Bring Forth the Record Which Ye Have Kept – 3 Nephi 23:7-9

7 And it came to pass that he said unto Nephi: Bring forth the record which ye have kept.
8 And when Nephi had brought forth the records, and laid them before him, he cast his eyes upon them and said:
9 Verily I say unto you, I commanded my servant Samuel, the Lamanite, that he should testify unto this people, that at the day that the Father should glorify his name in me that there were many saints who should arise from the dead, and should appear unto many, and should minister unto them. And he said unto them: Was it not so?
(3 Nephi 23:7-9)

On the second day of Jesus Christ’s visit to the American continent, He emphasized the importance of scripture. He quoted extensively from Old Testament prophets (including a complete chapter from Isaiah) and urged the people to “search these things diligently” (3 Nephi 23:1).

Then, He said, “Behold, other scriptures I would that ye should write, that ye have not” (3 Nephi 23:6). With that context, He requested that Nephi bring Him the records which had been kept. Upon examining this record, He pointed out an omission: Samuel the Lamanite had made some prophecies which had been fulfilled but that fact had not been included in their records. Needless to say, Nephi and the other disciples quickly rectified the situation.

I’ve been thinking today about this event. Why did the Savior care so much about this omission from the records? I can think of at least three possible reasons:

1. When we write our spiritual experiences, we are more likely to remember them.
2. Future generations may benefit from reading about our spiritual experiences.
3. Taking the time and making the effort to record a spiritual experience is a way of showing that it is meaningful to us

Today, I’m particularly focused on the last of those reasons. Elder Richard G. Scott encouraged us all to write down the impressions we receive through the Spirit as a way of inviting additional revelation:

Knowledge carefully recorded is knowledge available in time of need. Spiritually sensitive information should be kept in a sacred place that communicates to the Lord how you treasure it. That practice enhances the likelihood of your receiving further light (“Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge,” General Conference, October 1993).

Today, I will recommit to write down experiences and impressions which are meaningful to me. I will remember that these writings may fulfill multiple purposes, but that, first and foremost, they demonstrate to my Heavenly Father that I value the knowledge and experiences I have received from Him.