The gospel doctrine teacher asked me and others to talk for 2-3 minutes. The following is what I prepared:

The assignment I was given is to share an experience where the power of the Book of Mormon has blessed me in finding life in greater abundance. I unfortunately have no specific experience I can point to. I don’t have a handle on what blessings result from what actions; I just lump them all together. I do know that all blessings of abundance come from God through the atonement and grace of Jesus Christ.

I believe the key to abundance is found in the JST of Matthew 13:12 and Mark 4:20 “For whosoever receiveth, to him shall be given, and unto you that continueth to receive, shall more be given, and more abundance; but whosoever continueth not to receive, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.”   

The key to having abundance is a willingness to receive what the Lord has to give. When we continue not to receive, the flow of blessings stop. When we read, study, ponder and pray, and have a desire to act upon the principles taught in the scriptures, we are in a position to receive the power necessary to carry out those same principles in our daily life.

D&C 71:6 “For unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly, even power.” Our righteous efforts are made possible by receiving God’s power, which increases our capacity to receive even more. Temple attendance, prayer, scripture study, and especially asking, are the most efficient methods of accessing God’s power. And without this enabling power, we are helpless to obtain anything long-lasting and worthwhile, especially salvation.

Does keeping the commandments give us power; or does God’s power give us the ability to keep the commandments? [Pause] Both! We observe God’s council when we begin a serious study of the Book of Mormon and by so doing a power begins to flow into our lives, giving us the ability to keep other commandments, thereby putting us in the position to receive greater power, and greater abundance.