DOCTRINES, PRINCIPLES, AND example, the first article of faith focuses upon the

Godhead.
APPLICATIONS: A 7. "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His
Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost" (Articles of
FRAMEWORK FOR GOSPEL Faith 1:1).
LEARNING 8. The second article of faith highlights the plan of
David [Link] salvation and the role of the Atonement in overcoming
Increase in Learning, Deseret Book, 2014 the consequences of the fall of Adam.
9. "We believe that men will be punished for their
1. Learning is central to the plan of own sins, and not for Adam's transgression" (Articles
salvation, to our happiness in mortality, of Faith 1:2).
and to our eternal progress. In this 10. And the third article of faith focuses upon the plan
chapter, a basic and flexible framework of salvation and the role of the Savior's Atonement in
for learning about gospel learning is overcoming our individual sins and mortal weaknesses.
introduced and explained. The 11. "We believe that through the Atonement of Christ,
framework includes three basic elements: doc- trines, all man- kind may be saved, by obedience to the laws
principles, and applications. and ordinances of the Gospel" (Articles of Faith 1:3).
2. DOCTRINES 12. Gospel doctrines are a supernal source of power
3. A gospel doctrine is a truth – a truth of salvation and influence for good. President Boyd K. Packer has
revealed by a loving Heavenly Father. Gospel explained:
doctrines are eternal, do not change, and pertain to the 13. "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and
eternal progression and exaltation of Heavenly Father's behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will
sons and daughters. Doctrines such as the nature of the improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will
Godhead, the plan of happiness, and the Atonement of improve behavior. Preoccupation with unworthy
Jesus Christ are foundational, fundamental, and behavior can lead to unworthy behavior. That is why
comprehensive. The core doctrines of the gospel of we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the
Jesus Christ are relatively few in number. gospel" ("Little Children," 17).
4. Gospel doctrines answer the question of "why?" 14. Two important words in President Packer's
For example, the doctrine of the plan of happiness statement should be highlighted. First, true doctrine
answers the questions of why we are here upon the changes attitudes and behavior. True suggests doctrine
earth, why marriage between a man and a woman is that comes from God and is correct and accurate. The
ordained of God, and why the family is central to the sources of such doctrine are the authorized teachings of
Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children. the Lord's anointed servants and the scriptures. False
The doctrine of the Godhead helps us to understand doctrines, personal opinions and speculation, and
why we are to become perfect even as our Father in gospel "hobbies" do not and cannot produce the same
Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ are perfect (see righteous effect upon our outlook and conduct.
Matthew 5:48; 3 Nephi 12:48). The doctrine of the 15. Second, true doctrine that is understood changes
Atonement explains why Jesus Christ is our mediator attitudes and behavior. Interestingly, President Packer
and advocate with the Father (see 1 Timothy 2:5; did not teach that simply knowing true doctrine
Doctrine and Covenants 45:3). changes us. Rather, doctrine must be understood. As
5. The doctrines of the restored gospel are found in we discussed in chapter 2, the word understanding in
the standard works of The Church of Jesus Christ of the scriptures frequently is linked to and associated
Latter-day Saints, in the teachings of the living with the heart and refers to a revealed result or
prophets and apostles, and in the authorized conclusion. Thus, true doctrine confirmed in the heart
declarations and proclamations of the First Presidency as true by the witness of the Holy Ghost changes
and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Ultimately, attitudes and behavior. Knowing true doctrine is
however, only the President of the Church and the necessary but is not sufficient. Understanding true
Quorum of the First Presidency have the authority to doctrine both in our minds and in our hearts is essential
define the doctrines of the Church. to righteous attitudes and actions.
