Doctrine and Covenants 4: Preparing to Serve the Lord

Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Student Study Guide, (2005), 18–19

What does it take to be a successful servant of the Lord? Every full-time missionary learns thatDoctrine and Covenants 4answers this question. Although it is only seven verses long, President Joseph Fielding Smith said: “It contains sufficient counsel and instruction for a lifetime of study. No one has yet mastered it. It was not intended as a personal revelation to Joseph Smith, but to be of benefit to all who desire to embark in the service of God” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:35). As you read this revelation, look for how you can tell that you have been called to serve.

Understanding the Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 4

Marvelous(v. 1)Wonderful, divine 
Embark(v. 2)Begin, start 
Sickle(v. 4)A curved knife for harvesting grain 
Temperance(v. 6)Moderation, self-control 

Doctrine and Covenants 4—Joseph Smith’s Father

For more information about Joseph Smith Sr., see “People and Terms in the Doctrine and Covenants” (p. 231).

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you studyDoctrine and Covenants 4.

Activity A iconFind the Answers

In your notebook, answer the following questions from what you learn inDoctrine and Covenants 4:

  1. 1.

    What is required of those who are called to serve the Lord? (seev. 2).

  2. 2.

    What blessing is promised to those who serve in that manner? (seevv. 2, 4).

  3. 3.

    How is the marvelous work like a harvest? (seevv. 1, 4).

  4. 4.

    How does a person know if he or she has been called to serve? (seev. 3).

  5. 5.

    What five qualities qualify a person for a call to serve? (seev. 5).

  6. 6.

    Along with the four virtues listed, what must a servant of the Lord not forget? (seev. 5).

  7. 7.

    What can you do if you desire to serve but do not have all of the qualifications? (seev. 7).

Activity B iconTest the Promise

  1. 1.

    Choose one of the qualities mentioned inDoctrine and Covenants 4that you would like to have more fully in your life. Write it on a card and put it where you will see it often. As mentioned inDoctrine and Covenants 4:7, ask Heavenly Father every day to help you develop that quality. Write a paragraph in your personal journal every day for at least one week about your progress in developing that quality.

  2. 2.

    At the end of the week, write a summary of your experiences in your notebook.