Not only will the word of God lead us to the fruit which is
desirable above all others, but in the word of God and through it we can find
the power to resist temptation, the power to thwart the work of Satan and his
emissaries.
The word of God, as found in the scriptures, in the words of
living prophets, and in personal revelation, has the power to fortify the
Saints and arm them with the Spirit so they can resist evil, hold fast to the
good, and find joy in this life.
(Quoting President Harold B. Lee) “There are those who have
seemed to forget that the most powerful weapons the Lord has given us against
all that is evil are His own declarations, the plain simple doctrines of
salvation as found in the scriptures.” (Ezra Taft Benson, “Power of the Word,”
General Conference Apr. 1986)
Being in the scriptures, especially The Book of Mormon, keeps me focused on the Savior and His teachings. I think that is my first priority in developing a firm testimony of Jesus Christ because so many other supports to my testimony follow “being in the scriptures”. First of all, I must rely on the Lord for inspiration as I read, which means asking for it in prayer. To receive inspiration I must be worthy of the Holy Ghost. Being worthy involves taking advantage of the great gift of the Atonement and following the example of the Savior. As I repent, I want to renew my covenants, so I go before the Lord each week to partake of the emblems of His sacrifice and I promise to be obedient. Being obedient requires knowing and keeping His word and His law. Through listening to our prophets and reading the scriptures I can know the law. Through the divine gift of agency, which was kept in tact for me by Christ’s willing sacrifice, I can experience and learn from the consequences of my obedient or disobedient choices. All of these tools, and more, have been provided for me to build my testimony of Jesus Christ. In my life, these tools are best jump started and supported by my “being in the scriptures.”
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