Book of Mormon: Day 248: Look & Live

Today’s Reading: Helaman 8

15 And as many as should look upon that serpent should live, even so as many as should look upon the Son of God with faith, having a contrite spirit, might live, even unto that life which is eternal.

Like me, you’ve read about those silly children of Israel–After falling into wickedness, they are punished. God sends them fiery flying serpents, who leave them at death’s door. They need a miracle and one is offered: all they have to do is look at the golden snake on the stick that Moses parades before them. Easy right? Death sentence or turn your head to look at the shiny gold–to me it’s a no-brainer. Then I read: “because of the simpleness of the way or the easiness of it, there were many who perished”[i]. You would think I have a prompt written in the margin that says: when reading this verse be sure to roll your eyes, shake your head, and scoff in disbelief,  because I do it EVERY.TIME.

But wait Courtney, liken the scriptures to yourself!  No matter how dumb I think Laman and Lemuel, Korihor, or the children of Israel are, if I’m honest with myself, I’m more like them than I want to admit.

I’ve been praying for a miracle. I’ve been praying for mine and my daughter’s relationship. On paper, we should get along just fine–we’re both strong-willed people who know exactly what we want and how we want it and aren’t afraid to say when we’re not pleased. OK. . .so maybe having those traits in common is the recipe for contention. Of course contention is Satan’s thing, not God’s thing; and in this world where Satan’s influences are rampant, our home is the last place I want his influence to be. I knew I should be fighting for my daughter, not against her! But when I tried to harness God’s power, I felt like the tools weren’t working! I prayed, I attended my meetings, I attended the temple, I studied God’s words. . .so. . . “WHERE IS MY MIRACLE?!” I thought.

As I pondered my desire for a contention-free home, the following promise was brought to my mind:

I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness . -Ezra T. Benson [ii] (emphasis added)

“Wow!” I thought. “Those are miracles. . .those are exactly the miracles I need!” But I still felt confused and downtrodden–“I do personal study every day, so where is the fulfillment of that promise?!” But then something started to nag at me–that part that says “read from the Book of Mormon“. In my studies, how focused was I on that sacred book? I was studying the gospel, but my focus had drifted from The Book of Mormon to words of living prophets. The words of the prophets, apostles, and other leaders are good, even essential, but Ezra Taft Benson didn’t extend those magnificent promises simply for reading the word of God. He extended those blessings to individuals who specifically read the Book of Mormon.

As these thoughts stirred in my mind, I had to fight off the inclination to say “how much of a difference can that really make? Changing what I study is such a simple . . .thing. . .like looking at a snake . . .on a stick”. So I decided to do that simple thing–and make the Book of Mormon the focus of my study.

In the last little while our relationship has taken a positive turn. I feel like my small and simple change has been a contributing factor to the peace in our home.  I believe that doing the little things–the primary answers, invites the Lord’s power into our lives. And if we look to him, we will live. . .a much happier life!

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  • This is one of the best post that I have read in my entire life. I needed every single thing that you shared to us right now and answers to my prayers were received through this post. I also want to avoid contention inside our home and I found it difficult because my husband and I are also both strong-willed person. I am going to challenge myself to read the Book of Mormon more prayerfully now. Thank you again. You are such a blessing to me. 🙂

    • Rozelle, thank you so much for your comment! It brought tears to my eyes! I’m so glad this post touched you and that ETB’s promise gives you hope for your home life to heal. I will pray that things will improve for you as they did for me!

      • Thank you so much. Your prayers would truly be a big help for us. I shared your post to my husband and he was also inspired after reading it. Continue to shine your light to everyone! 🙂

  • So wonderful Courtney! I have some strong willed children as well and had to giggle a bit. There is genuine power in the Book of Mormon, as you have so beautifully shown by example. I love this and your extra efforts towards your daughter.