The Book of Mormon

"If you do not have a firm testimony of these things, do that which is necessary to obtain one. It is essential for you to have your own testimony in these difficult times, for the testimonies of others will carry you only so far. However, once obtained, a testimony needs to be kept vital and alive through continued obedience to the commandments of God and through daily prayer and scripture study." - President Thomas S. Monson

For some reason (I hardly know why) that last couple of years I haven't enjoyed reading the Book of Mormon. I've NEVER doubted that it was true, but for some reason I've felt more connected to the Four Gospel and the Doctrine and Covenants, and often chose to read those over reading the Book of Mormon.

However, after hearing the above said by President Monson last Saturday during General Conference, the spirit very directly showed me that I needed to change. It also reminded of when Elder Bednar came to my mission and promised that if we read the Book of Mormon EVERY day that we would never fall away from the gospel.

This last week I have tried to be more diligent in not only reading, but STUDYING the Book of Mormon every day. Though it has only been 5 days, I can already feel a noticeable difference inside myself, reiterating to me how important studying the Book of Mormon every day is.

I know of people who say they are struggling with their testimony of the church.
Sometimes I think we forget, that while it is good, our testimony of the "Church" isn't what is most important and focusing on that distracts us from the most important thing. What is most important is our testimony of Christ and the church is merely the vehicle to keep that strong. Because the Book of Mormon is a testament of Christ. What better way to gain, or to strengthen your testimony of Christ then by reading the Book of Mormon.

If you are struggling with your testimony of the church I invite you to put that aside for now and focus instead on your testimony of the Savior. Whatever may bother you about the church, let it go for a little while and instead put all your effort into making the Savior your best friend. Think about Him, learn about Him, try to feel His love for you because it is always there. Learning about the Savior will always lead you to our Heavenly Father (and I would also add Heavenly Mother because I feel sure they are very alike and one in purpose, as my own parents are), whose love for you is without end.

I know that through reading the Book of Mormon we can get answers to ANY questions, and that you will gain more peace through it than any other way.