Study Guide for "In the Space of Not Many Years"

In his General Conference talk, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reflects on the teachings of President Ezra Taft Benson about the Book of Mormon. Elder Bednar emphasizes the relevance of the Book of Mormon for our day, particularly focusing on the lessons from the book of Helaman. He contrasts the spiritual decline of the Nephites with the increasing righteousness of the Lamanites, providing a warning against pride and a promise for those who turn to God. Elder Bednar encourages us to learn from these ancient records to navigate the challenges of our time.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does Elder Bednar say about the purpose of the Book of Mormon?
How does the book of Helaman illustrate the consequences of pride?
What lessons can we learn from the contrasting behaviors of the Nephites and Lamanites?
What warnings and promises does Elder Bednar highlight in his talk?
How can the teachings of the Book of Mormon apply to our individual lives today?

Topics

Understand the Purpose of the Book of Mormon

Elder Bednar discusses President Benson's teaching that the Book of Mormon was written for our day, containing principles, warnings, and lessons relevant to our modern challenges. It is not just a historical record but a guide for the future.

The Book of Mormon … was written for our day. The Nephites never had the book; neither did the Lamanites of ancient times. It was meant for us.

If they saw our day, and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon?

What did President Benson teach about the purpose of the Book of Mormon?
How should we approach our study of the Book of Mormon according to Elder Bednar?
How can you apply the lessons from the Book of Mormon to your current life challenges?
In what ways can you make your study of the Book of Mormon more focused on future guidance rather than just historical context?

Learn from the Nephites" Spiritual Decline

The Nephites" rapid descent into wickedness serves as a warning against pride and forgetting God. Elder Bednar highlights how prosperity and pride led them away from righteousness, resulting in spiritual blindness and apostasy.

Pride … began to enter … into the hearts of the people who professed to belong to the church of God … because of their exceedingly great riches and their prosperity in the land.

Allowing pride to enter into our hearts can cause us to mock that which is sacred; disbelieve in the spirit of prophecy and revelation.

What factors contributed to the Nephites" spiritual decline?
How does pride affect our spiritual perception and priorities?
Reflect on a time when pride may have affected your spiritual growth. How can you guard against it?
What steps can you take to ensure that prosperity does not lead you away from spiritual priorities?

Embrace the Lamanites" Righteousness

In contrast to the Nephites, the Lamanites turned to God by believing in the scriptures and prophets, exercising faith, repenting, and experiencing a change of heart. Their firmness and steadiness in faith serve as an example for us.

Therefore, as many as have come to this, ye know of yourselves are firm and steadfast in the faith.

They are striving with unwearied diligence that they may bring the remainder of their brethren to the knowledge of the truth.

What actions did the Lamanites take to increase in righteousness?
How did the Lamanites" faithfulness contrast with the Nephites" decline?
In what ways can you emulate the Lamanites" diligence and faithfulness in your own life?
How can you help others come to the knowledge of the truth as the Lamanites did?

Beware of Pride and Its Consequences

Elder Bednar warns against the dangers of pride, which can lead to spiritual blindness and apostasy. He emphasizes the need for humility and the importance of doing small and simple things to protect against pride.

If you or I do not believe we could be afflicted with and by pride, then we are vulnerable and in spiritual danger.

Blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble.

What are the dangers of pride according to Elder Bednar?
How can humility protect us from spiritual dangers?
What are some small and simple things you can do to cultivate humility in your life?
How can you recognize and address pride in your own heart before it leads to spiritual blindness?

Apply the Book of Mormon's Teachings Today

Elder Bednar encourages us to apply the teachings of the Book of Mormon to our individual lives and challenges. By studying and pondering its messages, we can gain insights and guidance for our personal circumstances.

As we study and ponder this inspired record, we will be blessed with eyes to see, ears to hear, minds to comprehend, and hearts to understand the lessons we should learn.

How does Elder Bednar suggest we apply the Book of Mormon's teachings to our lives?
What blessings come from studying and pondering the Book of Mormon?
What specific challenges in your life can be addressed by applying the teachings of the Book of Mormon?
How can you make your study of the Book of Mormon more meaningful and applicable to your personal circumstances?