All Posts Archived Lessons New Testament Old Testament Book of Mormon Doctrine & Covenants Search “My Law to Govern My Church” Part 2 CFMCorner Apr 30, 2025 28 min read Updated: Jun 24, 2025 CFM : April 28–May 4 D&C 41–44 Videos, Podcasts, & Weekly Lesson Material Chapter Outlines Continued Doctrine & Covenants 42 Section Overview & Study Guide (V. 40-93) Major Topic & Themes Cross References & Supporting Resources 📖 D&C 42:40–42 – Warnings Against Pride and Idleness Summary of Verses The Lord gives practical counsel to avoid pride, vanity, and laziness. He commands the Saints not to be “proud in [their] hearts,” instructing that garments should be plain, with beauty arising from “the work of thine own hands.” Cleanliness is expected in all things before God. Finally, He warns against idleness: “he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer.” These verses reinforce the covenant expectation of humility , modesty , self-reliance , and diligence as foundational to a Zion society. Work is not just temporal but spiritual—it is part of one’s stewardship and offering to the Lord. 🕊️ Language & Cultural Insights “Proud in thy heart” (v. 40) Hebrew: גָּבַהּ לֵב (gavah lev) – ( gavah – to be high, haughty) + ( lev – heart) Pride in the heart is not merely external arrogance, but inner self-exaltation and rebellion against God. In scripture, pride is the root of apostasy (see Proverbs 16:18 ; Alma 38:11–12 ). “Let all thy garments be plain” (v. 40) Garments in ancient Israel symbolized identity, status, and sanctity. To make them “plain” suggests a return to humble dignity and personal craftsmanship over showiness or vanity. “Beauty… the work of thine own hands” suggests a shift from display to creation—honoring personal industry . “Cleanliness” (v. 41) Hebrew: טָהוֹר ( tahor ) – clean, pure, ceremonially and morally. Cleanliness is a symbol of spiritual preparation and worthiness (cf. Psalm 24:4 ; Isaiah 1:16 ). This may also reference temple imagery , where outer cleanliness reflects inner holiness. “Idle… shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer” (v. 42) Echoes 2 Thessalonians 3:10 – “If any would not work, neither should he eat.” Idleness is condemned not because work earns salvation, but because work is part of divine partnership in creation and consecration. 💭 Reflection Questions How do I guard against pride in subtle forms—status, appearance, education, or spiritual achievements? What does it mean for my work to be my beauty? How can I elevate the spiritual value of my daily efforts? Is my life marked by modesty and humility in both appearance and attitude? What does true cleanliness before the Lord look like—physically, emotionally, spiritually? Do I honor the Lord through my labor and diligence? How do I contribute meaningfully to my home, church, or community? 📖 Cross-References Mosiah 18:27 – Those with more should give freely; those with little should labor with their hands. 2 Nephi 9:28–30 – Pride and worldly wisdom can lead to destruction. Alma 4:6–12 – Prosperity leads to pride; pride leads to downfall. Proverbs 31:13, 17, 27 – The virtuous woman works willingly with her hands and avoids idleness. Jacob 2:13 – Pride due to costly apparel condemned among the Nephites. 🎙️ Relevant Conference Talks “ Pride and the Priesthood ” – President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2010 “Pride is a switch that turns off priesthood power. Humility is a switch that turns it on.” “ We Are Daughters of Our Heavenly Father ” – Elaine S. Dalton, April 2013 Virtue is an outward manifestation of an inward knowledge of who we are.” “ The Joy of Honest Labor ” – Elder L. Tom Perry, April 1986 “Labor is the foundation of all honor.” “ Two Principles of Any Economy" . The Dignity of Work, and the Value of Education – Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2009 “Work is an antidote to anxiety. It is a symbol of our partnership with God.” 📖 D&C 42:43–52 – Healing and Faith Summary of Verses This section outlines the Lord’s law of healing. Those who are sick are to be cared for tenderly , nourished with herbs and mild food , and blessed by the prayer of faith and priesthood administration . If they are appointed unto death, they die unto the Lord; if they live, they live unto Him. The Saints are instructed to weep for those who die without hope, but to rejoice for those who “die in [the Lord]”—for death to them will be sweet. The Lord affirms that faith opens the way for miracles , spiritual gifts , and eternal identity as sons and daughters of God . Even those who are not healed physically, but who believe and remain faithful, receive divine strength. This passage reflects the intersection of physical healing, spiritual power, and covenantal identity , emphasizing that faith always brings divine blessings, even if the outcomes differ. 