Sister Bednar and I are grateful to meet with
you tonight. As we travel the earth, we especially appreciate
opportunities to gather with and learn from faithful young people like you. Tonight I pray for the assistance of the Holy
Ghost as we worship together and seek in unity to be taught from on high. I want to begin by asking a simple question. What is the most valuable substance or commodity
in the world? We might initially think that gold, oil, or
diamonds have the greatest worth. But of all the minerals, metals, gems, and
solvents found on and in the earth, the most valuable is water. Life springs from water. Life is sustained by water. Water is the medium required to perform the
various functions associated with all known forms of life. Our physical bodies are approximately two-thirds
water. Whereas a person can survive for many days
or even weeks without food, an individual will usually die in only three or four days
without water. Most of the world’s great centers of population
are situated near sources of fresh water. Simply stated, life could not exist without
the availability of and access to adequate supplies of clean water. Given the vital role of water in sustaining
all forms of life, the Savior’s use of the term “living water” is supernally significant. As described in the fourth chapter of John,
Jesus and His disciples passed through Samaria as they were traveling from Judea to Galilee. In the city of Sychar they stopped at Jacob’s
well: There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water:
Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the
city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him,
How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the
Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou
knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest
have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing
to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever
drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I
shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him
a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The living water referred to in this episode
is a representation of the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel. And as water is necessary to sustain physical
life, so the Savior and His doctrines, principles, and ordinances are essential for eternal life. You and I need His living water daily and
in ample supply to sustain our ongoing spiritual growth and development. The scriptures contain the words of Christ
and are a reservoir of living water to which we have ready access and from which we can
drink deeply and long. You and I must look to and come unto Christ,
who is “the fountain of living waters," by reading, studying, searching, and feasting
upon the words of Christ as contained in the holy scriptures. By so doing, we can receive both spiritual
direction and protection during our mortal journey. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
has a sacred stewardship to preserve the written revelations in purity and in safety—this
precious reservoir of living water. A monumental work was accomplished by the
Church in the 1970s and 1980s and resulted in the edition of the scriptures we enjoy
today with extensive footnotes, cross-references, and additional study aids, maps, and information. As the updated scriptures were first introduced
to the members of the Church in the early 1980s, Elder Boyd K. Packer prophesied: With the passing of years, these scriptures
will produce successive generations of faithful Christians who know the Lord Jesus Christ
and are disposed to obey His will. The older generation has been raised without
them, but there is another generation growing up. Twenty-four years have passed since Elder
Packer spoke those words. And the generation to which he was referring
is seated tonight in Church buildings all across the globe! He was talking about you, and he was talking
about me. The vast majority of you have only known the
scriptures as we have them today. Please keep that fact in mind as I continue
to quote Elder Packer: The revelations will be opened to them as
to no other in the history of the world. Into their hands now are placed the sticks
of Joseph and of Judah. They will develop a gospel scholarship beyond
that which their forebears could achieve. They will have the testimony that Jesus is
the Christ and be competent to proclaim Him and to defend Him. Not only are we blessed to have these scriptures
so readily available to us today, but we also have the responsibility to use them consistently
and effectively and to drink deeply from the reservoir of living water. I believe this generation of youth is more
immersed in the scriptures, more deeply acquainted with the words of the prophets, and more prone
to turn to the revelations for answers than any previous generation. But we still have a great distance to travel
along the strait and narrow path—more to learn, more to apply, and more to experience. I now want to review with you three basic
ways or methods of obtaining living water from the scriptural reservoir: (1) reading
the scriptures from beginning to end, (2) studying the scriptures by topic, and (3)
searching the scriptures for connections, patterns, and themes. Each of these approaches can help satisfy
our spiritual thirst if we invite the companionship and assistance of the Holy Ghost as we read,
study, and search. Reading a book of scripture from beginning
to end initiates the flow of living water into our lives by introducing us to important
stories, gospel doctrines, and timeless principles. This approach also enables us to learn about
major characters in the scriptures and the sequence, timing, and context of events and
