Search the Scriptures — To Know, To Prosper, To Remember

As I reached Mosiah chapter 1 this morning, a potpourri of thoughts filled my heart.

I worry that scripture study — both personal and family — is not happening as it should. The scriptures and the words of modern prophets give clear warning: When we fail to read and heed God’s counsel, difficult times follow. I see this sorrowfully in some of my own grandchildren, whose parents have concluded that God does not exist because suffering has touched their lives. It breaks my heart to see children growing up unaware of the truths that bring peace in this life and hope for eternity.

In Mosiah 1, we are reminded why we are commanded to search the scriptures:

• To know God’s commandments
• And in knowing them — and keeping them — to prosper in the land

Why would the Lord want His people to prosper? First, we must understand what the Lord means by “prosper.” In many places in scripture, prospering is connected to having His Spirit to be with us. When we have the Spirit, our choices are guided by careful consideration of what the Lord would have us do.

Prospering allows greater opportunity to bless others — to help gather God’s children who have not yet found the gospel of Jesus Christ. Prosperity is not simply comfort; it is capacity — temporal and spiritual — an increase in knowledge of deity and in the ability to share that knowledge. It enables covenant-keeping disciples to serve, to teach, to lift, and to influence generations. I think of faithful members who have served missions and quietly changed countless lives. Senior missionary couples, in particular, carry wisdom and examples that bless children and grandchildren alike, not to mention the people they influence by their presence.

The call is simple: Search the scriptures. In them we will know what to do.

Even our names teach covenant truth. At birth we receive our earthly father’s name. At baptism, when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and acknowledge Him as the Father of our spirits, we take His name upon us. Each time we partake of the sacrament, we renew that sacred covenant.

And here is a sobering reminder from Mosiah: when God’s covenant children turn away, trials come — afflictions, famine, hardship. Not as punishment alone, but as loving reminders — teachers, if you will. Why? So we will remember who we are. So we will remember the promises we made. So we will return.

May we search the scriptures daily — for ourselves, for our children, and for generations yet to come.

2 Nephi 32:3
“Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.”