🕊️ Language & Cultural Insights “Nourished… with herbs and mild food” (v. 43) The Lord shows sensitivity to natural and medicinal remedies , suggesting that faith and physical care are complementary. In ancient Israel, herbs were used in both ritual cleansing ( Exodus 12:22 ; Leviticus 14:4 ) and healing (see Isaiah 38:21). “Lay their hands upon them in my name” (v. 44) Greek: ἐπιτίθημι χεῖρας ( epitithēmi cheiras ) – Used in the New Testament to describe how Christ and His apostles healed ( Mark 6:5 ; Acts 9:17 ). Priesthood blessings continue this sacred pattern of divine contact and sanctified touch. “Die unto me… live unto me” (v. 44) Echoes Romans 14:8 – “Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” This language implies belonging in life and death—our covenant with Christ extends beyond the veil. “They shall not taste of death… it shall be sweet unto them” (v. 46) Hebrew: מָתוֹק ( matoq ) – sweet, pleasant. Death is not bitter to the righteous—it is a transition wrapped in peace and covenantal joy . “He who hath faith… shall leap / hear / see” (vv. 48–51) These reflect Isaiah 35:5–6 , a prophecy of healing and restoration in Zion. Suggests both literal healing and spiritual awakening through faith in Christ. “Power to become my sons” (v. 52) Greek: τέκνα Θεοῦ ( tekna Theou) – children of God Echoes John 1:12 – “As many as received him… to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” 💭 Reflection Questions How do I approach healing in my life—with faith in divine power and responsibility for physical care? What does it mean to “die unto the Lord”? How can that perspective change how I view death and grief? How has the power of the priesthood blessed me or my family during times of illness or hardship? Am I seeking to be “healed” in both body and spirit through faith and obedience? What small acts of tenderness or belief can I offer to those who are sick or suffering around me? 📖 Cross-References James 5:14–15 – “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church…” Mosiah 24:14–15 – The Lord eases burdens even if He does not immediately remove them. Alma 7:11–12 – Christ takes upon Himself sicknesses and infirmities. Isaiah 35:3–6 – The eyes of the blind shall be opened, the lame shall leap. John 11:25–26 – “Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” Alma 46:40 – This verse beautifully parallels D&C 42:43 where the Lord instructs the Saints to nourish the sick with herbs and mild food alongside priesthood blessings. 🎙️ Relevant Conference Talks “ Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice ” – Elder Neil L. Andersen, October 2015 “Whether in life or in death, faith centers us in Christ.” “Miracles, Angels, and Priesthood Power” – Elder Shayne M. Bowen, April 2024 “ If you desire the blessings of the priesthood, including miracles and the ministry of angels, walk the path of covenants God has made available. ” “ The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing ” – Elder Richard G. Scott, April 2003 Faith can move mountains, but sometimes it moves us to climb them. “Your exercise of faith builds character. Fortified character expands your capacity to exercise faith. Thus, your confidence in conquering the trials of life is enhanced. And the strengthening cycle continues. The more your character is fortified, the more enabled you are to exercise the power of faith.” " The Doors of Death " – President Russell M. Nelson, April 1992 " The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life. Eternal perspective provides peace “which passeth all understanding ” 📖 D&C 42:53–60 – Scriptures and Revelation Summary of Verses In these verses, the Lord declares that the scriptures shall govern the Church . The Saints are commanded to seek knowledge through revelation, but also to preserve the scriptures and teach them to all nations . Leaders are instructed to wait until they have received the full body of scripture before teaching them, emphasizing order , reverence , and divine timing . The doctrines revealed in the scriptures are to become God’s law for governing the Church. Obedience to these teachings leads to salvation, while persistent disobedience leads to condemnation. This passage reveals the deep connection between scripture, revelation, and salvation , showing that divine knowledge is both preserved in text and received through the Spirit. 🕊️ Language & Cultural Insights “Ask, and my scriptures shall be given” (v. 56) Echoes Matthew 7:7 – “Ask, and it shall be given you…” Reveals the principle that revelation requires active seeking and divine readiness. “Preserved in safety” (v. 56) The word “preserve” often translates the Hebrew שָׁמַר ( shamar ) – to guard, protect, watch over. Indicates that scripture is sacred trust , not merely information. Anciently, scribes preserved sacred texts in temple repositories (cf. 2 Kings 22 ). “Hold thy peace concerning them” (v. 57) Implies sacred restraint —one must not teach prematurely or without the Spirit’s direction. Reflects the pattern of progressive revelation , where truths unfold “line upon line” ( Isaiah 28:10 ; D&C 98:12 ). “Taught unto all nations”