What are 5 principles taught in the Doctrine and Covenants responsible for the growth and influence of the church?
1. Missionary Work- D&C 1:23
"That the fullness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers."
Without missionary work, we would not have the 14 million plus members we have today. Missionaries submit to the Lord's will and devote all of their time to the purpose of bringing the blessings of the gospel to those ready to receive it.
2. Anxiously engaged in a good cause- D&C 58:27
"Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness."
By being anxiously engaged in a good cause, we are not only using the time the Lord gave us for good things, we are setting good examples. I believe that leading by example is one of the most powerful ways we can influence people. If we're anxiously engaged in a good cause, we have the power to do great things for those looking for the gospel.
3. Forgive all men- D&C 64:10
"I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men."
If we live our lives with hard hearts towards those around us, it becomes very difficult for us to spread the gospel. If we hold on to the wrong-doings of others, we are being selfish. The Lord asks us to serve everyone; by preaching the gospel to everyone, we are providing service to them and the Lord. I know that when we serve others, the light of Christ shines from us. If we do not forgive all men, we could be keeping blessings hidden.
4. Ask in faith- D&C 6:5
"Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you."
If we ask of the Lord in faith, we will receive answers to righteous questions and desires. This is a great principle for investigators to know because many of them have countless questions. They want to know why they are here and where they are going after they die. They want to know if there is a God, and if there is, does He love them? The way to find the answers to all of these questions and more is to ask. If we pray and ask in faith, we will receive answers. When members, non-members, and investigators ask in faith, the spirit of the Lord will testify to them that this is the true church of Jesus Christ.
5. Trials- D&C 58:4
"For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand."
This principle may not be responsible for a countless number of conversions, but I know that it is a reason why the Church can be so influential. As members of the church, we are taught that we are given trials because we are loved, and this helps us to try and have a positive attitude about everything. Experiencing trials is inevitable, but so are the blessings that come after. We are able to take advantage of our trials and rely on our Heavenly Father for help through tribulation that we may have. Let us turn a negative situation into a positive one by deepening our relationship with God, the Father and his son, Jesus Christ. Through our trials, we are able to strengthen others and teach them that we are given trials to be taught. Without trials and sadness, we would never know true happiness or eternal joy.
