Let's Discuss: "The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?" by Russell M. Nelson

"The Book of Mormon:  What Would Your Life Be Like without It?"

by President Russell M. Nelson, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
September 2017, Saturday afternoon session

In honor of my upcoming stake conference, I wanted to analyze this talk, which was a reading assignment given by my beloved stake president to help us prepare for conference.

I found it interesting that President Nelson and several other speakers expanded or included their experiences from heeding the counsel in our dear prophet's 3-minute talk from the previous conference.  For other talks that reference President Monson, see:
"Seek Ye Out of the Best Books" by Elder Ian S. Ardern of the 70,
"Fear Not to Do Good," by President Henry B. Eyring of the 1st Presidency,
"The Truth of All Things," by Elder David F. Evans of the 70, and
an honorable mention to President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - who mentioned it in the live version, but i did not make the written version:  Three Sisters (video around 16:05)
I wonder if although not credited, it was the inspiration for Elder Callister, "God's Compelling Witness: The Book of Mormon."

Favorite quotes:

Something powerful happens when a child of God seeks to know more about Him and His Beloved Son.

And:

I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life. I promise that as you daily immerse yourself in the Book of Mormon, you can be immunized against the evils of the day...

And:

The truths of the Book of Mormon have the power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, and cheer our souls.

If I were leading this in a class setting, I would also write the following three questions from the talk on the board before class, and let the class know to start thinking about them now, because we will discuss them later:

First, what would your life be like without the Book of Mormon? Second, what would you not know? And third, what would you not have?

Now let's get into his talk.

President Nelson begins by relating the experience of meeting an African tribal king while in Accra, Ghana to give a special lecture at a university.  If there's time, you can read the account, or synopsize the story.

In 1986, I was invited to give a special lecture at a university in Accra, Ghana. There I met a number of dignitaries, including an African tribal king. As we visited prior to the lecture, the king spoke to me only through his linguist, who then translated for me. I responded to the linguist, and the linguist then translated my responses to the king.

After my lecture, the king made his way directly to me, but this time without his linguist. To my surprise, he spoke in perfect English—the Queen’s English, I might add!

That may have been a surprise!  Do you think President Nelson would have acted or spoken differently had he known the king could understand perfectly?  Do we consider who might be listening (maybe including children, neighbors, coworkers, people in line with us) when we speak/act?  (rhetorical)  Who is always listening?  (God, angels, devils, the very elements?)

The king seemed puzzled. “Just who are you?” he asked. 

I replied, “I am an ordained Apostle of Jesus Christ.” 

The king asked, “What can you teach me about Jesus Christ?" 

I responded with a question: “May I ask what you already know about Him?” 

The king’s response revealed he was a serious student of the Bible and one who loved the Lord. 

I then asked if he knew about the ministry of Jesus Christ to the people of ancient America. 

As I expected, he did not. 

I explained that after the Savior’s Crucifixion and Resurrection, He came to the people of ancient America, where He taught His gospel. He organized His Church and asked His disciples to keep a record of His ministry among them. 

“That record,” I continued, “is what we know as the Book of Mormon. It is another testament of Jesus Christ. It is a companion scripture to the Holy Bible.” 

At this point, the king became very interested. I turned to the mission president accompanying me and asked if he had an extra copy of the Book of Mormon with him. He pulled one from his briefcase.

Do you have extra copies you keep on hand or with you?  Where are some places you like to keep extra copies of the Book of Mormon?  (car, purse, ??)  Comment below.

I opened it to 3 Nephi chapter 11, and together the king and I read the Savior’s sermon to the Nephites. I then presented the copy of the Book of Mormon to him. His response lodged in my mind and heart forever: “You could have given me diamonds or rubies, but nothing is more precious to me than this additional knowledge about the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Beautiful.  President Nelson will come back to this momentarily.

After experiencing the power of the Savior’s words in 3 Nephi, the king proclaimed, “If I am converted and join the Church, I will bring my whole tribe with me.”

Pause here to honestly reflect - how would you have responded to this statement?  Wonderful?  We'd love to have you?  You can be a righteous influence over many?  I hope I would be prompted by the Spirit to say the right thing.  Now, President Nelson:

“Oh, King,” I said, “it doesn’t work that way. Conversion is an individual matter. The Savior ministered to the Nephites one by one. Each individual receives a witness and testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

