Learn, Discern, Endure

Some mornings in the scriptures feel like quiet conversations with the Savior, and this morning in 3 Nephi 14 felt just like that.

It reminded me again how grateful I am for the sweet nuggets we’ve been given in the Book of Mormon. It was a good read today.

Jesus warns us about judging others and teaches that we will be judged as we have judged. Oh, how I work on this one. What exactly is judging? The definition in Webster’s Dictionary that seems to fit best is being qualified to give an opinion on something. That gives me pause. My opinion, if I’m not careful, can do more harm than good—and often it ends up tearing me down as well. That’s not where I want to go.

The real challenge is finding that sweet spot between judging and assessing a need. How do we discern without condemning?

Later in the chapter, verses 16–20 give us important clarity. The Savior teaches, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” Perhaps this is what we call righteous judgment. We are not asked to condemn people, but we are asked to discern their fruits. Why do you suppose? Because people with evil intent—and there are many—have the capacity to destroy others in their path. I learned that lesson firsthand. Learning to see people as the Savior sees them while still recognizing the fruits of their actions is the real balance.

Jesus also warns about sharing sacred things with those who would not understand and might mock them. This can be especially difficult in families where some of our posterity no longer believe. Navigating that space requires a lot of prayer and sensitivity.

Then comes one of the most powerful invitations in scripture:

“Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”

This verse carries personal history for me.

Years ago, when I was newly returning to covenant living, I learned quickly that Jesus was not exaggerating when He told us to ask. I was sitting on an organ bench in the chapel, completely flummoxed. I knew organs, but this was a pipe organ with more power and complexity than I understood.

The thought came: Pray.

So I did.

As soon as I finished, the back door of the chapel opened. The “intruder” was the very man who had installed the magnificent instrument. He gave me a quick 20-minute overview of its unique features and how to control them. What a tender mercy! Suddenly I could make sense of it.

I was thrilled. When I left that practice session I could hardly contain myself at the miracle I had just experienced. By the time I arrived home—only a short drive away—a song was forming in my mind: “He Answers Prayer.” By the end of the weekend the song was written. Another miracle. I had never been taught how to properly notate music, but somehow I did it.

Verse 7 may be one of the most underestimated pieces of counsel the Lord has given. He really means it—ask.

How many times I have knelt and said a very simple prayer:

“Heavenly Father, could I please sleep well tonight so I can do what is required of me tomorrow.”

Or,

“I can’t fix this. I’m giving it to You while I sleep.”

And in the morning, the solution comes easily or ceases to even nag me. Things fall into place. This counsel is powerful.

In verse 9 we are reminded of the promise of eternal life to those who endure to the end. Once we have entered into covenants and received the blessings of the temple, enduring faithfully is what remains. There will be troubles, persecutions, and all manner of challenges in this life. Enduring well is what brings us back to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Press forward in faith.

The Savior also speaks of His “other sheep.” For years we have associated that phrase with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas. In a study note I wrote on December 23, 2021, I recorded learning that missionaries in various parts of the world have encountered people whose traditions closely resemble teachings Christ gave to the Nephites. Some accounts suggest traditions in places like England and even Russia that echo similar teachings. I find that fascinating.

Another note I wrote years ago records a returned missionary sharing that a traveling patriarch once told missionaries in a fireside that he had given patriarchal blessings to individuals from every one of the lost tribes of Israel.

We truly are living in a remarkable time.

I am deeply thankful for the Book of Mormon and for the growing witness of its truthfulness. The Savior promised that nothing would remain hidden forever. Knowledge will come as we are ready to receive it.

What a gift.

What a blessing.

What a blessing it is to follow a Savior who teaches us how to discern, invites us to ask, and then helps us endure to the end.