Here are some phrases that I surprisingly do NOT hear very often:
“Really? I’m supposed to read the Book of Mormon AGAIN?”
“Another lesson about faith? We talked about this a few months ago!”
“Eh, I’ve already been to the temple. I’ve heard it all before.”
I think we all understand that repetition is essential when it comes to gospel principles.
We need repetition.
And thank goodness!
At the beginning of the Book of Mormon, we read many different testimonies and witnesses of people teaching us that they know the Book of Mormon is a book of God.
Testimony of Joseph Smith.
Testimony of Three Witnesses.
Testimony of Eight Witnesses.
“Joseph Smith, Jun., the translator of this work, has shown unto us the plates of which hath been spoken. . . .”
Why do we need so many people telling us this book is true?
Our mortal brains need the power of REPETITION.
It truly is a blessing that God knows our minds need repetition for us to receive inspiration and knowledge.
Why are we asked to attend the temple over and over?
Why do we read the same scriptures?
Why are General Conference talks given on the same subjects year after year?
I think those are great questions to think about this week.
Really— why do we need that repetition?
What are the blessings of divine repetition?
When has your testimony been impacted by repetition?
Instead of becoming prideful and turning up our noses at “the stuff we’ve already heard before…”
We can humble ourselves.
We can embrace the repetitiveness of the gospel.
And we can use our growing spiritual maturity to capture the messages our souls crave.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
10 Responses
This is excellent counsel. Part of the reason we repeat is to bring the messages to us in a new way. My scriptures are marked from teaching seminary but as I reread them I gain new understanding. Besides my life is in a different place than other study times so I pick up new things. Another reason is because obedience is an important part of the covenants we make. If we want the blessings promised us we must obey. And with an open heart.
Absolutely! Even though we have repetition, there is always something new to learn!
I just wanted to say each time I start the reading each time I say a prayer and focus my mind to think like it’s my first time reading it and it helps me to pick up on things I may not have noticed before
I love this, thank you for sharing!
I have purchased your products in the past, but after this weeks Big Picture Monday which I loved by the way, I actually shared it just like you suggested. Mostly because, I love the happy overview, your enthusiasm, and it does not take 2 hours. You stay on point. You are so refreshing. I also love the inbox things too. Thanks for being you.
Aww thank you so much! Your support means the world to me <3
For me, repetition brings confidence. Think about it, when you start a new job, go to a new school, take on new responsibilities..initially we are hesitant, unsure, and lack confidence in ourselves. With time and repetition, we grow, learn and become more confident at that job, those new responsibilities.
This same concept holds true with repetition in the gospel; repetitive sacrament covenants, attending the temple, reading the Book of Mormon again. We grow in confidence in the Lord, in ourselves, who we are and our purpose here on earth. We grow in confidence of our Heavenly Father and our Savior’s love for us and increased confidence in the Savior’s Atonement and how he works in our life.
Repetition brings confidence in all aspects of life, especially in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Yes!! I love this so much. Well said!
I have learned the spirit speaks to us when we are ready to hear. A sister in a ward once went up to the speaker and told him what a wonderful talk he gave. She said it was the most perfect talk she had ever heard. She said that she needed to hear his words. The speaker looked at the sister and said, “Don’t you remember me giving this exact same talk two weeks ago at Stake Conference.” This lesson was about listening to how the spirit speaks to you. There is value in the process of learning.
Love this story! Thanks for sharing!