On Accepting and Receiving Answers (In That Order)

I previously puzzled over what the possible difference could be between two consecutive Primary lessons: "Joseph Smith Begins to Translate the Gold Plates" and "Joseph Smith Translates the Gold Plates." What, besides the word "begins," is different about these two lessons? After reading through both of the lessons, I think I have a rough idea about what sets them apart. The first lesson includes the story about Martin Harris and the 116 lost pages, while the second lesson includes the story of Oliver Cowdery's failed attempt to translate the plates. Through these stories, the two lessons convey their practical messages. The first lesson is about accepting the Lord's answers, while the second lesson tells us how we can receive answers from the Lord in the first place.

I wonder about the order of these two lessons. I understand that these stories are being told chronologically, but I wonder if there's a reason we're taught the importance of accepting the Lord's answers before we're taught the best method for how to receive such answers. Actually, come to think of it, the answer is actually fairly clear.

In order to receive guidance from God, we need to have something called "real intent," which basically means "willingness to act on the answer we receive." Given that that's true, it makes sense to learn the importance of accepting the Lord's answers before we learn how to receive them. When Joseph Smith asked the Lord for permission for Martin Harris to show the 116 translated pages to his family, the prophet was told "No." However, Joseph Smith ultimately disregarded this answer, with disastrous results. Joseph Smith learned the hard way that it's important to listen to the Lord when He answers our questions and gives us guidance. Perhaps part of the reason we learn this lesson first is to help us learn from his example so we can avoid making the same mistake.

When God gives us answers and instructions, it's important for us to obey them. Once we receive guidance from God, it becomes important to follow it. Thus, praying to God for instructions without a personal commitment to follow those instructions is a spiritually-risky endeavour. If we receive counsel and act against it, it would probably be better if we hadn't received any guidance at all. For that reason, it makes sense to learn the importance of obeying God's counsel before we learn how we can get it.

Of course, the real reason these lessons are in this order is probably to keep the stories in chronological order, and the reason "Joseph Smith Begins to Translate the Gold Plates" and "Joseph Smith Translates the Gold Plates" are two separate lessons is probably because there is too much material in these two stories to cram them both into one lesson, especially when teaching children. Still, it was fun to speculate about these two lessons, and it taught me a lesson that might be important later: Don't seek out Heavenly guidance until you're ready to commit to act on it. That's probably not the best lesson to take from this, or at least it's not the best way to phrase it, but it's an important lesson nonetheless.