President Nelson affirms that the Church is not about numbers, it is about conversions.  Each of us has received (or can receive) a witness and testimony.  That is amazing.  Also, it is important.  If you do not feel that you have received this - now is a great time to work for it, to plead for it, to fast and listen intently for it.  Does anyone feel to share in the comments his/her witness?  I know when I'm praying and feasting on the Book of Mormon daily, I have a greater portion of the Spirit.  When I shun negative music, tv shows, books, and video games, I have a greater portion of the Spirit.  When I fill the void with service, uplifting music, faith-promoting literature, etc., I have an even greater portion of the Spirit, and angels are my associates.  Even if you don't believe now, I testify that if you seek to serve those around you, you will be blessed.  This reminded me of President Monson's talk from April 2017.  I'm quoting it differently since it is from a different talk.  He said:

"If you do not have a firm testimony of these things, do that which is necessary to obtain one. It is essential for you to have your own testimony in these difficult times, for the testimonies of others will carry you only so far. However, once obtained, a testimony needs to be kept vital and alive through continued obedience to the commandments of God and through daily prayer and scripture study."  --President Monson, April 2017

Now back to diamonds and rubies:

My brothers and sisters, how precious is the Book of Mormon to you? If you were offered diamonds or rubies or the Book of Mormon, which would you choose? Honestly, which is of greater worth to you?

Any comments?  It is easy for me to say the Book of Mormon is more important to me than diamonds or rubies, because we have sufficient for our needs.  A tribal king might even tire of excess riches.  Something the Spirit has been working to teach me recently is that all we need is Christ.  It really does not matter what our circumstances are with our Savior by our side.  The Book of Mormon brings me closer to Christ.  I want Him by my side more than I want diamonds, rubies, or even other physical comforts.

Remember in the Sunday morning session of the April 2017 general conference, President Thomas S. Monson pleaded with “each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day.” Many have responded to our prophet’s plea. ...

...Since President Monson’s challenge six months ago, I have tried to follow his counsel. Among other things, I’ve made lists of what the Book of Mormon is, what it affirms, what it refutes, what it fulfills, what it clarifies, and what it reveals. Looking at the Book of Mormon through these lenses has been an insightful and inspiring exercise! I recommend it to each of you. 

I love that APOSTLES took President Monson's brief counsel to heart and demonstrated their faith in Christ by seeking to obey the prophet - determining what it meant for them individually.

President Nelson here relates some of the ways he has prayerfully studied and pondered the Book of Mormon in the last six months.  How do you like to study the Book of Mormon?  What lists might you make?  What has enhanced your study?  Here are some of my favorite ways:

• I once went through the Book of Mormon looking for if/then principles (like if you keep His commandments then he doth immediately bless you and prosper you).  It was mind-opening.
• I enjoy reading topics in the Index - since the English Book of Mormon was only translated once, when words are repeated (I like to use the example of the word "blameless")  you can connect the verses and gain more understanding.
• The word "heart" appears many times in the Book of Mormon and I once made a little heart around each time I found it, and then metaphorically considered what the verse is saying about my heart.
• I have gone through the Book of Mormon (actually all the standard works) with various callings in mind - so I have a Music set of scriptures and a Relief Society set.
• The past year or two, I've kept a notebook nearby, and asked very specific questions of the Book of Mormon, and written down the answers I've received.

There's one more quote I want to back up and catch:

Something powerful happens when a child of God seeks to know more about Him and His Beloved Son.

What do you think he means?   Does a window of heaven open?  Does our heart and/or mind open?  Is it both of these or neither?  Do you want to know more about Him and His Son?  Can we seek these powerful experiences?

Now we are back to the questions I wrote at the beginning that President Nelson discusses at length.  Take a minute or two and think of and/or write down your responses (if you're in a class setting, set a timer or watch the clock):

First, what would your life be like without the Book of Mormon? Second, what would you not know? And third, what would you not have?

Did you make a list?  Share in the comments.  Here is my list:

• I would not know as much about the Light of Christ and angels.
• I would understand Isaiah less.
• I wouldn't have the same relationship I enjoy with my Father in Heaven.
• I wouldn't have the same relationship I enjoy with my Savior.
• I would not be able to discern as well.
• I would be more surprised by secret combinations.
• I would not have as much direction in my parenting or in improving myself (this goes back to asking specific questions with a notebook handy).
• I would understand less of the justice and mercy of God and the role of grace.
• I would be more aggrieved for my beloved departed.
• I would pray less.

In the talk, President Nelson lists some of the responses he has heard throughout the world.  I would have members of the class share, and if one touches on one of the points that President Nelson expands on, I might read that.  For example, if someone in the class mentions victory over death, read this paragraph:

One of the sobering responsibilities a surgeon bears, on occasion, is to inform the family when a loved one passes away. In one hospital where I worked, a special room was built with padded walls where family members could receive such news. There, some people manifested their grief by banging their heads against those padded walls. How I longed to teach those individuals that death, though difficult for surviving loved ones, is a necessary part of our immortal existence. Death allows us to progress to the next world.

