Spencer W. Kimball Chapter 6

[Dia Minha]

“The Lord is not trifling with us when he gives us these things, for 'unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required'. Access to these things means responsibility for them. We must study the scriptures according to the Lord’s commandment; . . .”
We have been given scriptures, new and old, and have been commanded to read them. We will be held responsible for what we do not know, because we have been given the opportunity to learn all that we desire. We have been blessed to live in such a world that there is information around every corner. In fact, even this afternoon has a searched for my Pres. Kimball manual and could not find it, I was able to access the chapter on-line. I have every opportunity to learn and if I choose not to, I will be held accountable.


“Every lesson in ethical standards and in proper spiritual living is found in the standard works.”
I have always had a hard time connecting “temporal” and “spiritual” matters. Reading this just reaffirmed what Diva encouraged me to do about my laundry situation. I’m not going to be able to look up “Laundry Day” in the topical guide and get a scripture reference that is going to tell me to be humble. However, if we can remember that all things are spiritual and are willing to put out the effort to discover the underlying cause of our temporal problem then we will be able to find the answer in the scriptures, which I have been able to do. I am positive I will have much to share on this at a later time.


“All through the scriptures every weakness and strength of man has been portrayed, and rewards and punishments have been recorded. One would surely be blind who could not learn to live life properly by such reading. The Lord said, ‘Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.’ And it was this same Lord and master in whose life we find every quality of goodness: godliness, strength, controls, perfection. And how can students study this great story without capturing some of it in their lives?”
There were many things I loved about this quote, however I wanted to just mention one. The words that stuck out to me the most was “great story”. I have never had a problem with searching and reading the scriptures and finding a single scripture that I can study and dissect and learn from. However, I have always struggled with reading and understanding the scriptures as a story. I need to remember that the stories told in the scriptures are great in themselves and to take the time to read, study, and learn the whole story and relate the whole story to my life and not just individual references themselves. Again I refer to my “Laundry Day” problems. I might not be able to find a single references that is going to help me solve the chaos of my laundry situation, however, somewhere in the scriptures I am sure there is a story that, if I’m willing to learn, will teach me what I need to know to manage. I read a book recently called, Confessions of an Unbalanced Women where the author talked about this very thing. It is a wonderful uplifting easy to read script. I would encourage any “housewife” to read and reread it often.



“I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns. I find myself loving more intensely those whom I must love with all my heart and mind and strength, and loving them more, I find it easier to abide their counsel.”
I had an experience with this just today. There was not once, but twice today at church where I felt judged, because of what someone else had said. Both times, I had people comment on something my children were or were not doing and how they should be doing it. In both situations I was doing all that I could to fulfill my church calling and support my husband in his. I don’t think they were even aware that I heard or even comprehended what he/she was doing. In other words, I don’t think he/she said this to hurt me in any way, but it did. I came home and was very frustrated, lonely and overwhelmed. And as I was trying to get my five little ones fed and deal with my anger, and because I skipped breakfast to be on time for church, my own hunger pains, I found myself letting these situations control how I felt. It wasn’t until I had the good sense, to finish reading this lesson and get my thoughts posted today, because I probably wouldn’t get it done any other day, that I was able to calm down and remind myself that these people that were involved today are my brothers and sisters and I love them, and they love me. In all honesty they were giving counsel, not to me, but to my children, and I should have been able to take that in the light it was given. I still feel like it could have been handle differently, better, yet I have since lost the overwhelming feeling of being frustrated and lonely. I know this is because of what happens while we are reading the words of the prophets, new and old. We will be able to feel closer to our Heavenly Father and become more like Christ. We will be able to practice humility and be more open to what we need and to learn.


Now usually I would go through each of the study questions and answer them for myself. However, I’m feeling a little drained, so I will just finish with the following scripture.

“And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and you God, have spoken it. These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man; For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them; Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words.” (D&C 18: 33-36)
I just thought this was so powerful. If we could just remember how blessed we are to have access to so much “scripture” and knowing that it is truly the voice of the Lord, we would be able to more fulling appreciate that which we have been given, and use it to its absolute possibilities.

