Ministering Message (June 2021)

I came across this quote that I absolutely love.

“Often we spend great effort in trying to increase the activity levels in our stakes. We work diligently to raise the percentages of those attending sacrament meetings. We labor to get a higher percentage of our young men on missions. We strive to improve the numbers of those marrying in the temple. All of these are commendable efforts and important to the growth of the kingdom. But when individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, these other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow.”

-President Ezra Taft Benson (The Power of the Word, April 1986)

A common discussion in the church is centered on how we can help others deepen their conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. How can we encourage _____ to come to church more often? How can we inspire _____ to proceed with the next ordinance? How can we help _____ to get to the temple? Etc.

There are of course many answers to these questions, and there is no one answer for everyone. But, according to a Prophet of God, one of the primary keys to this puzzle is immersing in the scriptures.

Speaking for myself, I can testify this is true. When I am diligent in filling my life with the word of God, life is better. My trials don’t disappear, but my perspective changes in a way that I am better able to handle them.

So, my challenge for you is twofold:

1. If you are not immersing yourself in the scriptures as much as you’d like, start TODAY to do better.

2. Have a conversation with the families you minister to about their scripture study. Help each other to figure out how to be better.