Likening the Scriptures.

In the July 2007 issue of the Ensign I found the following words about likening the scriptures to ourselves. One of my missionary pen pals had previously encouraged me to make scripture study a more consistent happening in my daily life, by talking about how his daily study was changing him. And another spoke about making my study not a race to get through them but a true study of the scriptures. I must say that I owe these two 19 year old boys much, for I believe they are the reason I slowed down and began to truly study the scriptures. After that I did begin to liken the scriptures to myself and what I had read to my own personal trials. From there on I can see them as the Lord speaking to me out of the darkness.

"The scriptures are a pure source of spiritual truths. The Lord said, “These words [of scripture] are not of man … but of me” (D&C 31:13). As we lay hold upon the word of God, it is essential that we study the scriptures, and the Book of Mormon should be the centerpiece of our study. The quantity of our study is not as important as the quality. However, it is crucial that we set aside a specific time each day to drink of the “living water” found in the scriptures (see John 4:10–14). Our spirits, like our bodies, need daily nourishment. An occasional scriptural feast with frequent periods of fasting from the word will leave us spiritually malnourished. The Book of Mormon is particularly powerful in providing spiritual sustenance. In fact, its reference to the names or titles of the Savior—an average of once per 1.7 verses—is a clear sign of its highly concentrated spiritual value. In our study, it is essential that we “liken all scriptures unto us” (1 Nephi 19:23). Likening is the process by which we allow the scriptures to transform our character. If our object in studying the scriptures is to enable ourselves to answer questions in Church classes, little lasting benefit will result. Being able to quickly find the scriptural answer to a gospel question is an admirable skill. But of greater worth is to consistently apply the scriptures to our lives and steadily become living scripture. We must daily sup at the table of the Lord, “feasting upon the word of Christ” (2 Nephi 31:20). As we properly assimilate this spiritual food, it will be transformed into Godlike character."