Inspirational Gems: 1 Nephi 1-5

The Book of Mormon has many purposes, one of which is to restore the covenant that was, over centuries of time, lost or removed by the great and abominable church (See 1 Nephi 13:26).

The Covenant

This covenant was known to the prophets of the Book of Mormon, each of whom devoted their lives to keeping and teaching the covenant. To more fully appreciate the writings found in the Book of Mormon, we must first have a basic understanding of the scattering and gathering of Israel, and how the Restoration of the gospel fits into the big picture. I enjoyed reading this brief summary.

Gaining a deeper understanding of the covenant found withing the pages of the Book of Mormon will help us understand the promised blessings that will be ours as we adhere to our side of this sacred covenant.

Following are some favorite insights from my personal study of 1 Nephi 1-5. What inspirational gems did you discover in your personal study this week?

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The Power of Witnesses

I wonder: Do I desire to be a witness of the Book of Mormon? Do I begin my Book of Mormon reading by sharing my testimony of the Book of Mormon, adding my testimony to that of the 11 witnesses? Do I regularly seek opportunities, either in-person or online, to witness of the truths found in the Book of Mormon? What prevents me from being a witness of the Book of Mormon? Do I desire to return to my “first love” (See Revelation 2:4)?

God’s Promised Power

In 1 Nephi 1:3, Nephi testified that what he was about to share was true. Perhaps he was concerned that the experiences that followed would seem too unbelievable to be true.

I wonder: Will I choose to live my life in such a way that personal revelation and divine deliverance will be a regular part of my story? Will my life be evidence that miracles still exist among the children of men?

The Importance of Keeping Records

I wonder: Am I in the habit of keeping records that will help to spiritually strengthen my family and future posterity? Do I record spiritual experiences in my journal? Is my testimony recorded on Family Search for future posterity?

Feasting Upon the Word of God

I wonder: Do I know enough about history to appreciate the scriptures that are now in my possession? Do I understand how many individuals sacrificed their lives over centuries of time so that their children would be able to read God’s Word in their own language? Do I too often take for granted the scriptures that are so conveniently sitting on my nightstand? How often do I experience the joy that comes from feasting on the words found in scripture?

“You should care more about the amount of time you spend in the scriptures than the amount you read in that time.” ~ Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Pray Always

Lehi prayed with “all his heart” in behalf of his people, as he went forth…

I wonder: Do I pray for others throughout the day as I go about my business? Do I fully comprehend the power of prayer? Do I pray for my enemies? Do I desire the salvation of even those who have done me wrong?

Covenantal Sacrifice

Lehi dwelt in a tent. In keeping with his covenant to sacrifice all for the kingdom of God he left his home, friends, and riches in Jerusalem and downsized to a tent.

I wonder: What am I willing to sacrifice in order to follow God’s plan for me? Will I murmur? Will my righteous sacrifice lead to increased personal revelation?

Act In Faith

Nephi was led by the Spirit not knowing beforehand the things which he should do.

I wonder: Do I have faith enough to walk into the unknown, trusting that God will be my guide?

The Power of Wilderness Experiences

I wonder: Why did God not have Lehi take the records and Ishmael’s family with him when he was instructed to leave Jerusalem? In what ways are journeys through the wilderness beneficial? Might Laman and Lemuel have benefitted from recognizing the difference of feelings they had while in Jerusalem versus in the wilderness? Looking back, am I a better person for having traveled through my own personal wildernesses?

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Yes, please!

The Gift of Being Visionary

Lehi was a visionary man. He could see into the future. He knew what he wanted and how to get it.

I wonder: Am I a visionary? Do I look into the future, determine my preferred destination, make plans to get there, and take action? Do I share my vision of the future with my family?

The Power to Act

I wonder: What action will I take, beginning today, to apply to my life the lessons learned from 1 Nephi 1-5?

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Quotes

“The Book of Mormon is not a book of history. The Book of Mormon is a book about the future. It describes episodes in the lives of people thousands of years ago, but the writers of the record and especially the compilers of the record were inspired by the Lord to include the things that we would need for the world in which we live today.” ~ Elder Bednar Ministers in Amman, Jordan; Oct 2021

“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.” ~ Elder Russell M. Nelson, Nov 2017

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