Doctrine and Covenants 4 is almost always referred to when talking about the qualifications of a missionary. The next most common subject is those who want to serve God anywhere. What if there is another interpretation of D&C 4:4?
Sometimes the Holy Ghost can inspire you with new ideas when reading familiar material. Such was the case with D&C 4:4 several years ago.
I had been reading the Doctrine and Covenants with preparedness in mind. Here’s what came to mind as I read it in those circumstances:
“For behold the field is white already to harvest;” – supplies are available right now.
“and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, “– we need to work.
“the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth [temporal] salvation to his soul;” – will be able to survive because he/she has food storage and supplies.
So, supplies are available, but we need to work and put up our food storage and supplies to survive the last days.
The Lord warns us in many ways for our benefit. Sometimes they are in unexpected places.
