Scripture study is a vital part of maintaining and strengthening a testimony of the gospel, but sometimes it can be difficult to determine what to study as we read the scriptures.
In a recent Facebook post, Elder Renlund provided one simple question that will change the way you study the scriptures and improve your understanding of gospel doctrine.
At the mission presidents’ seminar this week, the following quote was shared more than once.
President Boyd K. Packer famously said: “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior” (Oct. 1986 general conference).
As you evaluate your own behavior, have you ever asked yourself, “What specific doctrine, correctly understood, would motivate me to accept and make necessary changes in my life?”
Once you have identified that doctrine, then you have a clear indicator of where your personal scripture study should effectively focus. Then your increased understanding can lead you to necessary behavior modifications.
For missionaries or any of us who want to see a loved one make necessary changes in their lives, the added step to this process is once you correctly understand the doctrine, then you carefully, clearly, and lovingly teach that doctrine.