The Blessing of Scripture

This entry is part of my general conference application series.

The Blessing of Scripture, by Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles


How close (proximity) are you to the scriptures. If you're reading this, then I guess you're simply one click away (scriptures.lds.org). Digital options aside, think of the nearest set of good old-fashioned turn-the-pages scriptures. The bookshelf, the desk, the bedside table . . . where are they?

Contrast the relative ease of scripture access we enjoy to the situation in 1536 when William Tyndale was executed for translating and publishing the Bible in English. Elder Christofferson recounted moving stories of dedication and devotion of individuals who made amazing sacrifices to make the Bible available to many.

Whereas historically people were persecuted, punished, or even killed for trying to make the scriptures available, we now have a society where scriptures are nearly ubiquitous. You see multiple copies at thrift stores, you find them at yard sales, you can even see a Bible in many hotel rooms! Nevertheless, given this great coverage, I wonder what importance we, as a society, place on the scriptures. Elder Christofferson has something to say on this:

Today the Bible and other scripture are readily at hand, yet there is a growing scriptural illiteracy because people will not open the books. . . Where scriptural truths are ignored or abandoned, the essential moral core of society disintegrates and decay is close behind.

I'm grateful for the scriptures, but I wonder if I'm appreciating them as much as I should.