The Book of Mormon contains many plain and precious truths that were lost with the many translations of the Holy Bible. As an ancient scriptural text that members of The Church of Jesus Christ (sometimes mistakenly called the “Mormon” Church) know to be a true book of scripture, the Book of Mormon with the Bible testifies of the divinity of Christ and His commandments for us in these days. However, the Book of Mormon contains stories and prophecies that are much clearer in intention and in persuading men to be better than any other book I have read. All the commandments and attributes contained within are very relevant to our day, though some stick out more than others depending on what stage of life one may be in when reading.
One lesson found early in the book is a lesson on agency and entitlement, taught by both the words and deeds of a prophet named Nephi (nee-fie).
The Book of Mormon is made up of many books written by the prophets who inhabited the ancient American continent. The first was written by Nephi. In 1 Nephi 15, Nephi is trying to explain to his older brothers, Laman and Lemuel, the revelations he and his father have been given. However, his brothers aren’t receptive and think they are without fault, like many people might feel in their situation.
In 1 Nephi 15:8, Nephi records, “And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?” His older brothers’ response, “We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.”
Laman and Lemuel’s response represents many of us when faced with a challenge.They are sort of willing enough to listen to what is told to them; however, they have no desire to actually go and find out something for themselves.
We should be actively engaged in our learning, both temporal and spiritual.
Too often, especially as a student, I’ve noticed this mentality with those who attend classes. Students look to be entertained, to have the answers simply given to them. They would like to learn, however they lack the desire to seek and be taught. A critical part of learning is action. On campuses nationwide, not just BYU, students know that the fastest way to failure is to just show up at class, and the fastest way to success is to engage oneself in their own education by actively pursuing knowledge.
Knowledge is ability, and ability precedes success. Instead of feeling entitled to learn and then do nothing about it, go and seek after your own knowledge, both in spiritual and secular endeavors, and you will come to understand the truth of all things. Christ said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Luke 11:9).
This lesson from the Book of Mormon can be applied in other places, not just in circles of education. Have you ever seen how much of our daily news is simply rumors? There is an incredible amount of unsubstantiated claims in the world around us, and the amount of it we take as truth is appalling. It is a great practice to seek after the truth in all situations. Fact check as much as you want.
However, I know one way to know the truth of all things, and that is through prayer. Prayer is direct communication between God and an individual. When you pray in faith, you are lifting your thoughts and words to the heavens to the most powerful being in the universe, the Omnipotent, Omnipresent God of Heaven and Earth.
We can seek answers from the Lord through prayer.
He only speaks truth through the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, or the Holy Spirit as some call him. Why, then, would anyone sit around and wait for knowledge to simply be given to them? Or, even worse, why would anyone say there is no way to know the truth for sure, so they give up the pursuit? With an all-knowing God in Heaven who loves us and wants us to know the truth of all things, it is sheer foolishness to think that truth is never an option.
Thus it is perfectly logical that Nephi asks first, “Have you inquired of the Lord?” to his brothers, and follows it up with a great statement about God. He says, “Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said? – If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you” (1 Nephi 15:11).
I echo Nephi’s words with what I know to be true: I know that if you ask God with a sincere heart, truly seeking truth, the Holy Spirit will manifest the truth unto you if you are receptive to its promptings. May we not be like the rest of the world, confused by a lack of truth. Let us be proactive and find the knowledge that will always benefit us.
This article was written by Andrew L., a student at Brigham Young University and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Additional Resources
One of my favorite examples from the Book of Mormon is the beginning story of Lehi and his family. Lehi showed tremendous courage in following the Lord, even when it was hard to leave Jerusalem, even when his family complained and he didn’t know exactly what would happen next. Through it all, when he knew it was the right thing to do, he stayed firm to what he believed God wanted him to do.
He’s an inspiring example of who I hope to be as a father.