Hey, good morning. Welcome back to another (mostly) weekly report of the missionary efforts in San Diego.
This week, we worked hard with the families we're currently teaching. One family came to church and loved it! The family really is the best place to learn the gospel, and it's exciting seeing them come closer to their Savior.
This week, I got to read through my favorite book in the Book of Mormon: Alma 32. It also happens to be one of the most misunderstood chapters in the Book of Mormon. I blame said misunderstanding on a certain primary song...
I invite you to read the chapter with fresh eyes, with a goal to learn as a child would. I have such a testimony of this chapter, and have seen the effects in my life. I would hate to spoil the chapter for you, but here's some of my unwarranted, unappreciated thoughts:
The seed is defined as the word. That is non-arguable and plainly stated. Alma says that we must plant the seed in our hearts, or experiment upon the words. This means that we can't just listen to church talks or read the scriptures, we have to go in with the attitude of changing and applying the word. If you cannot or will not apply the word, you cannot partake of the fruit, as stated in the chapter.
I have tried my hardest this week to make applications from my studies and meetings. It is my opinion that if you do not pull an application from studying or sacrament meeting, that is time wasted. If you don't write it down, you will forget it and then it's as if you didn't take an application in the first place.
With this new way of studying the word (the seed), I have seen the fruits of my labor. It's blessed my life, and I know it will benefit you as well.
I've explained this concept of applying the doctrine of Christ every day during personal study and church worship to members a few times in the last week. I typically hear the response that they don't know/have anything to improve on. I can promise that by listening to the spirit and asking God what you lack yet, you will find an application by that spirit. I have plead with these ward members not to let the adversary trick them into thinking they don't have anything they can improve on.
I hope all of you have a great week, a great study, and a week with a high slope.
On to eternal perfection
-- Elder Coxson
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