The Book of Mormon puts me such a thoughtful mood. I started reading it from the beginning again today and, can I just stop here and say I love this book? Seriously. It is a miracle. Go read it.
Anyway, as I began to read the Book of Mormon again I was paying attention to the words and example of Nephi. He always seems to teach me something, and this time was no different. This time, he reminded me of the importance of seeking.
"And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Blessed art thou, Nephi, because of thy faith, for thou hast sought me diligently, with lowliness of heart" (1 Ne. 2:19).
" . . . I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him . . . For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round" (1 Ne. 10:17, 19).
Nephi wanted us to know that it was not his bloodline, wealth, position, or even his righteousness alone that gave him his special relationship with God, but his desire to know. When Nephi's father Lehi had a vision that resulted in him leading his family into the wilderness, I am sure that the Lord would have been pleased if Nephi had simply believed in his father's visions, especially since his brothers Laman and Lemuel did not. But what really cemented Nephi's relationship with the Lord was his desire to find out for himself. He sought the Lord for his own, personal testimony, and was given all that he asked for and more.
I think I have been too content for too long. I have been going along with the gospel in the way that Nephi could have merely gone along with his father. I have not questioned my testimony of the gospel, but maybe in not questioning my testimony I have also not questioned, period.
Well, today I am reminded of how much the Lord likes questions, and especially when the questions come from a sincere seeker. So let's never be afraid to seek Him.
