Ezra Taft Benson is known as the prophet who emphasized the reading of the Book of Mormon. He is described as having the ability to “cut through detail and get to the heart of the issue” (p. 115.) That is exactly what scripture does for us in this confusing world.

 

There are only three places we can be assured to receive the power of the word of the Lord. Pres. Benson explained, “The word of God, as found in the scriptures, in the words of living prophets, and in personal revelation, has the power to fortify the Saints and arm them with the Spirit so they can resist evil, hold fast to the good, and find joy in this life.” (p. 118.) All three will always agree and never contradict one another.

 

Our world is full of contradictions and arguments. There are people who would mask the word of God, change it to suit their own purposes, and lead us astray claiming to quote scripture to us. We will not be able to refute them if we don’t know for ourselves the words of our Lord and Savior.

 

Pres. Benson gives us three responsibilities we have in regard to being able to use the power within the scriptures. (p. 123.) Talking about the scriptures is not the same as reading and feeling the power of the written word. I hope you feel the power of the following examples.

 

IMMERSE YOURSELVES IN [THE SCRIPTURES] DAILY SO YOU WILL HAVE THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT TO ATTEND YOU IN YOUR CALLINGS.

 

There is a lesson for us in the Book of Mormon when the Anti-Nephi-Lehies have just been converted to the gospel and are going to bury their swords “that they may be kept bright, as a testimony that we have never used them” (Alma 24:16). Today, we might say those swords are old habits, anything that would separate us from the covenants we have made with the Lord.

 

As we continue reading in chapter 24 the wicked Lamanites have came to attack the Anti-Nephi-Lehies who “praised God even in the very act of perishing under the sword” (verse 23). When the Lamanites saw that their brothers would not fight back, they threw down their weapons of war and cried for mercy. “The people of God were joined that day by more than the number who had been slain (v. 26). That is the power of the spirit that is within those who are faithful. We can be changed completely, relying on our faith—even unto death—while the power of our example will influence those around us. The gospel is not just for ourselves, it is to bring others unto Christ.

 

READ THEM IN YOUR FAMILIES AND TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO LOVE AND TREASURE THEM.

 

The world does not teach of God or of Satan. But a loving parent can do much to turn the heart of a child.

 

When Alma was about to die, he called his sons to him and taught them one last time. He first counseled Helaman, who would take his place as prophet of the Church. He said, “O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God” (Alma 37:35). He reminded Shiblon how important it is to keep the commandments of God and to endure to the end (Alma 38:2).

 

Corianton had been the wild son; the one Alma was most concerned about. This loving father took the next four chapters to teach what is now the best explanation we have today on the power of the atonement upon a wicked soul who desires repentance. Alma speaks boldly, plainly, and with the spirit, for the soul of his beloved son (Alma 39-42). “Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10).

 

PRAYERFULLY, AND IN COUNSEL WITH OTHERS, SEEK EVERY WAY POSSIBLE TO ENCOURAGE THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE SET BY YOU AND MANY OTHERS.

 

Visiting and Home Teaching takes on a new meaning when we value the responsibility it lays upon us for those families we are associated with. And as a teacher on Sunday, we have a responsibility to teach from the scriptures.

 

As captain of the Nephite army, Mormon was in charge of a wicked and cocky army. While the Lamanites were pretty horrible at this time, the Nephites were no better, full of pride and boastfulness. How could Mormon have stood it! He pled with his army to humble themselves. Then he left them with one of the most famous speeches of the entire Book of Mormon:

“O ye fair ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of the Lord! O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you!” (Mormon 6:17).

 

The Book of Mormon is for our day, literally. Here you can see the parallels. It is not a coincidence that it lines up so neatly. Because Satan wants to destroy us, we must fight back. The only way to fight back, as seen in the above examples, is to know the power of the word of God. We will come to know Jesus Christ when we study His word. Pres. Benson once said,

 

“It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book that will begin to flow into your life the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path.” (“The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” Oct 1986, General Conference.)

 

It is incredibly important that women today understand the doctrine of the gospel that is in the scriptures. Satan is attacking women more than ever. If we don’t understand doctrine, we will be swept up in the madness. When we have a testimony of the doctrine found in the scriptures, we will be able to stand firm in the knowledge of the Lord. If we must argue, we will be able to argue with the spirit, because we are prepared. Who better to teach and train our children and influence the home? And ultimately, we have the responsibility to bear witness to those we associate with. Standing firm to high morals will be noticed and valued most likely by those we would least expect to influence.

 

If it truly is Jesus Christ we worship, then let us seek His power in His word.