36 And now behold, as I spake concerning those whom the Lord hath chosen, yea, even three who were caught up into the heavens, that I knew not whether they were cleansed from mortality to immortality–
37 But behold, since I wrote, I have inquired of the Lord, and he hath made it manifest unto me that there must needs be a change wrought upon their bodies, or else it needs be that they must taste of death;
Mormon sets a great example in this chapter of continuing spiritual education.
Earlier in the chapter, he admits that he doesn’t know whether the three Nephite disciples underwent a physical change when the Savior promised they would never die. Were their bodies mortal or immortal after that time, he wonders (3 Nephi 28:17).
Then, he turns his attention to the things he does know: that they ministered to the people, that they taught and baptized many, and that their lives were miraculously preserved numerous times (3 Nephi 28:18-23).
Later in the chapter, he comes back to the original question. He has asked the Lord in prayer and has received an answer: Their bodies were changed, not resurrected, but transformed so that they are no longer subject to pain and temptation.
Notice the pattern:
- He candidly acknowledges what he does not know.
- He testifies of what he does know.
- He privately asks the Lord specific questions, and listens patiently for the answers.
- Eventually, the answers come.
Today, I will follow Mormon’s example. I will acknowledge what I do know and what I don’t know. I will teach what I do know to others. And I will ask Heavenly Father specific questions about the things I do not know, believing that He will lead me to the answers I seek.
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