In January 1841, the Prophet Joseph Smith received a significant revelation in Nauvoo, Illinois, that would shape the future of the Church. Doctrine and Covenants Section 124 was given at a time when the Saints had just fled the persecutions in Missouri, and Nauvoo was to become their new center. The Lord’s instructions included the command to build the Nauvoo Temple, as well as the Nauvoo House, a place for gathering and hospitality. This revelation speaks not only to the immediate needs of the early Church but offers timeless counsel for us today.
Among the many powerful verses in this section, verse 44 stands out: "If ye labor with all your might, I will consecrate that spot that it shall be made holy." Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has shared reflections on this verse, emphasizing its promise and importance for our lives. In this article, we will explore the context of this revelation, its relevance today, and how we can apply the principle of consecrated labor in our own lives.
A Revelation to Build and Consecrate
Section 124 was a pivotal message for the Saints. They were commanded to build the Nauvoo Temple, a house of the Lord where sacred ordinances could be performed, and where the Saints would be blessed with divine instruction and power. The Lord’s instruction to construct the Nauvoo House—a place of gathering and hospitality for visitors—also symbolized the inclusive and open nature of the gospel, inviting all to come unto Christ.
But beyond these physical structures, the Lord was teaching a greater principle: when we labor with all our might, He consecrates our efforts and makes them holy. This promise wasn’t just for the construction of sacred buildings in Nauvoo, but it is a universal principle that applies to every act of service, work, or effort we undertake in the Lord’s name.
Why the Lord Asks Us to Labor
A natural question arises from this scripture: Why does God ask us to labor at all? He is omnipotent and could accomplish anything instantly by His will. Why require us to work with all our might when He could make things easier?
The answer lies in the divine nature of work. The Lord is not merely interested in outcomes—He is deeply invested in our growth and progression. Laboring in His service teaches us essential spiritual principles such as faith, obedience, and perseverance. Through our efforts, we develop qualities that bring us closer to God, qualities we could not acquire if everything were done for us.
In His wisdom, God operates according to eternal laws, even those He abides by. He cannot violate the law of agency by taking away our opportunity to grow through effort. The labor we are asked to give, whether in building a temple, raising a family, or serving in a calling, becomes the very means by which we are sanctified. As we labor, we exercise our faith, deepen our trust in the Lord, and allow Him to shape us into the individuals He knows we can become.
Consecration and Sanctification
The promise in verse 44 is profound. When we labor with all our might, the Lord consecrates our efforts and the very space where we work. This means that our homes, places of worship, and even our workplaces can become holy as we offer our best efforts to the Lord. The work we do—no matter how mundane or challenging—becomes sacred when it is done with a heart full of faith and devotion.
This principle applies to all aspects of our lives. Parents laboring to raise children in righteousness can find comfort in the Lord’s promise that their home can be a holy place, a sanctuary of peace, even in the midst of daily challenges. Church members who serve in callings—whether teaching a class, ministering to others, or leading a ward—can know that their sincere efforts will be magnified by the Lord.
In essence, the Lord does not expect perfection in our labors, but He does expect our best. As we offer our best, He consecrates the effort, fills in the gaps, and makes it holy.
Applying These Lessons Today
The message of Doctrine and Covenants 124:44 is just as relevant today as it was in 1841. In a world where it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of life, this verse invites us to shift our perspective. Rather than focusing on the outcome alone, we can trust that as we labor with faith, the Lord will consecrate our efforts. We can rest assured that He will sanctify the spaces we work in—whether in our homes, our wards, or our workplaces.
The principle of consecrated labor also reminds us that holiness is not confined to the walls of a temple but can permeate every aspect of our lives. Every sincere effort to follow the Lord, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, is recognized and sanctified by Him.
As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland described, this verse contains a "remarkable doctrinal promise from the Lord." Elder Holland further teaches that God’s assurance is clear: "Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, and however you're working, work with your might, and I will make that spot holy." When we labor in the Lord’s service, He not only strengthens us but also sanctifies the very ground on which we stand. It is a profound blessing to know that, despite our imperfections, our efforts can be made sacred through His grace.
Conclusion
Doctrine and Covenants 124 teaches us that God cares deeply about the work we do in His name. He invites us to labor with all our might, not because He needs the results of our efforts, but because He knows we need the growth and refinement that come through that work. As we labor, He promises to consecrate our efforts and make them holy. In this, we find hope, peace, and the assurance that as we give our best to Him, He will magnify our work and make it sacred.
This principle is one we can apply every day, whether we are building a temple, raising a family, or serving in our communities. The Lord’s promise is clear: as we labor with all our might, He will make our work—and the very ground we labor on—holy.
