Book of Mormon Monday

Scripture of the Day:

1 Nephi 15:6-11

  6 And it came to pass that after I had received ^astrength I spake unto my brethren, desiring to know of them the cause of their disputations.

  7 And they said: Behold, we cannot understand the words which our father hath spoken concerning the natural branches of the ^aolive-tree, and also concerning the Gentiles.

  8 And I said unto them: Have ye ^ainquired of the Lord?

  9 And they said unto me: ^aWe have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.

  10 Behold, I said unto them: How is it that ye do not keep the commandments of the Lord? How is it that ye will ^aperish, because of the hardness of your hearts?

  11 Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ^aask me in ^bfaith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.

Historical Background:

After Lehi had shared his vision of the Tree of Life with his family, Nephi desired to know for himself the things that had been taught to his father.  He sought the clarification of the Lord and received a powerful revelation explaining the meaning of their father's vision.  During this time, Nephi's brother began to debate the meaning of the vision and had been unable to grasp its meaning.  These verses are Nephi's response to his brothers.

Gospel Principles Outlined:

1) If we have questions about gospel principles, we can approach the Lord and receive an answer.

2) In order to receive the direction that we desire, we must have faith and we must be worthy.

3) Debate can never lead us to a complete understanding of gospel principles.

4) We must invite others to "inquire of the Lord."

5) Seek every opportunity to stop discord by referring people to the Savior for answers and comfort.

What I Learned Today:

It is not enough for us to seek and gain a witness ourselves.  Once we have come to a solution to our questions of the Lord, we must invite others to do the same.  I love that Nephi made sure that he had the requisite strength and then went about teaching his brothers about the witnesses that he had received from the Lord.  We should always be willing to strengthen other and do all that we can to share our testimony and faith with those around us that need the support.

I like the cross-references for "inquired:"

Cross-References from the Footnotes and Study Helps

1. 1. 2 Ne. 1: 25

   1.   25 And I exceedingly fear and tremble because of you, lest he shall suffer again; for behold, ye have ^aaccused him that he sought power and ^bauthority over you; but I know that he hath not sought for power nor authority over you, but he hath sought the glory of God, and your own eternal welfare.

2. 1. Mosiah 10: 14

   1.   14 And his brethren were ^awroth with him because they ^bunderstood not the dealings of the Lord; they were also wroth with him upon the waters because they hardened their hearts against the Lord.

3. 1. D&C 58: 33

   1.   33 Then they ^asay in their hearts: This is not the work of the Lord, for his promises are not fulfilled. But wo unto such, for their ^breward lurketh ^cbeneath, and not from above.

4. 1. TG Inquire

5. 1. TG Lord

6. 1. TG Problem-Solving

7. 1. IN Inquire

Things I Will Implement:

I will share the reason for my faith in God with more of those who need it.  I will demonstrate the process of receiving revelation to those close to me that are seeking answers to questions that they have in their lives.  I will love those who are struggling and support those who are in need.