1 nephi 3:9 - 31
what do the scriptures contain that is valuable to you? why?
--> i have often thought about why nephi and his brothers go to such great lengths to get this record from laban. what was it about the records that was so important that they risked their lives to obtain them? if you skip forward a few chapters to 1 nephi 5, it talks about all the things contained in that record, then in verse 21-22 it says, "and we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children. wherefore it was wisdom in the Lord that we should carry them with us, as we journeyed in the wilderness towards the land of promise." they were able to gain a personal testimony that the things in the record were beneficial and necessary for their lives. if i were nephi and asked to go on that crazy journey to get the plates, give up all my worldly possessions, then have my life threatened by laban multiple times, the scriptures sure as heck better contain something amazing. and they did. they do. nephi also comments that the words in that record "neither should be dimmed any more by time"... meaning they are still applicable today.
as a latter-day-saint, when i refer to "scriptures", i am referring to 4 books: the bible, the book of mormon, the doctrine and covenants, and the pearl of great price. we call these the "standard works". i believe that they should be a part of our lives everyday. the scriptures contain inspired words from prophets long ago, and some not so long ago. why do i love reading the scriptures? because even though they were written hundreds, sometimes thousands of years ago, the principles of life and salvation are the same, no matter who you are or what time period you live in. the principles are universal and unending. everlasting and unchanging. because God is universal and unending. everlasting and unchanging. so when i open the book of mormon up, sure, i may be reading about a family that is crossing the plains to get to a promised land... but i find so much peace and comfort and direction through their examples and principles that are taught through their journey. i can for sure tell a difference on the days where i don't read my scriptures - i feel more irritated, less productive, lazier, and grumpier. i know that the scriptures have blessed my life in countless ways, and find that no matter what questions i have, i always find an answer in some way either in the words i read, or in the spirit i feel as i am reading.
want to learn more about why studying the scriptures could be important to you? click here.
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