How has the Book of Mormon changed your life?
Our speaker in sacrament meeting said she's often heard other speakers say the Book of Mormon has changed their life, but they never expounded on how or why, and so she decided that would be her subject - How has the Book of Mormon changed my life?
She shared four different reasons, each of which resonated with me, and motivated me to consider my answer to the question as well.
1 - Because of the Book of Mormon, I was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
She started by stating that her life was changed even before she was born, with a grandfather who read the Book of Mormon and was baptized in 1833. I had never even considered that this could be a way in which my life was changed, but it obviously is. My pioneer great-great-great grandparents didn't necessarily leave a record that the Book of Mormon led to their conversions, but they did say they heard missionaries preach and felt the truth. I imagine those missionaries used the Book of Mormon in their proselyting.
2 - Because of the Book of Mormon, I have a desire to repent.
Repentance means change, so every time we repent, our lives are changed! The Book of Mormon helps us understand the need for repentance, the role our Savior and His Atonement play in that process, and also motivates me to want to change and repent.
3 - Because of the Book of Mormon, I am a better parent.
One of my favorite memories of raising children is using the scripture in Mosiah 4:14-15 as a way to enlist my children's cooperation in being kind to each other. There are many other principles taught in this book that will help us be better parents, if we will just apply the teachings.
4 - Because of the Book of Mormon, I have an eternal perspective.
Knowing that this life isn't the end is a factor in many life-changing decisions.
In addition to these reasons, I've realized the Book of Mormon has changed my life through individual scriptures that helped me along life's journey.
"Learn wisdom in your youth, yea, learn in your youth to keep the commandments of God."
As a teenager, I took this counsel found in Alma 37:35 seriously. In addition to studying hard in school, I attended seminary and studied the scriptures. The principles I learned there, and the testimony of truth that I gained, changed my life for the better.
"We lived after the manner of happiness." (2 Nephi 5:27)
As an adult, I strive to follow the pattern described in this verse - work hard, be kind, follow the prophet, attend the temple, read the scriptures and apply them - and I have found peace and happiness.
"If you have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, then can you feel so now?" (Alma 5:26)
This was a favorite scripture of my dad, and it has become one of my favorite scriptures as well. I have felt the testimony of truth, and I want to feel it always. That has changed my life.
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