Here the Lord references the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25:14–30. In the parable, three servants are given talents, a large monetary measure that equaled about twenty years’ wages for the average day laborer (“Talent,” Lexham Bible Dictionary). Two of the servants wisely utilized their talents, doubling their investment. The third servant took his talent “and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money” (Matthew 25:18). When the master of the parable held an accounting of the three servants, he commended the first two for their wise stewardship. He then chastised the servant who hoarded his talent, and the master took the talent back.

Likewise, the Savior chastened a number of the missionaries in Missouri who were withholding their gifts and refusing to share the gospel with others. As with all of His servants, the Lord wants us to use the gifts and knowledge we have been given to bless and help others.

Part of the elders’ petition to the Lord apparently included a question about how to travel home to Kirtland. Some of the missionaries proposed traveling by canoe or by some other method. The Lord told the missionaries that their method of travel did not matter to Him and that they could decide for themselves. While the Lord is deeply involved in the details of our lives, there are many times when He desires us to use our own wisdom and agency to make decisions. Seeking personal revelation or guidance from a priesthood leader in every decision is not necessary and may impede our personal growth. In these verses, the Lord gives counsel to the elders about preaching the gospel during their journey, but He leaves the method of travel open to their judgment.

President Dallin H. Oaks spoke of two lines of communication to God. The first is the personal line, which is “of paramount importance in personal decisions and in the governance of the family.” The second is “the priesthood line, which operates principally to govern heavenly communications on Church matters.” President Oaks counseled, “We must use both the personal line and the priesthood line in proper balance to achieve the growth that is the purpose of mortal life. If personal religious practice relies too much on the personal line, individualism erases the importance of divine authority. If personal religious practice relies too much on the priesthood line, individual growth suffers. The children of God need both lines to achieve their eternal destiny. The restored gospel teaches both, and the restored Church provides both” (“Two Lines of Communication,” Ensign, November 2010, 83–86).

The Lord provided a warning against idleness and hiding away talents to those who were coming to Zion. Often the work of the Lord is hindered not only by those who are afraid to share their witness but also by those who refuse to actively engage in the work. The Lord’s counsel continues the theme that the members of the Church must be “anxiously engaged” and use their own free will and judgment to move the work forward (D&C 58:26–27). While the way may not always be clear, it is imperative that members of the Church continue to move forward. Idleness was one of the sure ways to create contention and strife among the Saints. The Lord commanded in an earlier revelation, “Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer” (D&C 42:42).

Shake off the dust of thy feet. See commentary for Doctrine and Covenants 24:15–19.