Assess Your Learning 5

Mosiah 18–Alma 16

This lesson is intended to help you evaluate the goals you have set and the growth you have experienced thus far during your study of the Book of Mormon.

Looking back, moving forward

Think about a time when you went on a hike, bike ride, or journey of some distance. As you look ahead and begin traveling, it might feel like you are making very little progress. What happens when you take a moment to look back at where you’ve been? You will likely notice that you have traveled farther than you realized.

• What is the benefit of knowing where you have been and where you are going?

Our life can be compared to a journey. Reflecting on where you are and where you are going on a journey can be like periodically reflecting on goals you have for your personal development.

• How have you benefited from taking time to evaluate your goals and progress?

This lesson will help you evaluate progress you have made in your journey as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Seek the inspiration of the Holy Ghost as you reflect on your progress.

Becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ

1. Complete the following activity in your study journal:

   Draw a pathway that represents the covenant path and your journey as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Include the celestial kingdom at the end of the path. Draw yourself in the middle of the path.

   Review what you have studied in the Book of Mormon and your study journal notes to help you recall what you have learned. Behind the drawing of yourself, write down what you have learned during your study of the first half of the Book of Mormon that has helped you to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. You could include knowledge you have gained, attitudes or desires you are developing, or actions you have taken.

   Refer again to the image in your study journal. On the path in front of the figure that represents you, write down actions you would like to take or continue taking as you strive to become like Jesus Christ.

   • What else do you hope to learn as you study the next half of the Book of Mormon?

   • What do you hope you will know, feel, or do at the end of this year as a result of your study of the second half of the Book of Mormon?

You may want to display your drawing where it can remind you to continue striving to follow Jesus Christ.

Experiencing a change of heart

Recently you have read about many individuals who experienced a change of heart. For some, like Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah, the change was immediate and dramatic. For others, like Amulek and the people of Limhi, their change of heart happened over time.

Alma asked the people of Zarahemla, “Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?” (Alma 5:14). And if so, “can ye feel so now?” (Alma 5:26). Ponder the progress of your own change of heart. Is it sometimes difficult to recognize how the Lord may be helping you to change? In what ways did you see yourself in some of the accounts you studied?

Read Alma 5:14–19, 26–29, and prayerfully ponder Alma’s questions.

You may have recorded your responses to Alma’s questions in your study journal when you first studied those verses. Compare what you wrote then to how you would answer the questions now. What do you notice? What do you think your Father in Heaven would want you to recognize, feel, or do after comparing your responses?

Consider recording your new responses or your feelings about your progress.

Explaining the doctrine of the Atonement of Jesus Christ

2. Complete the following activity:

   Write a scenario or situation in which knowing about the Atonement of Jesus Christ would help someone. For example, a young woman wonders if she can be forgiven, or a young man feels alone in his trials. Or, instead of a situation, you could write down a question you or someone else may have about the Savior’s Atonement.

   Think about what you have learned about the Atonement of Jesus Christ by studying the Book of Mormon. Look at scriptures you have marked or notes in your study journal. You may have marked some scriptures or made notes from your study of Mosiah 26 or Alma 7 (see also 2 Nephi 9; Mosiah 14–16).

   Write what you would say in response to the situation or question. Explain how understanding the doctrine of the Atonement of Jesus Christ could help in the situation or answer the question. Try to use one or more passages from the Book of Mormon.