What is important to you? Your family? Your friends? Think about something that is most sacred to you. Got it? Alright. Now, I wanna talk about something that is sacred to a hero of mine.
Nephi was commanded to keep a record of the history of his people, and of their dealings with God. He loved the Lord and was ready to keep any commandment given. He really didn't know why he was, other than the Lord had a wise purpose for it. He declared, "I do not write anything upon plates save it be that I think it be sacred." (1 Nephi 19:6) Everything that Nephi wrote down, he viewed it as something of great importance. They were sacred to him. He went to great lengths to preserve and protect this record. He told his predecessors that, "They shall not occupy these plates with things which are not of worth unto the children of men." (1 Nephi 6:6) That is what the Word of God meant to him.
What Nephi said following the declaration of the sacredness of this record really hit me. He said, "For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet." (1 Nephi 19:7) It is obvious that Nephi viewed the Book of Mormon as something of great worth. That is not a secret. And he knew that people would set this sacred record of something as naught, and would completely and entirely take it for granted. The Lord has repeatedly warned His Saints for doing this. The early members of the Church, following her restoration, did that from time to time. And the Lord through His Prophet, rebuked them for it. That is what this record meant to God.
I have gained a deep testimony and love for this other Testament, the Book of Mormon. It means everything to me. It is sacred to me. Why? Because it contains the words of Christ. This little blue book, physically, won't do anything for you. Except maybe provide a perfect coaster for your hot cocoa on the table. But in it you will find the doctrine behind eternal life. The message it contains is powerful. It is life changing. I know I have piped this before, but never take it for granted. Read it. Ask God if it is His word. Then, by His Spirit, you will know that it is true. This witness will make it sacred to you.
I love you all. Stay classy.
Elder Hill
