O my sons, I would that ye should remember that these sayings are true, and also that these records are true. And behold, also the plates of Nephi, which contain the records and the sayings of our fathers from the time they left Jerusalem until now, and they are true; and we can know of their surety because we have them before our eyes.And now, my sons, I would that ye should remember to search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby; and I would that ye should keep the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to the promises which the Lord made unto our fathers (Mosiah 1:6-7)

As I was reading this passage the other day, specifically that phrase “because we have them before our eyes,” something jumped out at me. It’s not a terribly profound insight, very simple in fact.

In order to grow my testimony of the scriptures, or, in other words, to know of their surety, I do have to have them before my eyes. It’s not enough to just have them in my heart, relying on what I have read before. There is something in having the physical volume of the scriptures open to my view.

King Benjamin bids his sons not just to look upon, not just to read the scriptures, but to search them. Specifically, he reminds them to “remember to search them diligently.” I love that use of the word “remember.” How easily I do forget. How easily I get caught up in my busy life and grow lax on such a simple observance. It is all too easy to rest on what I already know and cease to seek for more from those sacred words, but there is always so much more to be found.

It was by seeming chance that I picked up my scriptures the other day, and perhaps mere coincidence that I opened to the Book of Mosiah. Maybe, but I choose to heed the message. I hope I continue to remember, and keep the scriptures before my eyes.

-by Christina

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