teachings. Reading the written word in this way exposes
us to the breadth of a volume of scripture. This is the first and most fundamental way
of obtaining living water. Studying by topic typically follows, grows
out of, and builds upon our reading of the scriptures from beginning to end. For example, as we read the Book of Mormon
we may identify and seek to find answers to important doctrinal and practical questions
such as these: What is faith in the Savior? Why is faith in Jesus Christ the first principle
of the gospel? Why and how does faith in the Redeemer lead
to repentance? How does the Atonement strengthen me to do
things in my daily life that I could never do with my own limited capacity and in my
own strength? Focusing upon such questions and studying
by topic, using the Topical Guide and index to the triple combination, allow us to dig
into and explore the depth of the scriptures and obtain a much richer spiritual knowledge. This approach increases the rate at which
living water flows into our lives. Both reading from beginning to end and studying
by topic are prerequisites to the third basic method of obtaining living water from the
scriptural reservoir. Whereas reading a book of scripture from beginning
to end provides a basic breadth of knowledge, studying by topic increases the depth of our
knowledge. Searching in the revelations for connections,
patterns, and themes builds upon and adds to our spiritual knowledge by bringing together
and expanding these first two methods; it broadens our perspective and understanding
of the plan of salvation. In my judgment, diligently searching to discover
connections, patterns, and themes is in part what it means to “feast” upon the words
of Christ. This approach can open the floodgates of the
spiritual reservoir, enlighten our understanding through His Spirit, and produce a depth of
gratitude for the holy scriptures and a degree of spiritual commitment that can be received
in no other way. Such searching enables us to build upon the
rock of our Redeemer and to withstand the winds of wickedness in these latter days. I want to emphasize an essential point. You might initially assume that a person must
have extensive formal education to use the methods I am describing. This assumption simply is not correct. Any honest seeker of truth, regardless of
educational background, can successfully employ these simple approaches. You and I do not need sophisticated study
aids and should not rely extensively upon the spiritual knowledge of others. We simply need to have a sincere desire to
learn, the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the holy scriptures, and an active and inquiring
mind. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that we should search the Scriptures—search the revelations
which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest
the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to His glory, nothing doubting,
He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not
for another. You will not then be dependent on man for
the knowledge of God. If you and I will ask, seek, and knock, always
keeping ourselves worthy to learn from the Spirit, then the gates of the spiritual reservoir
will open to us and the living water will flow. I witness, I testify, and I promise that this
is true. Let me briefly explain and provide examples
of what I mean by connections, patterns, and themes. A connection is a relationship or link between
ideas, people, things, or events, and the scriptures are full of connections. Consider the relationship between the Eternal
Father and His Son, Jesus Christ; between mercy and grace; between clean hands and a
pure heart; between a broken heart and a contrite spirit; between the wheat and the tares; between
knowledge and intelligence; between justification and sanctification; between sheep and goats;
between immortality and eternal life; and countless others. Prayerfully identifying, learning about, and
pondering such connections—the similarities and differences, for example—is a primary
source of living water and yields inspired insights and treasures of hidden knowledge. As I have read each of the standard works
from beginning to end and studied different topics, I noticed that the word understanding
was commonly described in relation to the heart. Two verses in the Book of Mormon illustrate
this connection: “Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding;
therefore, ye have not been wise." “And the multitude did hear and do bear
record; and their hearts were open and they did understand in their hearts the words which
he prayed." I find it most interesting in these and many
other verses that understanding is linked primarily to the heart. Note that we are not explicitly counseled
to apply our minds to understanding. Obviously, we must use our minds and our rational
capacity to obtain and evaluate information and to reach appropriate conclusions and judgments. But perhaps the scriptures are suggesting
to us that reason and “the arm of flesh” are not sufficient to produce true understanding. Thus, understanding, as the word is used in
the scriptures, does not refer solely or even primarily to intellectual or cognitive comprehension. Rather, understanding occurs when what we
know in our minds is confirmed as true in our hearts by the witness of the Holy Ghost. The spiritual gift of revelation most typically
operates as thoughts and feelings put into our minds and hearts by the Holy Ghost. And as testimony and conviction move from
our heads to our hearts, we no longer just have information or knowledge—but we begin
to understand and seek after the mighty change of heart. Understanding, then, is the result of revelation;
it is a spiritual gift, it is a prerequisite to conversion, and it entices us to more consistently
