What I Learned from the Book of Mormon in 2024

I have grown closer to God through my study of the Book of Mormon this year. In particular, I have recommitted to the following simple actions:

1. Proactively believe.

King Benjamin invited his people to believe immediately after they declared their belief. Why would he do that? To emphasize that they were at the beginning of a journey, and that faith is a choice.

We choose to believe by slowing down and recognizing the wonders around us. We choose to belive by trusting God’s timing. We also create an environment for belief by honestly acknowledging what we don’t know. Uncertainty makes belief possible. Perhaps the simple statement, “I don’t know,” unlocks the door for us to say, “I believe.”

2. Become a less distracted disciple.

Zenos’s allegory of the olive tree, as quoted by Jacob, taught me a lot about spiritual growth. When my “branches” (activities, responsibilities, and scheduled events) become too numerous, they may take “strength unto themselves,” overpowering the roots (my fundamental goals). It’s important to prune lower-priority activities and trust the roots.

Fortunately, we have help in our efforts to simplify. The Lord does not refer to His church as a “community,” but He does call the priesthood a “holy order.” Those who participate in the order of God do things His way and work together in unity.

The ordinance of the sacrament gives us an opportunity each week to practice the discipline of focusing our thoughts on things that matter most.

3. Humble myself.

King Noah taught me that pride leads us to avoid hearing hard truths. When we focus on the messenger, overreact, or look for people who will validate our point of view, we may be rejecting messages we need to hear.

Moroni demonstrated the importance of being aware of our imperfections and rooting for others to be successful. I also love his father’s statement, “I judge better things of you.” God can help us identify and accentuate positive attributes and accomplishments in others.

4. Embrace and share the joy of the gospel.

Enos prayed all day and into the night because he remembered his father’s words about “eternal life and the joy of the saints.” Perhaps he detected a gap between his own feelings and the joy his father had described. He found that joy and peace through earnest prayer.

Moroni paraphrased two passages of Isaiah to emphasize the joy which the gospel of Jesus Christ brings into our lives. That’s why Isaiah urged us to shout the message of the gospel from the mountaintops.

It’s important to remember, as Jesus taught, that our happiness is dependent on overcoming the human tendency to argue and fight with one another. We need to overcome contention and live peaceably with the people around us.

5. Receive His grace.

Jesus Christ will only change us if we’re willing to be changed. That’s why Alma taught that God’s work of justice can only be brought about “on conditions of repentance.”

Samuel the Lamanite prophesied that at the time of the Savior’s death, mountains would be laid low and valleys would be lifted up. The Savior can smooth our rough edges, bring us down to earth in the areas where we are proud, raise us up where we might lack confidence, and help us straighten out the crooked parts of our lives.

So it’s not surprising that Moroni ends the entire Book of Mormon with a series of exhortations about being good receivers. He particularly urges us to ponder the messages in the book, seek and receive revelation from God, deny not His gifts and His power, and ultimately, receive His grace, so that we can become perfected and sanctified.