As we fix ourselves to accomplish the Come Follow Me program in our homes and in our personal lives, It makes me think about Alma 31:5, and what it might be like to really be changed just by reading, hearing, living, and teaching the word of God.
“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.”
There are so many examples from the scriptures of how we can actually see the power of what the word of God can do in the lives of people. Just think of all the times Moses preached to the Israelites. They shouted for joy and covenanted, just like the Nephites did after King Benjamin’s speech. (See Exodus 24:3-8, Mosiah 5:2.)
Listening to Prophets
How many prophets were sent to convert a wicked people? Think of Enoch, Jonah, Alma and Amulek. And it was the word of God that stirred in their minds and the powerful spirit that touched their hearts.
In several places in our scriptures, we learn that “the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword … and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, 1 Nephi 16:2, D&C 11:2). Yet, we also learn that “the pleasing word of God … healeth the wounded soul” (Jacob 2:8). Does that depend on the state of your heart?
As Alma describes his singular experience when the wrath of God pulls him into the depths of hell, he “remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world” (Alma 36:17). At this thought, he remembered that he could call upon Jesus for help and suddenly “I could remember my pains no more … my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain” (Alma 36:20-22). It was remembering the words his father preached that he realized who to turn to for help, mercy, and forgiveness. And Jesus was there.
The Example of the Anti-Nephi-Lehis
The story of the Anti-Nephi-Lehis is astounding when you think of their dark traditional beliefs to kill for pleasure all Nephites on sight. Yet, “they did all declare unto the people the self-same thing … many that did believe in their words” (Alma 19:33, 35). And because of these Lamanites’ examples, even more were converted.
Because the Anti-Nephi-Lehis refused to pick up their swords, instead they would “lie down and perish and praise God even in the very act of perishing under the sword” (Alma 24:23). This example stopped the killing-Lamanites cold, so even they lay their weapons down. As a result, “the people of God were joined that day by more than the number who had been slain” (Alma 24:25). What an amazing testimony and demonstration of faith, love, and devotion to God and His word!
The Real Power of the Book of Mormon
There are many other events that show the power of the word of God in the lives of people. But along with them are the powerful moments where these great prophets speak to us from the dust with such truth that we can’t help but feel the spirit as we utter their testimonies of God and His precious doctrine.
And this is so important to realize: “Two relevant challenges are both prevalent and significant. The first is unkindness, violence, and domestic abuse. The second is sexual immorality and impure thoughts. … Immersion in the scriptures is essential for spiritual nourishment. … The word of God inspires commitment and acts as a healing balm for hurt feelings, anger, or disillusionment” (Cook). Does hearkening to the words of God that are in the Book of Mormon really help us overcome these worldly sicknesses? I believe so.
James E. Faust offered these words, “What is the greatest need in the world? Is not the greatest need in all of the world for every person to have a personal, ongoing, daily, continuing relationship with the Savior?”
Teaching the Word of God
There are so many people seeking happiness in this life and they know not where to find it, but we do. It is in the words of our God, specifically in the Book of Mormon. Henry B. Eyring taught, “Open the minds of people to see spiritual things not visible to the natural eye … open the heart to feelings of the love of God and a love for truth.”
Elder Quentin L. Cook quoted President George Albert Smith with this council, “Your mission … is to … warn the people … in as kind a way as possible that repentance will be the only panacea for the ills of this world.”
And when it comes to our children, J. Reuben Clark said, “they are hungry for the things of the spirit, they are eager to learn the gospel, and they want it straight, undiluted, …” (as quoted by Jeffrey R. Holland).
Teaching the pure words of God truly propels the spirit to come in and burn within our hearts. Whether we are wicked or righteous, the sword will cut through our souls either to burn out impurity or burn with joy. It is our duty and responsibility to preach, with testimony, to our children as we ourselves set the example for one another.
These are just a few conference talks on this topic that are worth reading:
Henry B. Eyring, “The Power of Teaching Doctrine”, April 1999.
James E. Faust, “A Personal Relationship with the Savior,” Nov. 1976.
Jeffrey R. Holland, “A Teacher Come from God,” Apr. 1998.
Quentin L. Cook, “Can Ye Feel So Now?” Oct. 2012.