6. Each of the first three articles of faith emphasizes 16. Basic gospel doctrines are the spiritual foundation
a fundamental doctrine of the restored gospel of Jesus for all that we learn, teach, and do - and a vital source
Christ. Both the content and sequence of the doctrines of power and strength as we strive to become what the
presented in the articles of faith are instructive. For Lord would have us become. For example, the eternal
importance of gender and of eternal marriage can be fourth article of faith, however, links principles - as
properly understood only within the context of our guidelines of what to do - to doctrine. The first two
Heavenly Father's plan of happiness. Emphasizing the principles that flow from the doctrine of the Atonement
institution of marriage without linking it adequately to are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance. The
the simple and fundamental doctrine of the plan cannot Atonement explains the why, and the principles focus
provide sufficient direction, protection, and hope in a upon the what. Thus, the principles of faith in Christ
world confused about these vital issues. A knowledge and repentance provide the necessary guidance so the
and testimony of the plan of salvation lead men and Atonement can become efficacious in our lives.
women to hope and prepare for marriage in the house 23. Elder Dallin H. Oaks illustrated the importance of
of the Lord, strengthen their commitment to honor the principles in his teaching to the Aaronic Priesthood
covenant of eternal marriage, and overcome fear and holders of the Church in a general conference
uncertainty that cause some to avoid or postpone priesthood meeting. He described the principle of non-
marriage. As we learn from the teachings of Alma, distraction and indicated that a holder of the Aaronic
God gave unto the children of men commandments Priesthood would never want to do anything in
after having made known unto them the plan of appearance or behavior that would distract any member
redemption (see Alma 12:32). of the Church from his or her worship and renewal of
17. In the times in which we do now and will yet live, covenants. He also emphasized the related principles of
only the restored gospel of Jesus Christ provides the orderliness, cleanliness, reverence, and dignity.
answers to the eternally important why questions-the 24. Interestingly, Elder Oaks did not provide for the
questions of the soul. Answers to all of the why young men a lengthy list of things "to do" and "not to
questions we might ask have not been revealed, but the do." Rather; he explained the principle with the
answers to the most fundamental why questions are expectation chat the young men and their parents and
readily available in the doctrine of Christ. teachers could and should use their own judgment and
18. PRINCIPLES inspiration to follow the guideline.
19. A gospel principle is a doctrinally based guideline 25. "I will not suggest detailed rules, since the
for the righteous exercise of moral agency. Principles circumstances in various wards and branches in our
are subsets or components of broader gospel truths. worldwide Church are so different ch at a specific rule
Principles provide direction. Correct principles always that seems required in one setting may be inappropriate
are based upon and arise from doctrines, do not in another. Rather, I will suggest a principle based on
change, and answer the question of "what?" Many the doctrines. If all understand this principle and act in
principles can grow out of and be associated with a harmony with it, there should be little need for rules. If
single doctrine, as illustrated in Figure 1. rules or counseling are needed in individual cases,
local leaders can provide them, consistent with the
doctrines and their related principles" ("The Aaronic
Priesthood and the Sacrament," 39).
26. The Prophet Joseph Smith emphasized the guiding
power of principles when he was asked how he was
able to lead and govern the Latter-day Saints so
effectively. He answered, "I teach them correct
principles, and they govern themselves" (quoted by
John Taylor, Millennial Star, 15 November 185 1, 339)
.
20. A principle is not a behavior or a specific action. 27. APPLICATIONS
Rather, principles provide basic guidelines for behavior 28. Applications are the actual behaviors, action steps,
and action. For example, the fourth article of faith practices, or procedures by which gospel doctrines and
states, principles are enacted in our lives. Whereas doctrines
21. "We believe that the first principles and and principles do not change, applications
ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord appropriately can vary according to needs and
Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by circumstances. Applications answer the question of
immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on "how." Many applications can grow out of and be
of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Articles of associated with a single principle. In Figure 2, please
Faith 1:4; emphasis added). note the large number of behaviors and specific action
22. The first three articles of faith identify steps that grow out of the principle of faith in the Lord
fundamental doctrines of the restored gospel. The Jesus Christ.
 precisely the kinds of searching questions the
framework is intended to help us identify and explore.
If one uses the plan of happiness as a doctrinal starting
point, then obedience can be interpreted as a principle
linked to the plan (see Figure 3).

29. The principle of non-distraction as taught by Elder

Oaks, for example, can be applied appropriately as
Aaronic Priesthood holders avoid extremes in clothing,
haircuts, speech, and behavior. The potential and
specific types of distractions to be avoided obviously
may vary from Alabama to Africa to Argentina.
Although the principle always remains the same, the
applications may vary according to need and
circumstances.
33.

