Applying our Hearts

In Mosiah 12, Abinadi is speaking to the priests of King Noah.  The priests are attempting to trap Abinadi into saying something for which he could be imprisoned.  Abinadi tells them that, as priests, they should know the answers to the questions they are asking him.

Then in verses 26 and 27, Abinadi says, "For if ye understand these things ye have not taught them; therefore, ye have perverted the ways of the Lord.  Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise.  Therefore, what teach ye this people?"

Perhaps because I was pondering on what to teach in a fireside when I heard these scriptures, they hit me with more force than I recall feeling in the past.  The bottom line, for me, is that we need to apply our hearts to understanding the counsel we receive from our prophets and leaders - whether it's from the scriptures, Ensign, general conference, or bishop.  Then, when we know the truth, we need to apply it in our own lives and teach it to those for whom we have responsibility.

With all the energies of my soul...

In 1 Nephi 15, Nephi is teaching his brothers (Laman and Lemuel), who asked about the meaning of Lehi's dream.

vs. 23 And they said unto me: What meaneth the rod of iron which our father saw, that led to the tree?

vs. 24 And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.

vs. 25 Wherefore, I, Nephi, did exhort them to give heed unto the word of the Lord; yea, I did exhort them with all the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which I possessed, that they would give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments always in all things.

Verse 24 gives us the blessings of holding on to the rod. And then in verse 25, Nephi gives us a model for teaching those that just don't seem to "get it." He exhorted with "all the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which I possessed." We probably all have those among us who just don't get it. I wonder if I am exhorting with all the energies of my soul and with all the faculties I possess to teach these principles? Even though I teach, and teach, and teach, I think I need to step it up, never give up, and dig deeper to reach into all the energies of MY soul and to tap into all the faculties I possess.

I think verse 25 has just become my new model and example to use when training the Relief Society teachers and leaders in their responsibilities.