live in accordance with the principles we are learning. This revealed insight about the relationship
between the heart and understanding has greatly influenced my approach to gospel learning
and study, has affected positively the way Sister Bednar and I teach our children and
grandchildren, and has impacted my priesthood service. A pattern is a plan, model, or standard that
can be used as a guide for repetitively doing or making something. And the scriptures are full of spiritual patterns. Typically, a scriptural pattern is broader
and more comprehensive than a connection. In the Doctrine and Covenants we find patterns
for preaching the gospel, for avoiding deception, for constructing temples, for establishing
cities, for organizing priesthood quorums and high councils, and for a variety of other
purposes. Identifying and studying scriptural patterns
is another important source of living water and helps us become acquainted and more familiar
with the wisdom and the mind of the Lord. As I have both read from beginning to end
and studied topics in the Doctrine and Covenants, I have been impressed with a pattern that
is evident in many of the Lord’s responses to the questions of missionaries. On a number of occasions in 1831, various
groups of elders who had been called to preach the gospel desired to know how they should
proceed and by what route and manner they should travel. In revelations given through the Prophet Joseph
Smith, the Lord respectively counseled these brethren that they could travel on water or
by land, that they could make or purchase the needed vehicles, that they could travel
all together or go two by two, and that they could appropriately travel in a number of
different directions. The revelations specifically instructed the
brethren to make these decisions “as seemeth you good” or “as it is made known unto
them according to their judgments." And in each of these instances the Savior
declared, “It mattereth not unto me." The Lord’s statement that such things “mattereth
not unto me” initially may seem surprising. Clearly, the Savior was not saying to these
missionaries that He did not care about what they were doing. Rather, He was emphasizing the importance
of putting first things first and focusing upon the right things—which, in these instances,
were getting to the assigned field of labor and initiating the work. They were to exercise faith, use good judgment,
act in accordance with the direction of the Spirit, and determine the best way to travel
to their assignments. The essential thing was the work they had
been called to perform; how they got there was important but was not essential. What a remarkable pattern for you and for
me to apply in our lives. Jesus Christ knows and loves us individually. He is concerned about our spiritual development
and progress, and He encourages us to grow through the exercise of inspired, righteous,
and wise judgment. The Redeemer will never leave us alone. We should always pray for guidance and direction. We should always seek for the constant companionship
of the Holy Ghost. But we should not be dismayed or discouraged
if answers to our petitions for direction or help do not necessarily come quickly. Such answers rarely come all at once. Our progress would be hindered and our judgment
would be weak if every answer was given to us immediately and without requiring the price
of faith, work, study, and persistence. The pattern I am describing is illustrated
succinctly in the following instruction to those early missionaries: I, the Lord, am willing, if any among you
desire to ride upon horses, or upon mules, or in chariots, he shall receive this blessing,
if he receive it from the hand of the Lord, with a thankful heart in all things. These things remain with you to do according
to judgment and the directions of the Spirit. Behold, the kingdom is yours. And behold, and lo, I am with the faithful
always. Even so. Amen. The principal issues in this episode are not
horses, mules, or chariots; rather, they are gratitude, judgment, and faithfulness. Please note the basic elements in this pattern:
(1) a thankful heart in all things; (2) act according to judgment and the directions of
the Spirit; and (3) the Savior is with the faithful always. Can we begin to sense the direction and assurance,
the renewal and strength that can come from following this simple pattern for inspired
and righteous judgment? Truly, scriptural patterns are a precious
source of living water. The most demanding judgments we ever make
are seldom between good or bad or between attractive and unattractive alternatives. Usually, our toughest choices are between
good and good. In this scriptural episode, horses, mules,
and chariots may have been equally effective options for missionary travel. In a similar way, you and I also might identify
at various times in our lives more than one acceptable opportunity or option that we could
choose to pursue. We should remember this pattern from the scriptures
as we approach such important decisions. If we put essential things first in our lives—things
such as dedicated discipleship, honoring covenants, and keeping the commandments—then we will
be blessed with inspiration and strong judgment as we pursue the path that leads us back to
our heavenly home. If we put essential things first, we “cannot
go amiss." Themes are overarching, recurring, and unifying
qualities or ideas, like essential threads woven throughout a text. Generally, scriptural themes are broader and
more comprehensive than patterns or connections. In fact, themes provide the background and
context for understanding connections and patterns. The process of searching for and identifying
scriptural themes leads us to the fundamental doctrines and principles of salvation—to