If any of you have not heard and learned the song “Scripture Power” I recommend you do so. Even though it is meant for Primary age children, it is a very powerful and uplifting song. You can access the music here: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]


Dia

[Mamallama]

Chapter 6 Discovering the Scriptures for Ourselves
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences Dia, and for how directly you were able to apply what you’ve learned to help you through painful challenges you faced today. You set such a great example!

I loved this lesson.
Studying this lesson really has given me a sense of renewed gratitude for living in these the latter days with the restored gospel on this earth. President Kimball stated: “Sometimes it seems we take the scriptures too much for granted because we do not fully appreciate how rare a thing it is to possess them, and how blessed we are because we do have them.”
“The fact that I was not born in the times of spiritual darkness in which the heavens were silent and the Spirit withdrawn fills my soul with gratitude.”

I can’t even begin to comprehend what it must have been to like to live back in the days of spiritual darkness. To not have scriptures and priesthood power upon the earth. How cold, dark and awful, I think it must have been. I am so grateful to have the scriptures by my bedside, to have the ability to refer to them any time I want to. I think far too often I take these blessings for granted. I need to renew my efforts to study the scriptures more deeply…to REALLY “feast upon the word of Christ”(2Nephi) everyday.
I searched through the lesson to try and find all of the blessings President Kimball tells us that we can receive if we will “energetically pursue” to study the scriptures.
Some of which are:
** We will find answers to our problems.
** Have peace in our hearts.
** The Holy Ghost will broaden our understanding.
** We will find new insights.
** We will witness an unfolding pattern of all scripture,
** The Doctrines of the Lord will have more meaning to us.
** We shall have greater wisdom with which to guide ourselves and our
families.

** Our love will increase for our Maker, the Gospel, the Church, and
for our brethren.

** The sure knowledge of the Father and the Son can be affirmed by the
Spirit through our study of the scriptures.

** And, as we follow the direction and examples found in the scriptures
of the prophets and leaders and of the Savior, we can be perfected,
be happy, and full of joy.
Very motivating thoughts for me!!!! What great love our Father in Heaven has for us to give us prophets, the scriptures, the Holy Ghost, and most of all His Beloved Son, to lead us, guide us and direct us. I am so grateful for this gospel!

President Kimball also said:

“Many have been baptized and received a testimony, and have gotten into this straight and narrow path, yet have failed to take the further required step----to press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end.”

“For one cannot receive eternal life without becoming a “doer of the word” and being VALIANT in obedience to the Lord’s commandments. And one cannot become a “doer of the word” without first becoming a hearer.” And to become a “hearer” is not simply to stand idly by and wait for chance bits of information: it is to SEEK out and STUDY and PRAY and COMPREHEND.”

I have so much to work on, and have to remind myself at the same time of doing things“line upon line…” My thinking right now is on the word VALIANT. That’s what I would like to one day become---How do we become valiant??? How do we raise our children to desire to be and to become Valiant….…any thoughts anyone????

[Mamallama]

I remember my Dad telling me when I was little, that we should strive to become Humble, but the moment we think to ourselves "I am Humble" we have lost humility again. I imagine to become a Valiant person, goes along the same lines. One cannot think to themself, "Oh I am so valiant now" without then losing their valiance.

I guess I'm thinking about, what qualities make up a Valiant person? President Hinckley comes to mind as being a Valiant person. What qualities does he have that have led him to become so valiant?

[foxyroxy]

This is a thought on being Valiant, A primary song came to my mind. I am not sure what it is called its starts out "The Lord needs valiant servants to do his work in the Latter Days".... it goes on to talk about standing for truth and righteousness. I think we need to constantly remind ourselves and our children to stand for truth and righteousness in every situation we are facing.

Thank you so much for your insights on this lesson.

[Dia Minha]

Mama, thanks for listing the blessings we will receive. Sometimes the effort that is put in is made more worthwhile if we are aware of what we can expect when we do what we have been taught.