How Can I Look to Christ in Every Thought?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to Doctrine and Covenants 6-9 in a lesson titled “This Is the Spirit of Revelation.” The lesson was introduced by the following paragraphs. 

In the fall of 1828, a young schoolteacher named Oliver Cowdery took a teaching job in Manchester, New York, and stayed with the family of Lucy and Joseph Smith Sr. Oliver had heard about their son Joseph and his remarkable experiences, and Oliver, who considered himself a seeker of truth, wanted to know more. The Smiths described visits from angels, an ancient record, and the gift to translate by the power of God. Oliver was fascinated. Could it be true? Lucy and Joseph Sr. gave him advice that applies to anyone seeking truth: pray and ask the Lord.

Oliver did, and the Lord answered, speaking “peace to [his] mind” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:23). Revelation, Oliver discovered, isn’t just for prophets like Joseph Smith. It’s for anyone who wants it and seeks it diligently. Oliver still had a lot to learn, but he knew enough to take his next step. He knew the Lord was doing something important through Joseph Smith, and Oliver wanted to be part of it.

See also Saints, 1:58-64; “Days of Harmony” (video), Gospel Library.

The scripture block includes the following principles: (1) Heavenly Father speaks to me through the Holy Ghost (Doctrine and Covenants 6; 8-9), (2) Look unto Christ in every thought (Doctrine and Covenants 6:1-21, 29-37), (3) “Fear not to do good” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:29-37), and (4) Even as you desire of me so it shall be (Doctrine and Covenants 6-7; 9:3, 7-14). I feel prompted to discuss principle #2 Look unto Christ in every thought.

The Lord knew Joseph Smith would experience “difficult circumstances” in coming years (Doctrine and Covenants 6:18). He knows what trials are in your future too. Heavenly Father gave counsel to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowley that can help us to trust Him. First, we will look at the scripture verses.

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.

20 Behold, thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.

21 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.

29 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if they reject my words, and this part of my gospel and ministry, blessed are ye, for they can do no more unto you than unto me.

30 And even if they do unto you even as they have done unto me, blessed are ye, for you shall dwell with me in glory.

31 But if they reject not my words, which shall be established by the testimony which shall be given, blessed are they, and then shall ye have joy in the fruit of your labors.

32 Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them—even so am I in the midst of you.

33 Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward.

34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.

36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. [Emphasis added.]

37 Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen. (Doctrine and Covenants 6:1-21, 29-37)

What do you think that it means to “look unto [Christ] in every thought”? (See verse 36.) How can you and I do to do this more consistently – during good times and “difficult circumstances”?

President Russell M. Nelson explained “It is mentally rigorous to strive to look unto Him in every thought. But when we do, our doubts and fears flee” (“Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 41).