Doctrine and Covenants 1: 30; 46: 15; Articles of Faith 1: 9

What does it mean to belong to the “true and living church” ?

"30 And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively and not individually—" (Doctrine and Covenants 1: 30)

"15 And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men." (Doctrine and Covenants 46: 15)

"9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God." (Articles of Faith 1: 9)

And here's the introductory commentary to this week's reading assignment: "December 8–14: “We Believe” The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2":

"Since Joseph Smith’s First Vision, God has continued to guide His Church by revelation. In some cases, that revelation has included changes to the policies and practices of the Church. Official Declarations 1 and 2 announced this kind of revelation—one led to the end of plural marriage, and the other made the blessings of the priesthood available to people of all races. Changes like these are part of what it means to have a “true and living church” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30), with a true and living prophet, led by a true and living God.

But eternal truth doesn’t change, though our understanding of it does. And sometimes revelation casts additional light on truth. The Articles of Faith serve this clarifying purpose. The Church is solidly founded on eternal truth yet can grow and change “according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:15). In other words, “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God” (Articles of Faith 1:9)." 

I'm grateful that I belong to the “true and living church”, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Eternal truth doesn't change, and yet circumstances of our lives are changing. That's why God has restored and established the “true and living church” with a true and living prophet, led by Him--a true and living God. 

I know God lives and He is aware of the changing needs of His children. He is the same God and He is no respecter of persons. His divine plan is for all of His children.