Doctrine and Covenants Section 6 may only include 37 verses, but it is undeniably filled with important lessons, that still ring true today. In addition to the encouragement to liken the scriptures to our lives, there are several essential principles we can learn from the Lord’s revelation to Oliver Cowdery and put to use in our lives.

Revelation to Oliver Cowdery, a great lesson.

Reading the scriptures can show us new lessons. One of them is from the revelation to Oliver Cowdery.

 

Seeking The Lord’s Wisdom Before Riches

One of the most powerful admonitions of the Lord to Oliver Cowdery is to “seek not for riches but for wisdom.” Included in that verse is also a promise that “the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you and then shall you be made rich.” In these modern days, with so much competition and drive for success going on, it is sometimes easy to forget the important things. We become so tired and busy that we no longer have time to study the scriptures. With the world telling us that success comes in a box labeled “Career” and “Net Worth,” we sometimes lose focus on what matters most. It’s ironic that no matter how successful we are, without seeking the Lord first, we still feel unsatisfied, unhappy, and sometimes without direction. Let’s reassess our life and our goals. Let’s take time to seek the Lord’s wisdom first.
 

Love And Admonitions

Included in section 6 is also the Lord’s guidance for Oliver Cowdery on how to support Joseph Smith. In verses 18 and 19, the Lord said:

18 Therefore be diligent; stand by my servant Joseph, faithfully, in whatsoever difficult circumstances he may be for the word’s sake.

19 Admonish him in his faults, and also receive admonition of him. Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience, faith, hope and charity.

The Lord’s words for Oliver can also be applied on how we treat our sweethearts, our family members, and our friends. Getting angry and speaking hurtful words is an easy option. Being temperate and patient is more difficult. But there is wisdom in these words. We cannot fully know the feelings of the people we love the most. Let us have the courage to be kinder and express love more often. However, we should not shy away from giving them gentle admonitions if needed, to help them be the best they can be.
 

Doubt Not, Fear Not, But Trust in Him

The Lord’s final words in this section are ones of encouragement: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” Perhaps these words were given because of the many challenges that would accompany the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Like in the lives of Oliver Cowdery and the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord also knows how our life will unfold. Because He knows, we must learn to put our trust in Him.

Elder M. Russell Ballard gave a powerful insight: “My message to you today, my brothers and sisters, is simply this: the Lord is in control. He knows the end from the beginning. He has given us adequate instruction that, if followed, will see us safely through any crisis. His purposes will be fulfilled, and someday we will understand the eternal reasons for all of these events. Therefore, today we must be careful to not overreact, nor should we be caught up in extreme preparations; but what we must do is keep the commandments of God and never lose hope!”
 

Revelation To Oliver Cowdery, A Message For Us

As we turn to the scriptures, we will learn that the messages are not only meant for them, the words also apply to us. Like Oliver Cowdery, we also belong in this great time of restoration with so many blessings and distractions. May we learn from the Lord’s message to him. May we learn how to seek the Lord’s wisdom first, extend more love to those we say we love, look to the Lord and never doubt, but trust in Him.