RELIEF SOCIETY
JUNE 10, 2010
Chapter 10, Teachings of the Presidents of the Church, President George Albert Smith
THE SCRIPTURES, THE MOST VALUABLE LIBRARY IN THE WORLD
President Smith recalled how early in his life a specific scripture made
an impact that endured throughout his life. He hoped others would also
have scriptures that were joyful, filled with purpose and meaning, and
bring them comfort. Realizing the importance of studying the
scriptures, he wanted to impress on the saints the need for daily
scripture study in order to have those meaningful experiences and to
build their testimonies. The scriptures let us know that Heavenly
Father is aware of us as individuals. He knows our struggles.
"The truths contained in the scriptures are far more valuable than the
philosophies of men." President Smith acknowledged the great libraries
of the world contained millions of volumes - "and yet, all that God has
revealed and published to the children of men that is necessary to
prepare them for a place in the celestial kingdom is contained within
the covers of these (holy scriptures) sacred books." He counseled that
all of the philosophies of men throughout the ages do not contain the
wisdom of the scriptures. The scriptures contain the wisdom of
prophets.
The scriptures were given to us to help us overcome trials and help us
prepare for exaltation and the celestial kingdom. We have been given
instruction to help us "adjust our lives and to prepare ourselves that
no matter what may transpire we will be on the Lord's side of the
line." "Our Heavenly Father, through His faithful representatives, has
told us of the important things that should occur and we can read about
them in His holy scriptures. If we really desire to be saved and
exalted in His celestial kingdom He has told us how to proceed."
Faith in our families can be increased by reading the scriptures
together. President Smith stated, "I admonish you, O Israel, search the
scriptures; read them in your homes; teach your families what the Lord
has said, and let us spend less of our time reading the unimportant and
often harmful literature of the day, and go to the fountain of truth and
read the word of the Lord." Read the scriptures; learn from them, and
live their teachings.