30. USING THE FRAMEWORK

31. The framework of doctrines, principles, and 34. However, if obedience is used as the starting
applications is a flexible tool that can be used to point, then a different series of questions must be
enhance our gospel learning and can be a useful aid as addressed and different answers are obtained (see
we apply the principle of prayerful inquiry and the Figure 4).
pattern of asking, seeking, and knocking.
32. Please do not view and use the framework as a
rigid set of definitions or as a formula that leads to
"correct" answers about which applications and
principles are associated with particular gospel
doctrines. In fact, some readers may eagerly anticipate
an appendix at the end of this book in which an
authoritative and exhaustive categorization of
doctrines, principles , and applications is presented.
However, no definitive list exists that correctly
identifies and classifies all gospel doctrines and
principles. And frankly, such a list would be of little
value. Rather, the purpose of the framework is for you
to explore, to experiment, and to exercise faith in the
Lord as you learn for yourself "the doctrine of the
kingdom" (Doctrine and Covenants 88:77) and come to
"know of the true points of [the Savior's] doctrine" (3
Nephi 21:6) by asking questions and searching for
answers. Some doctrines, such as the nature of the 35.
Godhead and the Atonement, clearly are doctrines that 36. If one uses the principle of "treasure up in your
answer the question of "why." And some principles, minds continually the words of life" (Doctrine and
such as faith in Jesus Christ and repentance, are Covenants 84:85) as a starting point, then using the
principles that directly answer the question of "what." method of researching specific topics in daily scripture
But some gospel topics seemingly could be categorized study may be viewed as an application (see Figure 5).
appropriately as either doctrines or principles. For 37. However, if scripture study is used as a principle
example, is obedience a doctrine or a principle? Is and as the starting point, then a different series of
scripture study a principle or an application? These are
questions must be addressed, and different answers are 41. Remember that the primary purpose of the
obtained (see Figure 6). framework is to help a learner employ the pattern of
38. Please do not become frustrated by the fact that asking, seeking, and knocking. Do not be too
what appears to be a doctrine in one example may concerned or worried about quickly finding the right
legitimately be considered to be a principle in another answer. Rather, focus upon asking the right questions.
illustration - or a principle as an application. Doctrines, If the questions are right, then we are much more likely
principles, and applications are not discrete, separate, to obtain inspired and insightful answers as we work,
and unrelated truths that can easily be arranged in a ponder, search, and pray.
chart or

42. IN WHAT WAYS DOES THE

FRAMEWORK HELP ME TO LEARN?

43. At this point in the chapter, you likely are asking

yourself a valid and important question. In what ways
does this framework help a person learn and live
gospel truths? Some perspective about the distinctive
dispensation in which we are living can help to answer
this vital question.
44. The greatest and last of all gospel dispensations
was introduced through the Prophet Joseph Smith. It
was necessary in this final dispensation "that a whole
and complete and perfect union, and welding together
of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories
should take place, and be revealed from the days of
Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but
those things which never have been revealed from the
foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from
the wise and prudent, shall be revealed. . . in this, the
dispensation of the fulness of times" (Doctrine and
Covenants 128:18). The Prophet Joseph explained, ''All
the ordinances and duties that ever have been required
by the Priesthood, under the directions and
39. a spreadsheet . Rather, they are often overlapping commandments of the Almighty in any of the
and interrelated truths, as shown in Figure 7. dispensations, shall all be had in the last dispensation,
... bringing to pass the restoration spoken of by the
mouth of all the Holy Prophets" (Teachings: Joseph
Smith, 511).
45. Joseph further proclaimed that preparatory to the
Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, "the
dispensation of the fullness of times will bring to light
the things that have been revealed in all former
dispensations; also other things that have not been
before revealed" (Teaching’s Joseph Smith, 510-11).
As the Apostle Paul declared, "In the dispensation of
the fulness of times [God will] gather together in one
all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and
which are on earth; even in him" (Ephesians 1:10 ).
46. Thus, the overarching purpose of this concluding
dispensation is to gather together in one all things in
Christ. Let me suggest that the principle of gather
40. together in one applies in a practical way to our daily
learning and living of the gospel.
