Artworks for Doctrine & Covenants 41-50
Our artistic exploration of the Doctrine & Covenants continues! Each month, we'll share artworks from our permanent collection or visiting exhibitions that accompany the coming month's Come, Follow Me readings. You can also subscribe to get email reminders when new artworks are ready or follow along weekly on Instagram or Facebook. We hope that art-lovers everywhere will be inspired by these artworks as they complement their gospel study, family discussions, and church classes with fine art from around the world.
April 28 - May 4
“And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.” (Moses 7:18)
Mahonri M. Young captured this peaceful moment of a woman engaged in the humble task of scrubbing laundry. The act itself may seem mundane, yet it speaks to the profound value of hard work, especially when it is performed with love and service to others. In this simple scene, we see a reflection of how even the smallest acts of service can be consecrated by our loving Heavenly Father.
The Law of Consecration is a divine principle that invites us to willingly offer our time, talents, and resources to build up the kingdom of God. The early Saints embraced this, and though we live this law in different ways today, service is still a central aspect of how we contribute to God’s work.
May 5-11
"Christ can carry us today through difficult times. He did it for the early pioneers, and He will do it now for each one of us.” - President M. Russell Ballard
New beginnings, spiritual protection, happiness, and purity—these are all qualities symbolized by the delicate lilies of the valley that this Pioneer Mother gently holds in her left hand. Painted by Lee Greene Richards, this tender portrait honors his mother, Lula Greene Richards, highlighting her virtues and the strength she embodied as a pioneer.
If you could give your mother a bouquet of flowers that reflect who she is, what would it look like? Consider drawing or creating a bouquet for your mother this Mother’s Day!
May 12-18
“There are many gifts and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit…” (D&C 46:11)
If you could choose one superpower, which would it be? What would it take to receive it, and how would you use it?
Our Heavenly Father, the giver of all good gifts, is eager to bless each of His children with unique spiritual "superpowers." However, our spiritual gifts are sacred, and we must prepare to receive them with humility. Once received, it’s essential that we use them for good—assisting in His work and serving others. Take, for example, the woman in this painting. She doesn’t wear a superhero’s cape, but her apron is spread wide, offering us a loaf of freshly baked bread. Her talents could easily be enjoyed by her alone, yet she generously shares them through a simple, practical act of service.
How can you use your spiritual gifts to bless the lives of others this week?
May 19-25
“And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness. That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light growth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." (D&C 50:23-24)
Like learning to discern truth from deception (Doctrine and Covenants 50), we can learn to thoughtfully consider the symbolic significance of visual elements. Take for example the use of light in David Linn’s painting titled And Then I Looked. It is a powerful metaphor for hope, spiritual clarity, and divine truth. Perhaps, the intensity of the light illuminating the summit represents a prophetic call to live a higher and holier life.
How do you receive and share the light of the gospel?
