Liahona
Am I Turning to the Lord First?
January 2024


“Am I Turning to the Lord First?,” Liahona, Jan. 2024.

Come, Follow Me

1 Nephi 11–15

Am I Turning to the Lord First?

Nephi praying

We know from 1 Nephi 2:16 that when Nephi faced uncertainty, he turned to the Lord and the Lord softened his heart. On the other hand, when Laman and Lemuel faced uncertainty, they argued with each other and relied on their brother Nephi for answers instead of relying on the Lord (see 1 Nephi 15:8–9).

Laman and Lemuel show a pattern of what could happen when we rely solely on others for truth rather than turning to the Lord. Nephi became spiritually strong and stayed faithful to God throughout his life, while Laman and Lemuel eventually abandoned their father’s teachings of the Lord. Although Nephi was a trustworthy disciple, even he knew he wasn’t a replacement for seeking truth directly from the Lord (see 1 Nephi 15:6–11).

As you evaluate your dependence on the Lord versus other people, which of these options do you relate with?

Worldly Sources

Gospel Sources

I often forget to ponder and reflect upon what was taught during general conference.

I regularly study general conference talks to keep the leaders’ words fresh in my mind.

When I have questions, I check social media or my favorite podcasts to find answers.

When I have questions, I search for help in the scriptures or the words of modern-day prophets.

I often forget to pray and study the scriptures.

Prayer and scripture study are a regular part of my life.

Other people have better advice than Church leaders or the scriptures.

I find peace in listening to the words of Church leaders and the scriptures.

I value others’ opinions more than gospel teachings.

I value gospel teachings and inspiration from the Holy Ghost.