Available To All

It is a seemingly small thing, but these words stuck out to me as I read them:

"Now I would that ye should understand that the word of God was liberal unto all, that none were deprived of the privilege of assembling themselves together to hear the word of God." (Alma 6:5)

I think it is important to remember the several lessons that are pointed out in this verse. First, that the word of God was liberal to all, or open to all. This means everyone. Nobody is barred from hearing His word.

Secondly, everyone could gather together to hear the word of God. Not only is it open and freely given to all, but that nobody is excluded from the community that happens when people gather together to hear God's word. This is important because everyone can work together to gain understanding, and when this is done in the right way, with the right spirit, all are edified of all. Everyone grows.

Finally, the word privilege, with reference to gathering together to hear the word of God. Sometimes, Sunday is the only day of rest that you have, and it can almost feel like a sacrifice to go to all the Church block meetings, firesides, and other meetings. If the word of God is being shared, even a little, it should feel like a privilege, not a burden.

I hope that I can learn the lessons that are meant for me, and I hope to retain in remembrance those lessons.

As a side note, it is interesting to note the several lessons that can be learned from a short verse of scripture. Sometimes, you feel like you have to read a whole lot to get a lot out of what you read, so it feels like a burden. But you don't. You can learn from any part of the scriptures, assuming you are in the frame of mind that you are looking to learn, or gain knowledge or better understanding.