the eternal truths that invite the confirming witness of the Holy Ghost. This approach to obtaining living water from
the scriptural reservoir is the most demanding and rigorous; it also yields the greatest
edification and spiritual refreshment. And the scriptures are replete with powerful
themes. For example, the Book of Mormon came forth
in this dispensation to “the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ,
the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations." The central and recurring theme of the Book
of Mormon is the invitation for all to “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him." The teachings, warnings, admonitions, and
episodes in this remarkable book of scripture all focus upon and testify of Jesus the Christ
as the Redeemer and our Savior. Let me provide a few additional examples of
important themes using scriptures from the Book of Mormon: “If . . . the children of men keep the commandments
of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish
the thing which he has commanded them." “Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ." “Men are, that they might have joy." “In the strength of the Lord thou canst
do all things." “Wickedness never was happiness." If you promise not to laugh, I will tell you
about one of the simple ways I search for scriptural themes. I do not advocate or recommend that you use
the same approach; different people use different methods with equal effectiveness. I am simply describing a process that works
well for me. In preparation for a recent speaking assignment,
I was impressed to talk about the spirit and purposes of gathering. I had been studying and pondering Elder Russell
M. Nelson’s recent conference message on the principle of gathering, and the topic
was perfectly suited to the nature of and setting for my assignment. I recognized that I had much to learn from
the scriptures about gathering. So I identified and made copies of every scripture
in the standard works that included any form of the word gather. I next read each scripture, looking for connections,
patterns, and themes. It is important to note that I did not start
my reading with a preconceived set of things for which I was looking. I prayed for the assistance of the Holy Ghost
and simply started reading. As I reviewed the scriptures about gathering,
I marked verses with similar phrases or points of emphasis, using a colored pencil. By the time I had read all of the scriptures,
some of the verses were marked in red, some were marked in green, and some were marked
in other colors. Now, here comes the part that may make you
laugh. I next used my scissors to cut out the scriptures
I had copied and sorted them into piles by color. The process produced a large pile of scriptures
marked with red, a large pile of scriptures marked with green, and so forth. I then sorted the scriptures within each large
pile into smaller piles. As a first grader I must have really liked
cutting with scissors and putting things into piles! The results of this process taught me a great
deal about the principle of gathering. For example, I learned from examining my large
piles that the scriptures describe at least three key aspects of gathering: the purposes
of gathering, the types and places of gathering, and the blessings of gathering. I noted that some of the primary purposes
of gathering are to worship, to receive counsel and instruction, to build up the Church, and
to provide defense and protection. In studying about the types and places of
gathering, I discovered that we are gathered into eternal families, into the restored Church,
into stakes of Zion, into holy temples, and into two great centers: old Jerusalem and
the city of Zion or New Jerusalem. I was grateful to learn that edification,
preservation, and strength are some of the blessings of gathering. Through this process I gained an even deeper
appreciation for the spirit of gathering as an integral part of the restoration of all
things in the dispensation of the fulness of times. I will not take the time now to recount the
other things I learned about gathering; my purpose here is to briefly illustrate one
way of searching for scriptural themes. The blessings of knowledge, understanding,
revelation, and spiritual exhilaration that we can receive as we read, study, and search
the scriptures are marvelous. “Feasting upon the word of Christ” is
edifying, exciting, and enjoyable. The word is good, “for it beginneth to enlarge
my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious
to me." “Behold they are written, ye have them before
you, therefore search them," and they “shall be in [you] a well of water springing up into
everlasting life." In my personal reading, studying, and searching
over a period of years, I have focused many times upon the doctrine of the Atonement of
Jesus Christ. No event, knowledge, or influence has had
a greater impact upon me during my 54 years of mortality than repeatedly reading about,
studying in depth, and searching for connections, patterns, and themes related to the doctrine
of the Atonement. This central, saving doctrine, over time,
gradually has distilled upon my soul as the dews from heaven; has influenced my thoughts,
words, and deeds; and literally has become for me a well of living water. The importance of reading, studying, and searching
the scriptures is highlighted in several elements of Lehi’s vision of the tree of life. Father Lehi saw several groups of people pressing
forward along the strait and narrow path, seeking to obtain the tree and its fruit. The members of each group had entered onto
the path through the gate of repentance and baptism by water and had received the gift
of the Holy Ghost. The tree of life is the central feature in
