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Words of Mormon - Mosiah 2

Well we have finally hit the point where we transition from the Small Plates of Nephi to the Large Plates of Nephi and Mormon squeezes a few of his thoughts in during the transition process.  As I read The Words of Mormon I am always caught up in the same phrasing he uses in his writings, "And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me.  And now, I do no know all things but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will." (WoM 1:7) The phrase of "for a wise purpose" just like Nephi would say.  The wise purpose we now know is because of the events found in Doctrine and Covenants 10, where Martin Harris looses the 116 pages, basically the entire book of Lehi.  How many times have you been prompted to do something and you didn't know? Do you wonder why you must experience what is going on in the world right now? I find it such a comfort and reminder here in Words of Mormon that there is a God and He is in charge.  He has a plan and purpose for everything He asks me to do.  I just need to trust Him and follow through with the promptings and commandments given.

This leads us into Mosiah.  King Benjamin is getting old and ready to hand over the kingdom over.  He prepares his son's by teaching them both the language of his fathers but also in the language of the spirit so they can become men of understanding (Mosiah 1:2).  In my own personal study this year I always find myself drawn to this word "understanding." I think part of it may come from the objective for all seminary teachers which is:

"Our purpose is to help youth and young adults understand and rely on the teachings
and Atonement of Jesus Christ, qualify for the blessings of the temple, and prepare
themselves, their families, and others for eternal life with their Father in Heaven."

When I normally think about understanding I  go straight to "knowing something" like how a math problem works, or the instructions for the assignment, or knowing the process of how to do something but understanding is also "the ability to perceive something or interpret something." And one of those things we come to understand, perceive, and interpret is the "mysteries of God" (Mosiah 1:3). After all that I find myself wondering am I understanding the messages God has for me? As I make an effort to study my scriptures am I learning to perceive and interpret them better? Do I really understand at all?

 Well hopefully that gives you  some food for thought.  I am not going to share anything from Mosiah 2 today because you guys are all experts since it is a Doctrinal Mastery chapter, Mosiah 2:19 - "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." Just a reminder from President Dallin H. Oaks:

"If our service is to be most efficacious (effective or successful, yes I had to look it up), it must be accomplished for the love of God & the love of His children." (General Conference, Oct. 1984)

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