Doctrine and Covenants 107: 27-31; 85-89

 

What difference does it make when we follow the Lord's example of how the Lord does His work as we do our own work with our Church callings, our family, and our other responsibilities?

"27 And every decision made by either of these quorums must be by the unanimous voice of the same; that is, every member in each quorum must be agreed to its decisions, in order to make their decisions of the same power or validity one with the other—

28 A majority may form a quorum when circumstances render it impossible to be otherwise—

29 Unless this is the case, their decisions are not entitled to the same blessings which the decisions of a quorum of three presidents were anciently, who were ordained after the order of Melchizedek, and were righteous and holy men.

30 The decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long-suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity;

31 Because the promise is, if these things abound in them they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord.

85 And again, verily I say unto you, the duty of a president over the office of a deacon is to preside over twelve deacons, to sit in council with them, and to teach them their duty, edifying one another, as it is given according to the covenants.

86 And also the duty of the president over the office of the teachers is to preside over twenty-four of the teachers, and to sit in council with them, teaching them the duties of their office, as given in the covenants.

87 Also the duty of the president over the Priesthood of Aaron is to preside over forty-eight priests, and sit in council with them, to teach them the duties of their office, as is given in the covenants—

88 This president is to be a bishop; for this is one of the duties of this priesthood.

89 Again, the duty of the president over the office of elders is to preside over ninety-six elders, and to sit in council with them, and to teach them according to the covenants." (Doctrine and Covenants 107: 27-31; 85-89)

And here's the commentary entitled: "The Lord accomplishes His work through councils." :

"Notice what the Lord taught about councils in Doctrine and Covenants 107:27–31, 85–89. What makes a council effective? How might you apply these principles in your Church calling, your home, or your other responsibilities?

See also M. Russell Ballard, “Family Councils,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 63–65; General Handbook, 4.3–4.4, Gospel Library."

A council is effective because everyone is being given the opportunity to speak up and be heard before the whole group comes up with a final decision together. Nobody is left out. Everyone has a voice and is part of the team. Here are the ways I can apply these principles:

In my Church calling: 

Listen to our Primary President and to my fellow counselor (the First Counselor) before I let them hear my side when we're coming up with a decision together.

At home: 

 to my husband and hear him out before I let him hear my side as we're coming up with a decision together. 

In my responsibility as a schoolteacher:  

Listen to my students and hear them out before I let them hear my side. Then let them vote on the final decision on the rules we will implement in our class. 

In my responsibility as a coach: 

Listen carefully to the members of my team, and ask questions for clarification (instead of assuming) before I move forward with a decision about my coaching business. 

Listen to my potential clients to know exactly what they need help with before giving them my own recommendation on how they can achieve their goal.