“All Things Must Be Done in Order”

Tyler Gathro (American, b. 1988)
The Flowers (2019)
Acrylic Paint on Archival Pigment Print, 40 x 32 inches
Used with permission of the artist

While simultaneously studying death, dying, & sacred architecture in university, the artist Tyler Gathro said “I became fascinated with the altar as a place of sacrifice and death.” This work, The Flowers comes from his series Euology for Mammon that introduces the principles of sacrifice, offering, and drawing closer to God by what one is willing to place on an altar. In Doctrine and Covenants 27–28, the Lord teaches that His Church must be guided by revelation and that “all things must be done in order” (D&C 28:13). Just as the Saints were asked to trust in divine order, Gathro’s work reminds us that true offerings—whether of faith, time, vice, or effort—bring us nearer to God when we align our will with His.

Discussion Questions

Oliver Cowdery is told to teach the revelations and commandments “by the Comforter” (D&C 28:1). Is there a specific commandment or revelation that brings you comfort presently? How?
Jesus helps us to understand that “it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament” as long as we “do it with an eye single to my glory” and that the emblems and process of taking the sacrament help us to remember Jesus (D&C 27:2). What has the sacrament looked like for you during the pandemic? What have you used as the physical carriers of the sacrament in your home? How have you been able to focus on Jesus during this altered ritual? Send us a picture or a drawing of the sacrament cups and tray you have used during the pandemic. Why did you choose these pieces?
We are taught in D&C 28:2 that only the prophet receives commandments and revelations for the Church. Our readings from a few weeks ago taught that we should receive the words of the prophet “as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith” (D&C 21:5). Why does following the prophet require both faith and patience?

For Children & Youth

Hi. Have you ever given a gift to someone you love? Maybe you made a card for a friend or shared your favorite treat with a sibling. Sometimes, we’re asked to give up things we really like for something more important. Tyler Gathro’s artwork The Flowers makes us think about those kinds of offerings—not just gifts we give to people, but what we can offer to God.

In Doctrine and Covenants 27–28, the Lord teaches that His Church must be guided in an orderly way. He reminds the Saints that revelation comes through His chosen prophet, but He also promises that each of us can receive personal guidance for our own lives. Just like an altar is a place where people give their best to God, we can offer our hearts, our time, and our choices to Him. What is something you can do this week as an offering to show your love for God?