Family SOTW: Don't Leap with the Sheep

Elder Christofferson

When I say “study,” I mean something more than reading. It is a good thing sometimes to read a book of scripture within a set period of time to get an overall sense of its message, but for conversion, you should care more about the amount of time you spend in the scriptures than about the amount you read in that time. I see you sometimes reading a few verses, stopping to ponder them, carefully reading the verses again, and as you think about what they mean, praying for understanding, asking questions in your mind, waiting for spiritual impressions, and writing down the impressions and insights that come so you can remember and learn more. Studying in this way, you may not read a lot of chapters or verses in a half hour, but you will be giving place in your heart for the word of God, and He will be speaking to you. Remember Alma’s description of what it feels like: “It beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.”⁶You will know that the gospel is being written in your heart, that your conversion is happening, as the word of the Lord from His prophets, past and present, feels more and more delicious to your soul.

When Thou Art Converted, Apr 2004

President Eyring

Our humility and our faith that invite spiritual gifts are increased by our reading, studying, and pondering the scriptures. We have all heard those words. Yet we may read a few lines or pages of scripture every day and hope that will be enough. But reading, studying, and pondering are not the same. We read words and we may get ideas. We study and we may discover patterns and connections in scripture. But when we ponder, we invite revelation by the Spirit. Pondering, to me, is the thinking and the praying I do after reading and studying in the scriptures carefully.

Serve with the Spirit, Oct. 2010

Elder Bednar

One of the best ways to draw near unto Him and to both learn about and become more like the Lord Jesus Christ is to consistently study the holy scriptures—to daily “feast upon the words of Christ” (2 Ne. 32:3).Please notice that I used the word study and not the word read. Studying and feasting suggest a focus and an intensity that reach far beyond casual reading or quick perusing. Studying and feasting, followed by sincere prayer and steadfast application of the truths and principles we learn, yield personal resolve, spiritual commitment, and the bright light of testimony. Studying, learning, praying, and appropriately applying gospel truths are all key elements in the process of coming unto the Savior.

Because We Have Them Before Our Eyes, Apr 2006

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Don't Leap with the Sheep

By S. Michael Wilcox

I feel like I could write about a hundred posts on this book and it still wouldn't be enough. I have learned so much as I have read and studied the teachings in this book. I would recommend it to everyone! The way that he teaches, and explains gospel principles is amazing. It is simple, yet so profound. He has helped me remember what is truly important in life and why it is so important to live the gospel and be an active member of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

One of my favorite parts of the book talks about being born with the fruit in our hands. He tells about his friend who left the rod and the tree to visit the spacious building. His friend was not gone long before returning, but he knew enough of both worlds to teach a powerful lesson. "There is nothing in the building you want!" his friend would remind him. "You already have the best there is in the world! You don't have to search for it. Don't be deceived as I was." His words were always spoken with great earnestness.

Brother Wilcox goes on to say, "Perhaps the most powerful, mist-clearing truth is the assurance that we already have the most desirable thing in life. We don't have to wander in a vain pursuit of happiness. Many of us were born with the fruit in our hands. We sometimes hear the expression, 'How sweet it is!' This is usually spoken in the context of some worldly pursuit or pleasure. But we have that which is sweet above all things. As Alma testified, 'It beginneth to be delicious to me.' (Alma 32:28.) Nothing in life will give us more joy than that which we now possess. There simply isn't anything more precious we can obtain. Our eyes have already looked upon the greatest beauty."

What a wonderful reminder! We have all been so blessed to have the gospel in our lives. We really have the BEST that this world has to offer. Nothing will bring us more happiness. I know this is true. I know that my Savior lives. I know that He loves us. We can return to live with Him. I love this gospel. I love you all.

Alisha

Team Members

Elder Christofferson

President Eyring

Elder Bednar

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Don't Leap with the Sheep

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