Traditions—repeated activities which carry a deeper meaning—can help us instill values in the next generation. However, the Book of Mormon points out that incorrect traditions can inhibit growth, and modern prophets emphasize that traditions alone are insufficient. We should cultivate faith-building traditions which encourage people to open their hearts and receive God's grace.
What and How to Teach Your Children
Moses and King Benjamin emphasized the importance of parents teaching our children spiritual truths. In modern revelation, the Lord specifically emphasized repentance, faith, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and prayer. President Nelson also explained the importance of teaching by persuasion, not by compulsion. How we teach is as important as what we teach.
Devoted to Study
Scripture study requires time and effort but leads to personal revelation and spiritual growth. Prophets like Nephi, Jacob, and Benjamin emphasized diligent searching of the scriptures. Jesus commanded us to study Isaiah and the other prophets. By dedicating time daily to the scriptures, we gain insights, improve decision-making, and prepare ourselves to share true principles.
Searching
We normally "search" for something in particular. But the Savior's instruction to "search the prophets," may have a more general meaning. We may benefit from simply asking what the prophets were trying to say and what their messages mean for us.
Retain the Name
Benjamin invited his people to take upon themselves the name of Christ after they had been spiritually reborn and had made a covenant with God. What more did they need to do? They needed to engage in the relationship. Relationships require effort. They are not static.
Language and Understanding
Following in the footsteps of his father, King Benjamin taught his sons "in all the language of his fathers, that thereby they might become men of understanding." To understand people better, we need to notice how they convert thoughts into words.
Josiah and Benjamin
Today I've been thinking about the parallels between two kings: Josiah, who reigned over Judah just before the Babylonian captivity (640-609 BCE), and Benjamin, who reigned over the Nephites about 500 years later. Both kings led their people in a spiritual reawakening. Here are some of their common experiences: ExperienceJosiahBenjaminInspired by the scripturesWas horrified when... Continue Reading →
“If They Pray Toward This Place…”
The Apostle Paul chided the Athenians for limiting God by thinking too narrowly about places of worship: God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and... Continue Reading →
Going to Egypt
I've been reflecting today on Abraham's time in Egypt. God led him to the land of Canaan and promised that his descendants would live there, but shortly after, Abraham and his family moved to Egypt, seeking relief from a severe famine. (See Genesis 12:6-10, Abraham 2:18-21.) Abraham's grandson Jacob moved to Egypt years later, again... Continue Reading →
A Book of Remembrance
Nephi opens the Book of Mormon by expressing gratitude to his parents for, among other things, the gift of literacy. He writes his record in his parents' language, which consists of "the learning of the Jews and the language of the Egyptians" (1 Nephi 1:2). Nephi's nephew, Enos, also expresses gratitude that his father taught... Continue Reading →