47. Some members of the Church seem to considered separately rather than in relation to each
compartmentalize the restored gospel into a lengthy list other. As we gather together in one these related truths,
of things to do- as separate and unrelated we see more clearly the pathway of discipleship and
"applications" to be accomplished and checked off. hear the admonitions to come unto the Savior, to bridle
Daily scripture study- check. Personal and family all of our passions (see Alma 38:12), "to perform every
prayer- check . Tithing-check. Family home evening- word of command with exactness" (Alma 57:21), to
check. Temple attendance -check. Home and visiting strip ourselves of pride (see Alma 5:28), and to "offer
teaching-check. But the purification , the joy, the [our] whole souls as an offering unto him" (Omni
happiness, the continuing conversion, and the spiritual 1:26).
power and protection that come from "yielding [our] 52. In our homes and classes we frequently emphasize
hearts unto God" (Helaman 3:35) cannot be obtained the importance of regular scripture study, personal and
merely by performing and checking off all of the family prayer, and Church attendance. Typically,
gospel things we are supposed to do. Consistently however, these important practices are considered
completing the various tasks without experiencing the separately rather than in relation to each other. As we
mighty change of heart and becoming more devoted gather together in one these complementary habits of
disciples will not produce the spiritual strength we holiness, we hear more clearly the priesthood
need to withstand the evils and opposition of the latter injunction to "receive the Holy Ghost." We recognize
days. Rather, the power of the Savior's gospel to bless these sincere practices as essential in inviting the Spirit
and guide us comes from the connectedness and of the Lord into our lives. Studying, praying, and
interrelatedness of its doctrines, principles, and worshipping are not isolated and independent items on
practices. Only as we gather together in one all things a checklist of things to do. Rather, each of these
in Christ can we diligently strive to become what God righteous practices is an important element in an
desires us to become (see Matthew 5:48; 3 Nephi overarching spiritual quest to fulfill the mandate to
12:48). And the framework of doctrines, principles, receive and retain the Holy Ghost. Fundamentally, all
and applications is a tool that can help us investigate gospel teachings and activities are centered on coming
and learn about the interrelatedness of gospel truths unto the Savior and having the power of the Holy
and practices. Ghost in our lives.
48. As we learn and link the revealed truths from all 53. In the Church we have quorums, auxiliaries,
dispensations, we receive eyes that can see and ears effective programs, and inspiring meetings. Typically,
that can hear (see Doctrine and Covenants 136:32). however, organizations and functions are considered
The gospel is not a routine checklist comprised of separately rather than in relation to each other. As we
discrete tasks; it is a magnificent tapestry of truth "fitly gather together in one all of the program purposes and
framed" (Ephesians 2:21) and woven together. reasons for gathering, we see and hear more clearly the
49. The principle of gather together in one can aid us role of these vital activities in knitting our hearts
in changing the conventional checklist into a unified, "together in unity and in love" (Mosiah 18:21) and in
integrated, and complete whole and in receiving the caring for the temporal and spiritual needs of our
transform ing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ in brothers and sisters. Programs and meetings are not
our daily lives. Let me provide several examples of events to be managed; rather, they are opportunities to
what I am suggesting. minister to individuals and families.
50. In our homes and classes, we frequently learn 54. Priesthood authority, priesthood keys, and eternal
about the great plan of happiness, the infinite truths have been restored to the earth in the
Atonement, moral agency, individual accountability, dispensation of the fulness of times. The fulness of the
and sacred covenants. Typically, however, these vital Savior's gospel and the work of His Church have been
doctrines and principles are considered separately reestablished and are rolling forth throughout the
rather than in relation to each other. As we gather world. Today you and I have vital roles to play in
together in one these eternal truths, we see and hear enlarging the borders of Zion (see Docrine and
more clearly our relationship to the Father and the Son, Covenants 82:14). In this final dispensation we are
our divine potential and destiny as sons and daughters responsible to gather together in one eternal truths
of God, the nature of eternal progression, and the about the Father's plan and the Savior's Atonement,
simplicity, order, and beauty of the Father's plan (see about ordinances, covenants, discipleship, and the
Alma 42:4-9, 14- 23). constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, and about
51. In our homes and classes we frequently discuss knitting our hearts together in unity and in love by
and learn about sacrifice, obedience, and consecration. fulfilling our divine duty to serve and rescue the one.
