A Great Treasure

I finished reading the Book of Mormon this morning. Have lost track of how many times I've read it. All I know is it's not as many as I'd like. This time around was easier, though, because I'd set aside a specific time to read every day -- early morning. It simply became part of my regular schedule, and I strongly recommend it, even if it means getting up a little earlier.

Seminary students may be prone to ask, "How much do I have to read to make it count?" It doesn't matter. I always avoid those reading programs that tell you how many chapters a day you need to read in order to get through the scriptures in a certain amount of time. Seems to me that those who get caught up in that end up more concerned about the destination than the journey. Read a little or a lot -- but do it every day.

Why every day? I will answer by asking you how important the following personal attributes are to you:

1) Discernment -- the ability to comprehend what might be hidden or obscured. Those who have this attribute or gift are able to observe things in others that reveal their true motives or warn them of potential problems in relationships. They are also more likely to make correct decisions. Is this something you desire?

2) Insight -- the ability to see beneath what lies on the surface; to understand doctrine more clearly; to have a clearer view of the spiritual and see things from an eternal perspective.

3) Conviction -- another word for testimony. Strong, not wavering. Built on a firm, not shaky foundation. Able to avoid temptation; to do the right thing even when nobody's watching.

4) Spirituality -- to be able, in spite of the noises of this world, to sense the quiet impressions that come from the Holy Ghost.

So what do these four attributes have to do with reading the Book of Mormon? Consider this statement by President Ezra Taft Benson: "I have noted within the Church a difference in discernment, insight, conviction, and spirit between those who know and love [not just read] the Book of Mormon and those who do not. That book is a great sifter" (Christmas fireside, 7 Dec. 1986).

Every day that sifting process is going on. Some seek the guidance of the voice of the Good Shepherd. Others go their own way, confident in their own ability to make it through life, or only turning to the Lord when everything around them is falling apart.

I have the conviction that we may find daily spiritual uplift, discover the miracle of forgiveness, and literally receive the assurance of how near the Lord really is to us if we will read from the Book of Mormon.