Jul 14, 2024

In Alma 31, we read about Alma struggling to lead a large group of people who were perverting the ways of the Church. This aftermath of Korihor preaching false doctrine forced Alma to call the apostate Zoramites to repentance. During his previous missionary experience, Alma had learned that the gospel “had [a] more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else . . . therefore [he] thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God” (Alma 31:5). When we study and act on the word of God, He can help us make lasting change in our lives. 

President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) shared a related story about humankind’s ability to change: “During the 1940s and 1950s, an American prison warden, Clinton Duffy, was well known for his efforts to rehabilitate the men in his prison. Said one critic, ‘You should know that leopards don’t change their spots!’ Replied Warden Duffy, ‘You should know I don’t work with leopards. I work with men, and men change every day.’ ”

All of us have things we would like to change about ourselves. Some people wish they had an easier time getting along with those around them. Others wish they could stop procrastinating. President Boyd K. Packer taught, “The study of the [doctrine] of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.” Regardless of the issue, an increased focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ enables us to make desired changes. 

Wilford Woodruff ran into a similar situation as Alma did while spreading the gospel on islands off the coast of Maine. In his journal, he wrote, “I have been declaring the word of God faithfully through these Islands for many days . . . the Spirit of God is like fire, in a dry stubble, among the people. Prejudice is rolling away like a torrent, and God is manifesting his work in mighty power.” Wilford experienced firsthand the changes that can occur in the people’s hearts when they accept the word of God.

I have also experienced firsthand the power of the word of God in my life. While growing up, I thought I was doing everything I needed to “qualify” as an active member. I was on time to church, attended weekly meetings, and participated in seminary each week. However, I struggled with personal scripture study. Sure, I would read every so often before my head hit the pillow, but my efforts were half-hearted and didn’t yield much fruit. As I prepared for my mission, I realized my testimony of the Book of Mormon needed to be strengthened. Internalizing Alma 31:38 was a turning point for my love for the Book of Mormon:

“And the Lord provided for them that they should hunger not, neither should they thirst; yea, and he also gave them strength, that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ.”

As I continue to read the Book of Mormon, I realize Christ really does swallow up my afflictions with peace that can only come from Him. Whether it’s used to solve large societal issues or deeply personal ones, the word of God is always the best answer. 

How will you turn to the word of God for answers in your own life?

Scott Hansen is an intern with the content team for the Wilford Woodruff papers. Currently studying as a pre-med student at BYU, he loves being active and spending time with friends and family. Scott has always had an appreciation for church history. Spending time in the Wilford Woodruff papers has strengthened his testimony and helped bring the restoration to life.

The Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation’s mission is to digitally preserve and publish Wilford Woodruff’s eyewitness account of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and make his records universally accessible in order to inspire all people, especially the rising generation, to study and to increase their faith in Jesus Christ. For more information, please explore wilfordwoodruffpapers.org.