Typically, however, these important principles are
55. The framework of doctrines, principles, and leaders do. We may think as we serve in a quorum or
applications can assist us in asking, seeking, and auxiliary, "I am going to make this happen; I am going
knocking in such a way that we more effectively gather to manage this the right way." We all would do well to
together all things in one, in Christ-in this the remember that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
dispensation of the fulness of times. day Saints is the Lord's Church, and He is able to do
56. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO PONDER His own work (see 2 Nephi 27:20).
57. Consider the following question and answer it 68. I find it both noteworthy and troubling that in the
honestly and candidly. Please do not quickly give the dispensation of the fulness of times, a season in the
obviously appropriate answer or the response you think history of the world during which all things are to be
you should give. Take a few moments to reflect on gathered together in one in Christ, many members are
"things as they really are" (Jacob 4:13) before exasperatingly engaged in creating ever longer lists of
answering . detailed and disconnected gospel applications.
58. " In your living of the gospel of Jesus Christ and 69. Whatever the reasons, emphasizing applications to
in your serving and teaching both at home and in the the exclusion of fundamental doctrines and principles
Church, have you focused primarily on doctrines, on does not produce spiritual power, protection, and
principles, or on applications?" direction. To be clear, I am not suggesting that
59. I have asked this question of tens of thousands of doctrines and principles are wholly and routinely
members of the Church, including priesthood and ignored; rather, I am suggesting that applications, such
auxiliary leaders all over the world. The consistency of as some of those presented earlier in this chapter as
their answers is stunning. My posing of the question items on the lengthy "to do" lists of many members,
typically engenders a few moments of awkward tend to receive disproportionate and excessive
silence. And then heads begin to nod and with knowing attention. I also am not suggesting that applications
smiles come the responses, nearly always: should never be studied, learned, or taught.
"applications." It is interesting to me how reluctant Appropriate applications are necessary but can never
members usually are to acknowledge the actual answer stand alone. What is needed is a balance among
to this question- even though the answer almost always doctrines, principles, and applications. And for many
is recognized immediately. conscientious and diligent members, a serious
60. Now please ponder some additional questions. imbalance exists.
61. "Why? Why do many members tend typically to 70. Consider the basic responsibility of Melchizedek
focus on applications more than on doctrines and Priesthood holders to serve as home teachers. What do
principles?" you think would happen if each man in a congregation
62. Here is a sample of some of the answers I have of 100 elders and high priests were invited to write
received to this follow-up question. down on a three-by-five card the doctrinal reasons for
63. "Focusing upon applications is easier." home teaching? Would the answers be similar or
"Applications are more tangible." different? Would the same scriptural references be
64. "I can control applications." used to support those answers? Or would the answers
65. "I can accomplish things quicker by focusing on vary dramatically? My experience suggests that many
applications." "My professional experience has taught men can describe how to home teach; far fewer can
me to get things done and make things happen-so I explain why we home teach.
gravitate to applications." "I am not comfortable 71. Men in the Church who do not perform their
teaching doctrine." priesthood duty as home teachers are not lazy; they
66. "I do not know the doctrine well enough to teach simply have not understood the relevant doctrine and
it with confidence." principles. Such men undoubtedly have been both
67. Somehow we seem to be drawn to applications as taught and told. They may know that a home teacher is
the primary way to "fix" things, to make life better, to to watch over, be with, and strengthen (see Doctrine
be "doers of the word," to achieve desired outcomes, and Covenants 20:53)-but they have not learned, they
and to help the Church operate effectively. And far too do not understand, and they are not intelligent (as the
often we emphasize applications without the necessary word intelligence is used in the scriptures).
