July 3, 2012
On day three I read lesson 13 from the George Albert Smith lesson manual in preparation for the Relief Society lesson. Despite my best intentions to learn, nothing about it really struck me. Then I read 1 Nephi 3:1-13 and again did not feel like any particular point spoke to me.
It bothers me when I have a scripture study like that because I expect to be able to have a spiritual experience every time I study. However, as I think about that expectation critically, I believe it's an unrealistic expectation.
If we had an overwhelming direct message from God every time we read the scriptures, there would be no sacrifice involved in our studying. I believe that to study the scriptures is a sacrifice and an act of faith. Even though I did not feel particularly enlightened on this day, I was consistent in the decision to follow God's commandment to search the scriptures. I have faith that it was not thirty minutes wasted. Maybe the mere act of sacrificing that time was the purpose of day three's study.
An experiment in perfection: Doing one thing perfectly for one month
3 comments:
I really liked your last sentence. I always love the idea that maybe I just needed to do something to show myself (and God) that I am willing to do it, even if there is no other direct benefit to others or myself. I feel this way frequently with promptings for service.
Yes. Obedience has a power in it that is independent from any immediately perceptible award.
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