The Power of the Book of Mormon in My Life

The Book of Mormon is an ancient record full of history and teachings of prophets and a people who lived in the Americas. Even more importantly, it is a companion to the Holy Bible, essential in having the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a record of God's dealings with His children in the Americas, and it contains the account of Jesus Christ's appearance after His resurrection. Although written centuries ago, The Book of Mormon was written for our day, compiled by Mormon who saw us in a vision and knew exactly what we would need to strengthen and sustain us in these latter days.

Elder Richard G. Scott, while serving in the presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy, wrote an article entitled, "The Power of the Book of Mormon in My Life," (Ensign, Oct 1984, 7). In this article he taught, "By studying pages of the Book of Mormon, you will learn the messages that have been divinely placed there for you and your families, and for those you supervise. You will know how to correct the influences of false traditions. There are problems and challenges but they were all seen beforehand by the Lord. He has given you the way to correct these deficiencies, but they are of little value if they remain locked in a closed book. It is not sufficient that we appreciate it nor that we testify that the Book of Mormon is of God. We must know its truths and make them a part of our lives."

The Book of Mormon is vital in our quest to obtain that greatest of all the gifts of God, even life eternal with Him and our families. The Book of Mormon is the best source of inspiration, peace, truth, hope, and guidance. It helps in our endeavors to withstand the evils of the world and teaches us how to lean on the Savior in our times of trial. President Marion G. Romney (1897-1988), apostle and counselor to the prophet Spencer W. Kimball, counseled, "If we would avoid adopting the evils of the world, we must pursue a course which will daily feed our minds with … the things of the Spirit. I know of no better way to do this than by daily reading the Book of Mormon." ("The Book of Mormon," Ensign, May 1980, p. 66.)

Elder Scott wrote, "It is not sufficient that the Book of Mormon be found in our homes; its principles must be captured in our minds and hearts. Through consistent reading, prayerful pondering, and conscientious application, its teachings will become an essential part of the fabric of our lives."

The Book of Mormon must be an integral part of our lives if we are to hold fast to the iron rod and partake of the fruit that is most sweet and precious above all other fruit and fills our souls with joy (see 1 Nephi 8). I love the Book of Mormon; I have numerous stories and experiences, some similar and some different than the stories of Elder Scott, through which I have gained a knowledge that that the Book of Mormon is true. I have a deep and abiding testimony that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and the principles and commandments contained therein are the best path to peace and happiness in this world and eternal life in the world to come.

As I conclude, I echo the words of Elder Scott, "If you have not yet drunk deeply from this fountain of pure truth, with all of my soul I encourage you to do so now. Don’t let the consistent study of the Book of Mormon be one of the things that you intend to do but never quite accomplish. Begin today."

Jeremy