred hymns...which is pleasing unto me." Verse 12- "For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me..."
Emma Smith was called to select hymns to put in the first hymn book. I have a testimony that the hymns we sing to worship God have the power to bring the spirit so strongly into the room. Emma Smith had the great blessing of putting together the first hymn book because the Lord knew the powerful potential they held. When we sing hymns, we are praying to the Lord, and He hears us. Through singing hymns, we may be able to express thoughts and gratitude that we could not express before.
9. Verse 13- "Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made."
Elect ladies honor the covenants they've made with the Lord. A covenant is a two-way street. In order for the Lord to bless us as He said He would, it is crucial that we do as He has commanded us. If a woman is called of God, she will follow every commandment of God to the best of her ability.
10. Verse 14- "Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride."
In order to be an elect lady, a woman must be humble and teachable. If she is not teachable, she is not able to serve the Lord or focus on His works. Pride can lead us down a very destructive path. If we are prideful, there is a great chance that we can be easily offended. I know everyone has heard stories of members letting pride rule them, which can ultimately lead to leaving the church. Emma Smith needed to be humble so that she could carry out the works of God.
Emma Smith had a hard life; she lost multiple children, she was restricted from things she wanted to be a part of, and she had to endure terrible afflictions. The Lord knew what she was going through and what she would eventually experience, so He admonished her with the words in Section 25. I know it was a great test of faith for her when she was not allowed to see the Plates as the prophet Joseph translated them into the Book of Mormon. I know it was also a huge test of faith as she had to endure the challenging trails caused by those who rejected the gospel. The Lord knows each and every one of us, and He will give us advice that perfectly correlates with our trials.
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