Principles of a Good Day

The Law of Moses

The Law of Moses had 613 commandments. It was a full law. Property rights. Judgments. Consequences. Jesus Christ provided the Israelites civilization.

How often do we create for ourselves 613 rules? The Lord’s way was to judge by intention (Doctrine and Covenants 6:16), and he looked upon the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). In D&C, we see that “the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind” ( Doctrine and Covenants 64:34).

Principles of the Lord’s Judgment

Then there’s desire:

“I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.” (Doctrine and Covenants 137:9)

The Lord also mentions “thoughts and intents of the heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 33:1), implying the heart has thoughts + intents. Furthermore, “And then shall the second angel sound his trump, and reveal the secret acts of men, and the thoughts and intents of their hearts, and the mighty works of God in the second thousand years—” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:109). Mosiah says, “For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?” (Mosiah 5:13).

“And by their desires and their works you shall know them.” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:38).

“if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish.” (Mosiah 4:30).

Solomon was judged:

“And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.” (1 Chronicles 28:9)

The heart and a willing mind:

Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days. (Doctrine and Covenants 64:34)

Do we reach out to the Lord while the arms of mercy are extended?

“Having gone according to their own carnal wills and desires; having never called upon the Lord while the arms of mercy were extended towards them; for the arms of mercy were extended towards them, and they would not;” (Mosiah 16:12)

• The arms of mercy are extended. The Lord wants us to reach out and ask for help.

How We’re not Judged

• By first/second/third successes: “And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.” (1 Nephi 4:6).
• Whether our message is received (Alma 8:13-14). Alma was spat on, rejected.
• Our emotions (Alma was depressed)

What Do We Focus On?

Perhaps this leads to a hierarchy?

In all of this, love God:

1. Heart
   1. Desire of our Heart
   2. Thoughts of our heart
   3. Intention of our heart
2. Actions
   1. Words (Mosiah 4:30)
   2. Acts/Deeds ((Mosiah 4:30, Doctrine and Covenants 137:9)
3. Stewardship/Callings
   1. Care for Others: Love others as ourselves
   2. Health: treat our body as temple
   3. Wealth: try our best to do what we can with His resources

Conclusion

This study has been productive - the Lord does not judge based on outcomes, external things.

In all of this, we turn to the Savior.

• Did he take good action?
• Was he rejected?
• Did people believe him? (outcome?) - some did, others didn’t

In my day, the question is - where is my heart?

Every calling, whatever it may be, is “His business” when embraced with a humble and willing heart and a desire to lift and comfort His children and share His good news. We are not merely filling an assignment when we respond to an inspired call but joining the Saviour of the world in His infinite, redeeming work. He needs you, and He needs me. Life is better—everything is better—when we are about His business. (Kearon, 2026).

Are my desires (what I want/hope/feel) pure? Are they aligned with the work? Are my intentions (what I intent to do to accomplish those desires) pure? Are my thoughts/word/deed aligned with God?