Words Matter: 5 Inspiring Ways to Diligently Heed Sacred Words
Words matter, taught Elder Ronald A. Rasband in April 2024 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
- the Lord’s words matter
- the words of the prophets matter
- our words matter
In this post I share thoughts on the Lord’s words and the words of the prophets. Part Two will focus on our words.
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Zeezrom, the Anti-Christ
As I ponder Elder Rasband’s teachings about words, my desire to be more intentional with words increases.
A story in the Book of Mormon serves as a bold reminder of the responsibility that is ours to use words wisely. Alma the Younger, a Book of Mormon prophet, speaking to the anti-Christ Zeezrom, taught:
Justice and Mercy
“For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence.
But this cannot be; we must come forth and stand before him in his glory, and in his power, and in his might, majesty, and dominion, and acknowledge to our everlasting shame that all his judgments are just; that he is just in all his works, and that he is merciful unto the children of men, and that he has all power to save every man that believes on his name and brings forth fruit meet for repentance.” Alma 12: 14-15
The final words in verse 15 offer such hope! When we, in our day, fall short of studying and obeying the words of the Lord and the prophets, when our words and works and thoughts combine to condemn us, we can repent and strive diligently to increase our obedience to the word of the Lord and the prophets. I am deeply grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ that enables me to get back on my spiritual feet each time I fall.
Consider
How has the Atonement of Jesus Christ blessed you on your spiritual journey?
How has studying and applying God’s word enriched your life?
Are you content with your current study of God’s word, or do you desire to increase your efforts?
The Mysteries of God
In verses 9-11 of Chapter 12, Alma explains to Zeezrom the outcome of those who heed the word of God with diligence, opposed to those who don’t:
“It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.
And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receives the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he knows them in full.
And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries, and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.”
Consider
Do you desire the greater portion of the word, and to be shown the mysteries of God?
What do you suppose Zeezrom, the anti-Christ desired, after listening to Alma expound on the word of God?
Spoiler alert!
Zeezrom ultimately repented of his anti-Christ teachings, was baptized, and joined Alma in his missionary efforts to the apostate Zoramites. The Zoramites were “dissenters from the Nephites: therefore they had had the word of God preached unto them. But they had fallen into great errors, for they would not observe to keep the commandments of God.” Alma 31: 8-9
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More Powerful Than The Sword
As bad as the Zoramites sound, perhaps each of us can relate. How often is the word of God preached to us, yet we choose to not keep the commandments of God?
The solution to our dilemma is the same as the one Alma chose when preaching to the Zoramites:
His solution? The preaching of the word.
“And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just–yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them–therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.” Alma 31:5
Did the Zoramites heed Alma’s warnings and repent of their rebellious ways? >>>
Continuous Revelation
By heeding with greater diligence God’s word and the words of the prophets, we will become worthy to receive the greater portion of the word, and to know the mysteries of God. Of this outpouring of continuous revelation our current prophet President Russell M. Nelson said:
“Regardless of where you live or what your circumstances are, the Lord Jesus Christ is your Savior, and God’s prophet Joseph Smith is your prophet. He was foreordained before the foundation of the earth to be the prophet of this last dispensation, when nothing shall be withheld from the Saints. Revelation continues to flow from the Lord during this ongoing process of restoration.” “Hear Him,” (April 2020 general conference)
I testify that the Bible and the Book of Mormon are the word of God. The principles of truth that lie within the pages of these books have the power to change lives. The Book of Mormon was specifically saved for our day. It provides a much needed light in a darkening world. Learn more about the Book of Mormon.
Book of Mormon Study
Begin your own study of the Book of Mormon with this Book of Mormon Made Easier Set, which include a chronological map.
Take Action
Below are five practical ways to diligently heed the sacred words of the Lord and his prophets:
- Scripture Memorization: Use this method to record and memorize scripture in five minutes a day. I use this method for scripture memorization and have benefited greatly from having memorized scripture stored in my heart and mind.
- Keep Books Open: When reading from your scriptures or Liahona magazine, leave your copy open on your nightstand to make reading from its pages more convenient.
- Record Personal Insights: Treasure any insights you have while studying sacred words by recording them in a journal. Personal revelation is a gift from God that must be earned; never treat it lightly when it is received. This journal comes in a variety of sizes and colors for men, women, and children.
- Engage in Discussion: Engage in a spiritual discussion with a trusted friend about the words you are reading. Invite them to encourage you to apply what you are learning to your life, and offer support when needed.
- Pray Diligently: Combine your deepening study of God’s words and the words of the prophets with more heartfelt prayer. Pray for a deepened understanding of the words you read. Record answers to prayers in your journal. Learn more about prayer with Prayer Quotes and Inspiration.
What other actions steps do you recommend?
