“What we get from a book, especially a sacred text, is mostly dependent on what we take to its reading—in desire and readiness to learn, and in attunement to the light communicated by the Spirit of the Lord” (Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, May 2006, 77).
Each year as the new year approaches, many stop and examine their lives. They look at their health and happiness. They think about their finances and family. They contemplate many things.
One thing I contemplate is the Gospel Doctrine subject for the year. We spent 2010 in the Old Testament and 2011 immersed in the New Testament. Like Richard G. Scott, I love both of these books, which have become dear friends over the years. "I have found precious truths in the pages of the Old Testament that are key ingredients to the platform of truth that guides my life and acts as a resource when I try to share a gospel message with others. For that reason, I love the Old Testament. I find precious jewels of truth spread throughout its pages...The New Testament is also a source of diamond truth." Even though I'll continue to study the Old and New Testaments with my Great Books study, my deeper focus will turn to another dear friend.
2012 Sunday School curriculum is the Book of Mormon, which Elder Scott said, "...teaches truth with unique clarity and power." My studies over the years with the Book of Mormon have brought me so much understanding and joy. As Another Testament of Christ, it solidifies my testimony that Jesus is the Christ, died to forgive my sins, provided for my resurrection, leads my life to true happiness, and lives again to bless the inhabitants of the earth. Although I'm far from perfect, in studying the Book of Mormon I feel "an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God” (Gordon B. Hinckley)
This week's Sunday School lesson will be 1 Nephi 13:38–41; 19:23; 2 Nephi 25:21–22; 27:22; 29:6–9; Mormon 8:26–41; Ether 5:2–4; Moroni 1:4; 10:3–5; Doctrine and Covenants 10:45–46; 20:8–12; 84:54–58.
