Most everyone can recount that morning in the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith when some domestic frustration caused a marital tiff with his wife Emma. Records don't detail the aggravation, but it was probably something very natural to most newly wedded couples. They were under immense pressure. Persecution abounded. Joseph's father-in-law detested him. There were the crops in the field and the record needed translation.

We don't know the details, but we all know what happened when Joseph sat at the table to translate with these agitated feelings. The gift of the spirit of translation ceased. The flow of inspiration dried up. The work was momentarily derailed.

The young prophet quickly recognized the loss of spiritual guidance. After seeking forgiveness in prayer, he patched things up with Emma, apologized for whatever offense had been committed, and the Spirit returned. With it, the power and privilege of translation resumed.

So it is. The work of the Lord cannot progress in an atmosphere of contention, wounded feelings or division of purpose. Peace and harmony -- a spirit of unity -- must prevail before the kingdom and each of us individually can progress.