The Book of Mormon continues to have a profound effect upon my life. Having read from it daily for 45+ years, I feel the difference in the way my day goes when I miss a day. There are references to Christ and Heavenly Father on almost every page. While pondering from what I read, I feel their love for all of us of every disposition, race, and condition. Over and over I feel how God wants a primary part in our lives and will be there for us when we let Him in.
The book was written for our day and contains the account of people who lived long ago. I feel not to judge them by my perspective of here and now. They lived at a time when there were few if any copies of the word of God in the community or home. Thus, I greatly appreciate my own personal copies of the Bible, The Book of Mormon, other scriptures and the words of current living prophets and apostles.
The Book of Mormon brings me closer to God when I read:
– of the Lord’s patience and how he is always willing to forgive those who seek forgiveness sincerely.
– and understand this life is the time for me to prepare to meet God and how to prepare.
– that all of us are given weaknesses (hardship, problems, disappointments) so that we may be humble…and hence that we will learn to seek Heavenly Father’s help on how to overcome or live with our challenges.
– of individual conversion stories of the rebellious and how their lives were changed.
– of inconsistencies in the lives of those who lived long ago, that parallel my own inconsistencies . . . then how I can take their experiences and work needed changes in my own life.
– passages of scripture that clearly explain the Atonement and the part of our Redeemer / Mediator in balancing Justice and Mercy.
– that Christ died for me and through his Atonement paid the price of all my sins. It makes sense that I should strive to live my life in accordance with His will as revealed through the scriptures – thus gladly show Him my appreciation for what he has done for me.
Thus the Book of Mormon has become a treasure of practical experiences… from which to learn of the positive and negatives of peoples long ago. It is, as I read, a constant reality check of where I am now and where I need to change in my relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through the guidance of the Holy Ghost. Additionally, it does not diminish but clarifies the ‘wonderful treasures‘ within the Holy Bible. (thus forever putting to rest doctrinal controversy). k
This personal post above is one of many on Mormon.org authored with the Lord’s guidance. The idea being that we can share Gospel truths with others who don’t know or have forgotten them. Sister Sharon Eubank, First Counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency spoke September 23, 2017 of us all learning to ‘articulate’ gospel teachings to anyone interested in a way that provides clarity to the LDS position. (see ‘Turn On Your Light’). Each post will be numbered and, as with this format, will include the Church position and my own thoughts. (k)
1. increasing faith in Jesus Christ 2. What is the Atonement of Jesus Christ 3. Why is authority to perform a baptism important? 4. How has attending church services helped you? 5. How has the Book of Mormon brought you closer to God? 6. Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith. 7. shielding family from unwanted influences 8. What do Mormons believe about family? 9. Make more right choices
