Lay hold upon every good thing...

I am reading a book by Sister Nelson, called “The Heavens are Open.” It’s a wonderful little book, and I have enjoyed her writing style and insights.

"Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ."
(Moroni 7:19)

“Mormon invites us to “lay hold upon every good thing.” Some people mistakenly think they need to lay hold on every good thing all at once. 

The scriptures tell us that “to every thing there is a season” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). To that piece of wisdom we can add “in the Lord’s due time.” And speaking of times, there are times that we need to “run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 21:1), but at the same time we are not suppose to “run faster than we have strength” (Mosiah 4:27). And there will be many times when the most important thing we need to do is to “be still, and know” that He is God (Psalm 46:20). Then when, if we have cheerfully done all things that lie in our power,” we can wait “with the utmost assurance for his arm to be revealed’” (Doctrine and Covenants 123:17).

I am captivated with Mormon’s challenge to lay hold upon every good thing. When we “lay hold upon” something, it becomes real to us. There is an implied permanence, a focusing, an embracing, and a making something our own. 

What happens when year after year we do not lay hold upon good things but continue to only touch things lightly. If we are doing good things without depth of feeling, without commitment, without passion, without deep love, we will miss out on the joy. 

What are the good things we want to lay hold upon?
Better family relationships?
A greater understanding of the scriptures?
More peace in our lives? 

More holiness?
More patience?
More sorrow for sin?
More faith in your Savior?
More sense of His care?
More joy in His service?
More purpose in prayer? 

There are many more good things mentioned in this beautiful hymn, including gratitude, trust, hope, meekness, purity, and strength. But the great desire is expressed in the final line, “More Savior like Thee.” (“More Holiness Give Me” | Text and music: Philip Paul Bliss, 1838–1876) 

The Heavens Are Open | Wendy Watson Nelson