Elder Quentin L. Cook on persistence in family scripture study

Elder Quentin L. Cook (b. September 8, 1940) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"Clearly, a dividing line between those who hear the music of faith and those who are tone-deaf or off-key is the active study of the scriptures....

"I hope we are reading the Book of Mormon with our children regularly. I have discussed this with my own children. They have shared with me two observations. First, persistence in reading the scriptures daily as a family is the key. My daughter in a lighthearted way describes their early-morning efforts with mostly teenage children to consistently read the scriptures. She and her husband wake up early in the morning and move through the blurry mist to grasp the iron railing that lines their staircase to where their family gathers to read the word of God. Persistence is the answer, and a sense of humor helps. It requires great effort from every family member every day, but it is worth the effort. Temporary setbacks are overshadowed by persistence....

"We know that family scripture study and family home evenings are not always perfect. Regardless of the challenges you face, do not become discouraged."

- Quentin L. Cook, "In Tune with the Music of Faith," General Conference April 2012
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We often underestimate the importance of "active study of the scriptures" in our lives. Elder Cook reminds us how critical that is for us, and for parents who are teaching their children:

Most families face challenges in finding the patterns of consistent and beneficial scripture study. Elder Cook encourages patience and steadiness: "Temporary setbacks are overshadowed by persistence." We may not think our efforts are doing much good, but we often underestimate the impact of those ongoing and consistent efforts.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)