The Key to Spiritual Protection
by President Boyd K. Packer
How do we protect ourselves in these perilous times, when "men[are] lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. . .truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, etc" (2 Timothy 2:1-5)?
"For many it may be quite disturbing, even discouraging. Nevertheless, when I think of the future, I am overwhelmed with feelings of positive optimism. In Paul's revelation (2 Timothy 2), in addition to the list of challenges and problems, he also tells us what we can do to protect ourselves:"
Read the Scriptures!
"The scriptures hold the keys to spiritual protection. They contain the doctrine and laws and ordinances that will bring each child of God to a testimony of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer."
My visiting teachers shared this talk with me during their visit last month. They brought up the story President Packer shared about a stake that was struggling with tensions and difficulties among its members. The stake president asked Elder S. Dilworth Young for advice. Elder Young told the stake president to tell his members to read the scriptures. The stake president then asked, "Which scriptures?" to which Elder Young responded, "It really doesn't matter." - Just Read- " and a solution will present itself." My visiting teachers then brought up the point that if this will work for an entire stake, it will also work for our families. Is there contention in your family? Read the Scriptures!
"Make scripture reading a part of your regular routine, and the blessings will follow."
- What is your favorite book of scripture?
- Do you have a regular routine of reading the scriptures everyday? How did make this a habit?
- How do you like to study the scriptures?
- How has reading the scriptures blessed your life?
Next Week's Talk:
Like a Broken Vessel
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland