Mormon loved the small plates of Nephi so much that he decided to include them in his book, even though he had already written a history covering the same time period. It seemed redundant, but as he explained, he loved these writings, particularly the prophecies of Christ, and he believed that his future readers would love them too. (See Words of Mormon 1:3-6.)
That was the rationale he provided, but he sensed that there was something more, a reason for including these plates that he could not fully explain:
I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.
Words of Mormon 1:7
Lehi and Jacob had both used the phrase “the workings of the Spirit” to describe personal revelation they had received. (See 2 Nephi 1:6, Jacob 4:15.) Now, Mormon adopts the phrase for the same purpose. It gives the impression that he is part of something bigger than himself, that the Spirit is helping him contribute to a bigger cause.
Sister Emily Belle Freeman referenced this passage to emphasize that God’s work is to improve us:
His is…a mission of ascension. He will work within us to lift us up to where He is and, in the process, enable us to become as He is.
“Walking in Covenant Relationship with Christ,” General Conference, October 2023
So even as the Spirit helps us contribute to something bigger than ourselves, it simultaneously helps us become something more than we were. Perhaps that’s why Nephi said, “I have workings in the spirit, which doth weary me even that all my joints are weak” (1 Nephi 19:20). Even as the Spirit is helping us to do God’s work, it is also working on us, purifying and sanctifying us.
Today, I will watch for the ways the Spirit of the Lord works with me. I will be grateful that, as I follow His voice, I can contribute to His work. I will also be grateful that, as I contribute to His work, He changes me and makes me better than I was before.
What a beautiful expression .. “it whispereth me” .. so intimate and personal
I agree. I really like that phrase. He doesn’t say, “It whispers to me,” but, “It whispers me,” which sounds more like he’s a full participant, not just a listener. Thanks for the comment!