For those who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed the Mormon Church), the words ‘Scripture Mastery’ have a double meaning.
The first thing we’ll think of is a set of 100 verses of scripture that “have been deemed especially important by church leaders”
(www.mormonwiki.com/Scripture_Mastery). These verses are split up between the four standard works, which are studied in Seminary over the course of four years: Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants.
During the year seminary teachers work hard to help teens memorize the 25 verses associated with the particular course of study, coming up with key words, quizzes, and games to make learning them fun.
There’s another aspect to Scripture Mastery that our teens learn, perhaps without even realizing it. Think of what it means to master something: you become an expert, you come know something inside and out, and you are well practiced. Each set of Scripture Mastery verses is a stepping off point in become a master of the scriptures. Why would this be important in the lives of teens?
Teaching anyone to rely first and foremost on the word of the Lord is vital to their eternal happiness. It may not be the first place they’ll turn every time, but as they see it working towards their good they will do it more often. We all can benefit from searching the scriptures in any time of our lives. Whether we’re sad, in pain, confused, in need of answers, or any other conceivable situation we can find something in the Word to help us along. Even if it’s not for our own benefit we can turn to Him for answers. By memorizing scriptures we begin a journey that can help us come to know the scriptures and recall them when needed.
Richard G. Scott, an apostle of the Lord, spoke on why it is necessary to study and memorize the scriptures.
“The Holy Ghost can’t bring to your memory a scripture that will touch someone’s heart if you haven’t studied the scriptures yourself.
“Teaching by the Spirit means there needs to be an investment of time and effort. It isn’t saying, ‘Well, I’m just going to go out there and wait for the Spirit to tell me what to do.’ You have to store the gospel . . . in your mind and heart” (Richard G. Scott and Charles Didier, “Be One of the Greatest,” New Era, Mar 2004).
If we want to be able to recall a needed verse in a moment’s notice we need to put in the work. Start with some of your favorites.
“I suggest that you memorize scriptures that touch your heart and fill your soul with understanding. When scriptures are used as the Lord has caused them to be recorded, they have intrinsic power that is not communicated when paraphrased. Sometimes when there is a significant need in my life, I review mentally scriptures that have given me strength. There is great solace, direction, and power that flow from the scriptures, especially the words of the Lord.” (Jacob 4:10). (Richard G. Scott, “He Lives,” New Era, Dec 2000).
This is why we encourage our youth to begin mastering their scriptures through Scripture Mastery. I hope to share many of these verses, and what they’ve come to mean in my own life. Just remember, these verses are only a starting off point. They are be no means considered the most important nor the only ones to be memorized.
Take a few minutes over the next few days and think about the scripture verses that mean the most to you in your own lives.