understanding and divorced from the doctrinal context. 72. If a man understands-both in his mind and in his
We may focus on applications because we like to heart, by the power of the Holy Ghost-the doctrines of
believe and feel like we are in control, because we the plan of happiness and of the priesthood, then he
have confidence in our own experience and expertise- will be a faithful home teacher. Always! The reasons,
"the arm of flesh" (2 Nephi 4:34)-or because we are the purposes, the answers are found in the doctrine. An
only doing what we have seen other teachers and understanding of true doctrines and correct principles
will improve behavior more effectively than the study 77. Note that it was the virtue of the word of God and
of behavior will improve behavior. The answers the preaching of the word, or he doctrines and
always are found in the doctrines and principles of the principles of the gospel-not simply clever applications-
restored gospel of Jesus Christ. that led the people to do that which was just. There is
73. Let me recommend one additional question that no spiritual power or enduring impact from even the
can be helpful in a wide range of situations and most innovative and impressive applications if they are
circumstances. Given that true doctrine, understood, divorced from the fundamental doctrines and principles
changes attitudes and behavior, and assuming you are a of the re-stored gospel. Conversely, applications built
priesthood leader who is concerned about effective upon, arising from, and connected with a firm
home teaching, you might ask yourself the following foundation of fundamental doctrines and principles
question: provide great spiritual power.
74. What doctrines and principles, if understood, 78. As Ammon explained, "Behold, how many
would change the attitudes and behaviors of brethren thousands of our brethren has he loosed from the pains
who are not fulfilling their duty as home teachers? of hell; and they are brought to sing redeeming love,
75. Consider how this simple question can be used as and this because of the power of his word which is in
a starting point for almost any issue or concern. And us, therefore have we not great reason to rejoice?"
imagine what could happen if husbands and wives, (Alma 26:13; emphasis added).
parents and children, priesthood and auxiliary leaders, 79. The answers always are in the doctrines and
and members of the Church humbly invited the principles! And the doctrines and principles need to be
guidance of the Holy Ghost, forthrightly counseled in us!
together, and diligently worked to answer questions 80. SUMMARY
(such as the examples chat follow) by asking, seeking, 81. As Nephi concluded his explanation of why Christ
and knocking. was baptized, of the importance of following the
• What doctrines and principles, if understood, Savior into the waters of baptism and receiving the
would change the attitudes and behaviors of a man or Holy Ghost, of enduring to the end, and of repentance
woman who is struggling with or addicted to and baptism as the gate to the strait and narrow path,
pornography? he declared:
• What doctrines and principles, if understood, 82. ''And now, behold , my beloved brethren, this is
would help me to strengthen my marriage? the way; and there is none other way nor name given
• What doctrines and principles, if understood, under heaven whereby man can be saved in the
would change the attitudes and behaviors of endowed kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine
members who are not presently worthy to worship in of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father,
the temple? and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one
• What doctrines and principles, if understood, God, without end. Amen" (2 Nephi 31:21; emphasis
would help me prepare for marriage and family added).
responsibilities? 83. We are blessed to live in a day when the gospel of
• What doctrines and principles, if understood, Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth, even the
would protect our children from worldly pressures to dispensation of the fulness of times. Available to us are
violate the law of chastity? eternal truths and guidelines, priesthood authority and
• What doctrines and principles, if understood, keys, sacred scriptures, and living prophets, all of
would change the attitudes and behaviors of members which will enable and fortify us to "withstand the evil
who are hesitant to open their mouths and share the day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand"
gospel? (Doctrine and Covenants 27:15). And with great
• What doctrines and principles, if understood, blessings come great responsibilities. "For of him unto
would change the attitudes and behaviors of members whom much is given much is required" (Doctrine and
who are not regularly studying the scriptures? Covenants 82:3). Thus, each and every member of The
76. The answers always are in the doctrine and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bears a
principles! "And now, as the preaching of the word had personal responsibility to learn and live the truths of
a great tendency to lead the people to do that which the Savior's restored gospel and to receive by proper
was just- yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the authority the ordinances of salvation. We should not
minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, expect the Church as an organization to teach or tell us
which had happened unto them- therefore Alma all of the things we need to know and do to become
thought it was expedient chat they should try the virtue devoted disciples and endure valiantly to the end (see
of the word of God' (Alma 31:5; emphasis added) . Doctrine and Covenants 121:29). Rather, our
individual responsibility is to learn what we should
learn, to live as we know we should live, and to
become what the Master would have us become.
84. And the answers always are in the doctrines and
principles!
85. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
1. What can and should I do in my learning and
serving to achieve a better balance among doctrines,
principles, and applications?
2. What can and should I do in my learning and
studying to "gather together in one all things in
Christ"?
3. What doctrines and principles, if understood,
would help me press forward in becoming what the
Master would have me become?
86. YOUR OWN QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER…