The Book of Mormon: Handbook for Life

Over the past several weeks, I've been thinking a lot about the Book of Mormon and how much it has blessed my life. I want to share my personal experience with the Book of Mormon, why I love it so much, and how I know it's true.

Just up front, I'm not going to explain what the Book of Mormon is. So if you don't know what it is, where it came from, or what it's about, check out this link: http://mormon.org/book-of-mormon/. It's really clear and informative. If you have any further questions, feel free to comment and I'll do my best to answer them. If you're interested in reading the Book of Mormon, you can also request a free copy for yourself at that website.

I have been reading from the Book of Mormon since I was a child with my family and in church, and since I was an adolescent I've read the Book of Mormon all the way through on my own probably about 20 times. I don't have it memorized and I certainly don't understand every passage. But I understand the way I feel when I read it. Reading the Book of Mormon brings me peace, assurance, and strength. From its pages, I've learned invaluable lessons, I've received personalized instruction, and I've come to understand my Savior as I've studied His interactions with the people in the Americas. I have felt His love for me time and time again as I've read certain passages that have spoken to my soul like nothing else could. I know it is true because I know it comes from God.

The Book of Mormon is the greatest handbook for life that I have. Elder Richard G. Scott, a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, "Throughout the ages, Father in Heaven has inspired select men and women to find, through the guidance of the Holy Ghost, solutions to life's most perplexing problems. He has inspired those authorized servants to record those solutions as a type of handbook for those of His children who have faith in His plan of happiness and in His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ." He goes on to say that we have access to that guidance through the scriptures, including the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I love the Bible and I have received some very precious inspiration by reading its pages. The Book of Mormon, though, is incredibly clear and easy to understand and apply, something that isn't always true of the Bible. Together, the Bible and Book of Mormon offer a complete, crystal-clear guide for how to deal with difficult situations, how to treat those around us, how to be happy now, and ultimately how to return to our Heavenly Father after this life. The Book of Mormon is called "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" because, along with other scripture, it shows us that the answers to those perplexing problems involve Jesus Christ. On a regular basis, I find scriptures in the Book of Mormon that show me exactly what I need to do to be happy or to overcome something I'm struggling with. It is an indispensable source of truth and light for me.

The Book of Mormon has also been my tether to God. By studying the Book of Mormon every day, I have remained close to my Heavenly Father and my Savior. There was a time in my life when I was really struggling with being the kind of person I wanted to be. I was slacking on a lot of things I knew I should be doing. I felt very distant from God, and, as a result, I was unhappy. Early in my life, though, I had established a habit of reading the Book of Mormon every day. During that dark time, even though my study wasn't incredible or life-changing, I still read every day. Looking back, I know that's what kept me within reach of God. I never strayed very far and I have since corrected a lot of the things I was struggling with. I know it was because, even without trying, I was able to have even a small dose of the Spirit every day by opening the pages of the Book of Mormon and allowing my Heavenly Father to teach me something and show His love for me. The Book of Mormon has literally saved my life, spiritually-speaking.

I'm no scholar. I don't understand everything about theology and I don't have all the answers to questions that are often presented about my religion, and more specifically about the Book of Mormon. All I can do is testify that I know this book comes from God. I know it's true because every time I have done something that I have learned through my study, the promised result has come to pass in my life. As I study its words and apply its teachings, my life is improved: I'm happier; I'm kinder; I'm more patient; I'm more loving; I'm calmer. I have direction and purpose in my life.

I know the Book of Mormon is true because I have read it, pondered its teachings, and asked God, through prayer, if what I have read is true. I have felt the sweet confirmation that comes through His Spirit telling me that it is. As an added witness, I have seen the promises come true in my life as I have applied the teachings in my life. I know that anyone can know it's true by doing these same things. It is a powerful book that I know can help anyone handle any problem they're facing. I believe God wants to helps us any way He can and if we seek His help and confirmation, He'll give it to us willingly.

Joseph Smith once said about the Book of Mormon that "A man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book." That has proven true in my life. Through the Book of Mormon, I have drawn closer to my Savior Jesus Christ. As far as I'm concerned, that's the most powerful effect a book can have.