the dream and is identified in 1 Nephi 11 as a representation of Jesus Christ. The fruit on the tree is a symbol for the
blessings of the Savior’s Atonement. Interestingly, the major theme of the Book
of Mormon, inviting all to come unto Christ, is central in Lehi’s vision. Of particular interest is the rod of iron
that led to the tree. The rod of iron is the word of God. In 1 Nephi 8, verses 21 through 23, we learn
about a group of people who pressed forward and commenced in the path that led to the
tree of life. However, as the people encountered the mist
of darkness, which represents the temptations of the devil, they lost their way, they wandered
off, and they were lost. It is important to note that no mention is
made about the rod of iron in these verses. Those who ignore or treat lightly the word
of God do not have access to that divine compass which points the way to the Savior. Consider that this group obtained the path
and pressed forward, exhibiting a measure of faith in Christ and spiritual conviction,
but they were diverted by the temptations of the devil and were lost. In verses 24 through 28 of chapter 8 we read
about a second group of people who obtained the strait and narrow path that led to the
tree of life. This group pressed forward through the mist
of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron even until they did come forth and partake of the
fruit of the tree. However, as this second group of people was
mocked by the occupants of the great and spacious building, they were ashamed and fell away
into forbidden paths and were lost. Please notice that this group is described
as clinging to the rod of iron. It is significant that the second group pressed
forward with faith and commitment. They also had the added blessing of the rod
of iron, and they were clinging to it! However, as they were confronted with persecution
and adversity, they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. Even with faith, commitment, and the word
of God, this group was lost—perhaps because they only periodically read or studied or
searched the scriptures. Clinging to the rod of iron suggests to me
only occasional “bursts” of study or irregular dipping rather than consistent, ongoing immersion
in the word of God. In verse 30 we read about a third group of
people who pressed forward continually holding fast to the rod of iron until they came forth
and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree. The key phrase in this verse is “continually
holding fast” to the rod of iron. The third group also pressed forward with
faith and conviction; however, there is no indication that they wandered off, fell into
forbidden paths, or were lost. Perhaps this third group of people consistently
read and studied and searched the words of Christ. Perhaps it was the constant flow of living
water that saved the third group from perishing. This is the group you and I should strive
to join. What meaneth the rod of iron which our father
saw, that led to the tree? And I said unto them that it was the word
of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they
would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower
them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction. What, then, is the difference between clinging
and holding fast to the rod of iron? Let me suggest that holding fast to the iron
rod entails the prayerful and consistent use of all three of the ways of obtaining living
water that we have discussed tonight. And it came to pass that I beheld that the
rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain
of living waters, or to the tree of life. Each of these approaches—reading from beginning
to end, studying by topic, and searching for connections, patterns, and themes—is edifying,
is instructive, and provides an intermittent portion of the Savior’s living water. I believe, however, that the regular use of
all three methods produces a more constant flow of living water and is in large measure
what it means to hold fast to the rod of iron. Through normal activity each day, you and
I lose a substantial amount of the water that constitutes so much of our physical bodies. Thirst is a demand by the cells of the body
for water, and the water in our bodies must be replenished daily. It frankly does not make sense to occasionally
“fill up” with water, with long periods of dehydration in between. The same thing is true spiritually. Spiritual thirst is a need for living water. A constant flow of living water is far superior
to sporadic sipping. Are you and I daily reading, studying, and
searching the scriptures in a way that enables us to hold fast to the rod of iron—or are
you and I merely clinging? Are you and I pressing forward toward the
fountain of living waters—relying upon the word of God? These are important questions for each of
us to ponder prayerfully. As we conclude tonight, we will sing together
the hymn “The Iron Rod.” Indeed, this song of the righteous will be
a fervent and poignant prayer. May we have ears to hear the lessons this
hymn teaches. I witness of Jesus Christ and of the power
of His word and of Him as the Word. He is the Son of the Eternal Father, and I
know that He lives. I testify that holding fast to the rod of
iron will lead to His living water. As His servant, I invoke this blessing upon
you: that your desire and capacity to hold fast to the rod of iron will be enlarged,
that your faith in the Savior will increase and replace your fears, and that as you drink
deeply from the scriptural reservoir you will come to know Him. May we ever remember that when temptation’s pow’r is nigh,
Our pathway clouded o’er, Upon the rod we can rely,
And heaven’s aid implore. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
