Before beginning, I sat down a few days ago and reviewed this:
Then as I read this assignment, I noticed the explanations Nephi gives regarding the scriptures themselves, their origins, their content, and their importance. I particularly liked 1 Nephi 6:4-6
4 For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved.
5Wherefore, the things which are apleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world.
6Wherefore, I shall give commandment unto my seed, that they shall not occupy these plates with things which are not of worth unto the children of men.
So, there it is, plain and simple--now we know what we can expect from reading the Book of Mormon--nothing less than what is most important, than what is of greatest worth, than what will bring us closer to God. Did anyone else notice these scriptures as you read?
For some time now, it has been my tendency to notice references in the scriptures to men's hearts--and that has been the case with this reading as well. I am always impressed by how often the Lord emphasizes the state of a man's heart. Within these first eight chapters, I noted ten scriptures in which the state of the heart was specifically mentioned. I also noticed many examples and scriptures about faith and obedience.
I don't intend to give you a summary of what we read today, or full detail about what I learned. The interpretation and inspiration that comes is unique to each of us. But I would like to offer a platform for discussion and comments. The goal is first and foremost to make time for the scriptures--which may not necessarily include time for others' commentary. But in the course of this challenge, maybe sharing a few thoughts here will enhance the experience in a way that will open us all up to greater knowledge and understanding.
I love the scriptures!
Happy reading,
4 comments:
I also noticed those scriptures about Nephi's intent to persuade men to come unto God and be saved. I really liked them- it reminded me of a good missionary plaque scripture. It should be our goal in member missionary work as well!
I too have found myself drawn to scriptures describing the state of the heart, and how we choose to let our heart be softened. In my notes I wrote about how it seems like Laman, Lemuel, and much of Ishmael's families have hearts that are quick to be hardened- they have spiritual experiences but quickly forget, or murmur, or doubt. I don't want to be like that! Hopefully, we can have a soft heart that is continually open to following God's commandments. Right along this subject, I highly recommend a book called "A Heart Like His" by Virgina Hinckley Pearce. It is short but wonderful, and really changed how I think about God's love and the state of my own heart and life. Honestly, it is one of my favorite gospel-centered books.
Lastly, I wanted to share an amusing little thing that happened today. Apparently Satan is already at work on us as we start this new challenge. Guess who just happened to come to the door a few minutes into my scripture time? Jehovah's witnesses. I'm not saying they are evil, just that Satan will do anything to distract us from good goals! So, if anyone knocks during your scripture time, you can guess who it will be!
It's funny that some of those same things stood out to me as well! I also noticed how little detail is included in the record. Only the most important events were left in.
I wonder if that's one of the reasons why it seems that Laman and Lemuel flip flop so quickly between repenting and humbling themselves, and murmuring and disbelieving. I bet there are so many other less important events and details going on between these flip flops but they aren't as important to our eternal salvation so they have been left out. Just a thought I had.
Oh, I would love to read that book you mentioned, Megan. And I think you're right about the details, Tara--we only get such a little portion of everything that must have gone on. It does make me wonder about what else took place.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and adding your comments, ladies! It is so nice to have added insight into what I've read. :)
The verse that really stood out to me was actually the one right before yours: verse 3. The words "I desire the room that I may write of the things of God" really struck me with some force, and the realization that with all the good things I can do with my time, I don't have space for spiritual clutter. I'm already pretty protective of my time, but this solidifies it for me, the need to *leave things out* in order to make room for the things of God.
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