Apr 7, 2024

Allegory of the Olive Tree by Brad Teare, ChurchofJesusChrist.org

In the allegory of the olive tree, Jacob reminds us that as we labor in the Lord’s vineyard, the Savior works with us: “And it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their mights; and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them” (Jacob 5:72).

Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “While we strive to be diligent in building up Zion, including our part in the gathering of the Lord’s elect and the redemption of the dead, we should pause to remember that it is the Lord’s work and He is doing it. . . . He bids us labor in the vineyard with our might this ‘last time,’ and He labors with us [Jacob 5:71]. It would probably be more accurate to say He permits us to labor with Him.”

As a missionary I was reminded of the blessing it is to work with the Lord. As we labor in His vineyard, we are helping with His work—work that He could do without us. But as we labor with Christ and follow His commandments, He blesses us.

Wilford Woodruff said, “The Lord will work with us, and we should work with him; therefore brethren, let us live by faith, walk by faith, overcome by faith, so that we may enjoy the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us.”

I know that as we continue to labor with the Lord in His great work, He will be working by our sides to strengthen and bless us.

Lyndie is working toward a degree in Public Relations at Brigham Young University. Originally from Idaho Falls, Idaho, she enjoys running, spending time with her husband and family, and reading. Lyndie served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hermosillo, Mexico, where she developed a love for the Spanish language and the people there. She was drawn to the Wilford Woodruff Papers out of a desire to learn more about Church history and enjoys being part of the organization’s efforts to touch lives with Wilford Woodruff's words.