Ep. 372: Doctrine & Covenants 112:12-22 Deny Yourself

My Scripture Streak

🎙️ Episode Summary

In this episode, Jeffery Downs explores the Lord’s counsel to Thomas B. Marsh and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in Doctrine and Covenants 112. The focus is on humility, correction, self-denial, and the sacred responsibility of apostles to “feed [His] sheep” and unlock doors for the gospel throughout the world.

Jeffery draws modern parallels between the apostles’ challenges and our own—highlighting how pride, ego, and resistance to feedback can halt spiritual progress. Through real-life stories, scriptural cross-references, and practical insights, he emphasizes that the key to discipleship is accepting correction, taking up our crosses daily, and humbly following Christ.

📖 Chapters

00:00 – Love, Love, Love The episode opens with the Lord’s admonition to Thomas Marsh to “let love abound.” Jeffery reflects on how love is the core principle that governs discipleship and unity among the brethren.

02:11 – Apostles Are Human Too Jeffery discusses the humanity of the apostles—acknowledging that they experience weakness and growth like everyone else—and relates this to our own divine callings in everyday life.

04:41 – Hard Hearts and Stiff Necks A lesson in humility: Jeffery compares spiritual stubbornness to “blocking” in improvisational theater, illustrating how resistance to correction stops progress.

07:08 – The Ego and Damnation Through self-reflection, Jeffery shares moments of personal pride and how ego leads to stagnation. True repentance, he teaches, requires an open heart willing to be admonished.

08:50 – Take Up Your Cross A cross-reference to Matthew 16:24: “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.” Jeffery examines what it means to deny oneself, from fasting to everyday self-mastery—like patience in traffic.

12:07 – Lessons from King Benjamin in Traffic A humorous yet profound analogy—how allowing someone to cut in traffic can reflect King Benjamin’s sermon on mercy and charity.

15:51 – Bearing the Cross and Self-Mastery Jeffery explores how our individual crosses bring us closer to Christ, quoting Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” and Christ’s command to forsake all ungodliness.

16:08 – Keys of the Kingdom and Unlocking Doors Discussion on the divine authority of priesthood keys and how each apostle—and by extension, each disciple—has unique doors to unlock through service and faith.

18:15 – Elder Nelson’s Missionary Tax Story A powerful modern example of how the Lord uses individuals and their unique experiences to “unlock” blessings for His kingdom.

19:57 – Unlocking the Gospel in Our Own Callings From the Twelve to the Seventy to local leaders and primary teachers, Jeffery draws the line of stewardship that extends to each of us.

20:32 – The Lord Opens Effectual Doors Emphasis on verses 17–22: obedience, humility, and the Spirit create “effectual doors” for sharing the gospel and receiving revelation.

22:41 – Closing Reflections Jeffery concludes with encouragement to follow the prophet, be humble, and “keep streaking the scriptures.”

✨ Conclusion

When we soften our hearts and accept correction, we allow the Savior to lead us by the hand. The apostles’ calling to unlock doors across nations mirrors our personal call to unlock hearts—our own and others’—through love, humility, and faithfulness.

If you’re striving to grow in consistency and discipleship, track your spiritual streaks in the MyStreaks – Streak Tracker App. Build daily momentum in prayer, scripture study, and service—because every streak strengthens your spirit and deepens your devotion.