Study Journal Check-In #6

Did you use your scripture study journal while reading John 1-7 this week?

Yes

Share a picture from your journal this week (something that is not too personal). What was significant about this entry?

In this entry, I realized that sometimes, probably more often than should be the case, I let "traditions" get in the way of my fulfilling of God's commandments. My ministering efforts recently have been focused more on getting it done than on caring for the person, which goes completely contrary to the whole idea of ministering. I need to focus more on the people than I do on the task. The same thing goes for my calling. My goal shouldn't be to simply get one service project a month. It shouldn't be to have the image of productivity. It should be planning activities that help bring the ward closer together and closer to Christ.

As a side note to that, I shouldn't be seeking "honor" in my position either. I shouldn't be looking for people to say, "Oh, he's the best service co-chair ever!" I need to be seeking to do the Lord's will in order to bless His children.

Describe one additional resource that has enhanced your study and explain how.

The New Testament Student Manual put out by the Church has really helped me to study. It gives different perspectives on the reading that I haven't thought about, such as the perspective about Christ's teachings in the temple. It also helps to explain some more confusing passages in the scriptures, such as the passage describing the "healing properties" of the pool of Bethesda. It uses sources, both ancient and modern, that are reliable and accurately reflect the teachings of the Restored Church.