Mosiah opens up with two scriptures that emphasize the value of the scriptural record for the Nephites:
“Were it not for these things” (meaning the scriptures and record recorded on the plates), the Nephites would have been set back to relive and relearn the harsh lessons their forefathers had to learn. I find this particularly interesting in a personal way. I often give myself to a false notion that once I learn something I will remember it, especially if it’s important to me. In practice, that is entirely untrue.
The Benefit of Spiritual Memories
Neil L. Anderson spoke to this exact same idea of recording valuable spiritual lessons in the most recent General Conference:
Elder Anderson cited Joseph Smith as well, noting how valuable his recording of the first vision was to him years later. Joseph even claimed he wouldn’t believe himself had it not happened to him. The same is bound to happen to us if we let ourselves forget miracles occuring in our lives, and then we lose their guiding benefit.
The Importance of Writing things Down
King Benjamin shared a moving speech that was (thankfully) recorded. Think how many millions of people have been blessed by his words thanks to them writing them down and passing them around:
Like General Conference, not all the words of the Prophet reach everyone that needs to hear them. Not all the words of the Savior reach those that need to Hear Him.
In order to reach more of those that need guidance (that audience often being one’s self), writing down spiritual lessons is a small and simple means to accomplish something great.
