Our Compass
By Brenda Christensen
In the Book of Mormon we read of a people who had an instrument called a ball or director. This compass-like instrument was prepared by the Lord and worked according to the people’s faith in God. When they were righteous and exercised faith, the spindles would point the way they should go. When their faith or diligence in keeping the commandments was lacking, the instrument would not work. (See 1 Ne. 16; 1 Ne. 18:12.)
Alma stated that the compass and its operation was “not without a shadow” or type of things spiritual. He wrote:
“For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land.
“And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course,carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.
“… do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers;
for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.” (Alma 37:43-47)
What is the compass we need to look to today? It is the scriptures and words of our living
prophets. Is the way as easy as Alma says? Can we really receive all the guidance, help and direction we need from reading our scriptures? The answer is simply, “Yes.” If we are taking the time to read our scriptures daily, we will be prepared to receive the promptings of the spirit that will tell us and show us “all things what [we] should do.” (2 Nephi 32:3, 5) What easier and happier path can we be on than the one that has been shown to us by our Savior--a path of peace that will lead us through our sorrows and trials back to the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.
Even in the short few weeks of our Book of Mormon challenge, I have felt a greater influence of the Spirit in my life and have received added help in my calling. I know as we commit to do this “easy” thing --- reading our scriptures every day -- the Lord will bless us beyond our comprehension and we will see miracles worked in our lives and in the lives of our ward family.