If someone in the class mentions that their life was changed by the book of Mormon, consider reading this paragraph:

Immersing ourselves regularly in the truths of the Book of Mormon can be a life-changing experience. One of our missionary granddaughters, Sister Olivia Nelson, promised an investigator that if he would read the Book of Mormon daily, his test scores on his university exams would improve. He did, and they did.

Then, President Nelson shares some of his testimony.  His footnotes show where in the Book of Mormon we can find the truths he speaks of.  If there is still class time, or you are doing this for your personal study, you may want to read some of his testimony and read the accompanying scriptures.  Here are some examples:

My dear brothers and sisters, I testify that the Book of Mormon is truly the word of God. It contains the answers to life’s most compelling questions. It teaches the doctrine of Christ. ...

See, for example, 2 Nephi 31:2-21

...It expands and clarifies many of the “plain and precious” truths that were lost through centuries of time and numerous translations of the Bible. 

See 1 Nephi 13:29-33

The Book of Mormon provides the fullest and most authoritative understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to be found anywhere. It teaches what it really means to be born again. From the Book of Mormon we learn about the gathering of scattered Israel. We know why we are here on earth. These and other truths are more powerfully and persuasively taught in the Book of Mormon than in any other book. The full power of the gospel of Jesus Christ is contained in the Book of Mormon. Period. 

The Book of Mormon both illuminates the teachings of the Master and exposes the tactics of the adversary.

See 2 Nephi 26-33

The Book of Mormon teaches true doctrine to dispel false religious traditions—such as the erroneous practice of performing infant baptisms.

See Moroni 8:11-15

The Book of Mormon gives purpose to life by urging us to ponder the potential of eternal life and “never-ending happiness.”

See Mosiah 2:41
See also Alma 28:12

The Book of Mormon shatters the false beliefs that happiness can be found in wickedness and that individual goodness is all that is required to return to the presence of God.

See Alma 41:10-11

Next, President Nelson gives us a beautiful, wonderful promise:

My dear brothers and sisters, I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day. I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life. I promise that as you daily immerse yourself in the Book of Mormon, you can be immunized against the evils of the day, even the gripping plague of pornography and other mind-numbing addictions.

Wow!  Let us be faithful and immerse ourselves in the Book of Mormon!  I would love immunization against the evils of our day!  I would love making better decisions!  I would love this for me, my family, my children, my ward, my friends, etc.!

Whenever I hear anyone, including myself, say, “I know the Book of Mormon is true,” I want to exclaim, “That’s nice, but it is not enough!” We need to feel, deep in “the inmost part” of our hearts, that the Book of Mormon is unequivocally the word of God. We must feel it so deeply that we would never want to live even one day without it. I might paraphrase President Brigham Young in saying, “I wish I had the voice of seven thunders to wake up the people” to the truth and power of the Book of Mormon.

First, I kind of like that he says "including [him]self" - he is not trying to correct our words/testimony, just provide emphasis. ...  It reminds me of President Benson who ever pleaded with us to read the Book of Mormon -- and not just read it, but apply its teachings.

Do we feel the truth of the Book of Mormon so deeply we never want to live even one day without it?  How can we develop this relationship with a book?  (Some answers might be to put it to the test, or just start doing something every day, or one of my favorite Book of Mormon quotes from the Prophet Joseph Smith - "he who reads it oftenest likes it best")

I testify that Joseph Smith was and is the prophet of this last dispensation. It was he who, through the gift and power of God, translated this holy book. This is the book that will help to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.

Wow - here we have President Nelson again referring to preparing the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.  If you read my last two analyses (here and here) of talks by President Nelson - you may notice a pattern.  In those last two talks, he said that righteous sisters and priesthood holders will work (together) to prepare the world for the Second Coming.  Here he says the Book of Mormon will help, too.

I testify that Jesus Christ is the literal and living Son of our living God. He is our Savior, our Redeemer, our great Exemplar, and our Advocate with the Father. He was the promised Messiah, the mortal Messiah, and will be the millennial Messiah. I testify with my whole soul that in a most miraculous and singular way, the Book of Mormon teaches us of Jesus Christ and His gospel. 

I know that President Thomas S. Monson is the prophet of God on the earth today. I love him and sustain him with all of my heart. I so testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ

In my conference issue of the Ensign, I noticed that President Nelson included the "lists" that he made while studying the Book of Mormon these past 6 months.  This was not included in the live talk.  Since I made a list myself of things I would not know/be/have, it was fun for me to see that he included some of the thoughts I mentioned - such as the Light of Christ, angels, and secret combinations.  I also enjoyed pondering that in this other testament of Jesus Christ, the majority of the writers of the Book of Mormon were eyewitnesses of the Lord.