To truly learn from the Savior, we must accept His invitation, “Come, follow me.”

‘There came to Jesus, on a certain occasion, a rich young man who asked: “What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”

Our Lord’s answer was the obvious one, the one given by all the prophets of all the ages. It was: “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”

The next question was: “Which commandments?”

Jesus listed them: “Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

Then came this response and query—for the young man was a good man, a faithful man, one who sought righteousness: “All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?”

We might well ask, “Isn’t it enough to keep the commandments? What more is expected of us than to be true and faithful to every trust? Is there more than the law of obedience?”

In the case of our rich young friend there was more. He was expected to live the law of consecration, to sacrifice his earthly possessions, for the answer of Jesus was: “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.”

As you know, the young man went away sorrowful, “for he had great possessions.”  (Matt. 19:16–22) And we are left to wonder what intimacies he might have shared with the Son of God, what fellowship he might have enjoyed with the apostles, what revelations and visions he might have received, if he had been able to live the law of a celestial kingdom. As it is he remains nameless; as it might have been, his name could have been had in honorable remembrance among the saints forever.’  (Bruce R McConkie, General Conference, April 1975)

What revelations and visions might we receive if we are willing to follow the Saviour?

I am responsible my own learning

John 7:17

To know the truth, we need to live the gospel and “experiment” on the word. We are cautioned to not resist the Spirit of the Lord. Repentance, coupled with a determination to keep the commandments, is an important part of each individual’s search for truth. In fact, we may need to be willing to “give away all” our sins in order to know the truth. (Elder David F Evans, General Congerence, October 2017)

1 Thessalonians 5:21

Inappropriate intellectualism sometimes leads one to testify that he knows the gospel is true but believes the Brethren are just a little out of touch. Out of touch with what? Don’t confuse a decision to abstain from participating in a trend with a lack of awareness about its existence. These Brethren “prove all things” and “hold fast that which is good.”  To accomplish this, they are in constant touch with Him who created this earth and knows the world from beginning to end. (Elder Glenn L Pace, General Conference, April 1989)

In what ways can the truth set you free?

I need to know the truth for myself.

John 5:39 Search the scriptures

‘A study of the scriptures will help our testimonies and the testimonies of our family members. Our children today are growing up surrounded by voices urging them to abandon that which is right and to pursue, instead, the pleasures of the world. Unless they have a firm foundation in the gospel of Jesus Christ, a testimony of the truth, and a determination to live righteously, they are susceptible to these influences. It is our responsibility to fortify and protect them.’ (Thomas S Monson, General Conference, October 2007)

How can we make our scripture study more meaningful?

(See examples in “Ideas to Improve Your Personal Scripture Study” in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families).

How can scripture study fortify and protect?

Alma 1:26 Impart the word of God

‘The spiritual understanding you and I have been blessed to receive, and which has been confirmed as true in our hearts, simply cannot be given to our children. The tuition of diligence and of learning by study and also by faith must be paid to obtain and personally “own” such knowledge. Only in this way can what is known in the mind also be felt in the heart. Only in this way can a child move beyond relying upon the spiritual knowledge and experiences of parents and adults and claim those blessings for himself or herself. Only in this way can our children be prepared spiritually for the challenges of mortality.’ (David A Bednar, General Conference, April 2010)

What must children, and adults, do in order to obtain spiritual knowledge? How can we help each other?

Have you experienced some of the obstacles to consistent personal or family scripture study? How have you overcome them?

D&C 64: 33 Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.

What should I do when I have questions?

See Answering Gospel Questions (churchofjesuschrist.org)