Even the best seeds cannot grow on hard, stony, or thorny ground. Similarly, even the most precious and faith-promoting doctrine is unlikely to change a heart that is unprepared to receive it. That’s part of the message of the Savior’s parable about a sower, seeds, and soil of various conditions. It is in the “good ground”—the heart that has been softened and cleared of spiritual stones and thorns—that the word of God bears life-giving fruit (see Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23).
Spiritual preparation matters—for you and for the people you teach. So how do we help prepare our hearts so they are “good ground” for God’s word? Consider the following principles of preparation, which you can apply in your life and encourage in the lives of those you teach. Pray to find out what the Lord wants you to learn. Live in a way that invites His presence in your life. Repent daily. Nurture your desire to learn by asking sincere questions. Study the word of God with faith that He will lead you to answers. Open your heart to whatever He will teach you.
As learners prepare to learn in this way, they will have spiritual eyes to see and ears to hear what the Lord would have them know (see Matthew 13:16).
Questions to Ponder: What do you do to prepare yourself to learn? How does your preparation affect the way you see, hear, and understand the word of God? How can you inspire others to prepare to learn? What difference could that make in how they receive the truths of the gospel?
From the Scriptures: Enos 1:1–8; Alma 16:16–17; 32:6, 27–43; 3 Nephi 17:3
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