Becoming through the Book of Mormon

While I love studying the New Testament, I always weep tears of joy each time I begin the Book of Mormon again because of the plainness of its writing (after Revelation) and the clarity with which it teaches. Reading the first few chapters this week has brought these same emotions and gratitude again. I am so excited for this year!
Elder Bednar teaches that we should look for connections, patterns, and themes as we study (see https://speeches.byu.edu/…/david-a-…/reservoir-living-water/). One that stood out to me the last couple of days has been the contrast between Lehi’s sons. All of them left their home and journeyed into the wilderness. All of them went back to get the plates. All of them went through the motions to follow the prophet, but these experiences were life-changing for only one (compare the Nephi in 1 Nephi 1-3 to the Nephi in 1 Nephi 5 and beyond).
A few scriptures that show the contrast (how many more can you find as we continue 1st and 2nd Nephi?):
Nephi ➡️ Laman and Lemuel
1 Nephi 1:1 ➡️ 1 Nephi 2:12
1 Nephi 3:7 ➡️ 1 Nephi 3:5
1 Nephi 3:15-16 ➡️ 1 Nephi 3:14
1 Nephi 4:1 ➡️ 1 Nephi 3:31
So, what made the difference? Nephi had desire (see 1 Nephi 2:16). Nephi chose to let these experiences go through him and change him. Laman and Lemuel, on the other hand, went through those same experiences and chose to stay on the same plane.
As we embark on our journey to study the Book of Mormon this year, are you going to choose to go through the experience or instead choose to let the experience go through you and change you?

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