Before Our Eyes
O my sons, I would that ye should remember that these sayings are true, and also that these records are true. And behold, also the plates of Nephi, which contain the records and the sayings of our fathers from the time they left Jerusalem until now, and they are true; and we can know of their surety because we have them before our eyes.
And now, my sons, I would that ye should remember to search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby; and I would that ye should keep the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to the promises which the Lord made unto our fathers. Mosiah 1:6-7
As I was reading this passage the other day, specifically that phrase “because we have them before our eyes,” something jumped out at me. It’s not a terribly profound insight, very simple in fact.
In order to grow our testimony of the scriptures, or, in other words, to know of their surety, we do have to have them before our eyes. It’s not something that I’ve had a lot of, lately. Sure, I have the scriptures in my heart, and there are those passages that have found such place as to frame my every moment and comfort me through my day. There is something, though, in having one’s physical volume of the scriptures laid open to view.
King Benjamin bids his sons not just to look upon, not just to read the scriptures, but to search them. Specifically, he reminds them to “remember to search them dilligently.” I love that use of the word “remember.” How easily we do forget. How easily we get caught up in our busy mortal lives and grow lax on such a simple observance. For those who have not developed the habit, it is something needing a constant reminder. It is all-too-easy to rest in one’s current testimony of those sacred words and cease to seek for more, but there is always so much more to be found.
It was by seeming chance that I picked up my scriptures the other day, and perhaps mere coincidence that I opened to the Book of Mosiah. Maybe, but I choose to heed the message. Will you?
November 15th, 2006 16:57
I also love the fact that they are bearing testimony of the records they had then, which are our scriptures now. They are like extra witnesses of the Book of Mormon in a way, because they had those plates physically before them. Cool.
I don’t ever think we can hear what I call “the Sunday School answers” too much — these basics really do have the potential to make all the difference in our lives. Thank you for this piece. Remember. Ah, yes. Remember.
November 15th, 2006 18:25
Naiah, I totally agree with your observation, “There is something, though, in having one’s physical volume of the scriptures laid open to view.”
A few years ago, when I got my first PDA, I thought it would be great to have the Scriptures at hand whenever I might have waiting time, etc. I became enthusiastic about reading while on the treadmill by putting my PDA on “scroll.” Then I thought it would be great to read and annotate the Scriptures on my computer, and tried that. But somehow, it wasn’t the same as having that book in front of me.
Computers are great for the search features, and to get cross references, but you can’t leaf through pages on an electronic device. I’ve gone back to the printed word for my usual study. Many times I’ve just opened the Scriptures at random, and found needed inspiration, just as you did.
Re your comments about “rest[ing] in one’s current testimony of those sacred words and ceas[ing] to seek for more.” Many years ago I thought sure I had definitively established the habit of reading the Scriptures daily. But after a year, I went on vacation, missed a few days, and found it strangely difficult to get back into my routine. I realized how easy it was to slip up when my life got super busy with my six children. Now that all my children are grown, I still can’t believe how I can let my priorities get skewed when my routine is disrupted. I know we mortals are easily distracted, but I know better. That’s why I need posts like this one to get me back on track!
I know that some people complain that they are bored with the basics, but I believe that Michelle got it right: “I don’t ever think we can hear what I call “the Sunday School answers” too much — these basics really do have the potential to make all the difference in our lives.”
November 16th, 2006 08:54
Oh, RoAnn,
Perhaps I should not commisserate over bad habits, but really, if you of all people of my acquaintance have trouble with this, then I have to say that I don’t feel so bad about it. Let’s remind each other to do better!
Also, I just got my first pda-ish device yesterday. It’s a Windows-running ’smartphone’ (a Samsung i730). It’s got everything on there, and I haven’t a clue how to use it so far. I’ll get there!
Michelle, you’re welcome. Comfort is only a cozy spot on the couch and your scriptures in hand away! Isn’t that such a great blessing?!
November 16th, 2006 17:06
Thank you for the reminder that I have been neglecting lately. I love to open my scriptures and mark them while I am reading. When ever I get a new set, I go through them and mark and copy some of my most treasured notes so that I will always have them at hand. I need to get back into this habit to heal my heart and soul.
November 17th, 2006 20:10
“Blessed are those who have believed and not seen” doesn’t apply to the scriptures–excellent point.