"Far too many people in the world are starving spiritually. Sadly, most of them have no idea where to find real spiritual nourishment. They wander to and fro—another form of pathetic refugees. Those who yearn for true spiritual light and knowledge can only find it through the power of the Holy Ghost. The Spirit enlightens and gives understanding of the eternal purposes of life. By the Spirit, Church members know the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is true. We should, therefore, feel compelled to share our spiritual knowledge with all of our Father's children by inviting them to pull a chair up to the Lord's table and feast on the words of Christ.
"'Come unto the Holy One of Israel,' wrote the great Book of Mormon prophet Jacob, 'and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness' (2 Ne. 9:51). Later Nephi urged his followers to 'feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do' (2 Ne. 32:3)."
- M. Russell Ballard, "Feasting at the Lord's Table," General Conference April 1996
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People in our world are "starving spiritually" because "most of them have no idea where to find real spiritual nourishment." When we think what it really means to starve, in the physical sense — the literal suffering and misery that comes from a lack of nourishment — it's a pretty graphic image of what a spiritual counterpart might represent. But those suffering from the spiritual version are often blissfully unaware of their plight.
Elder Ballard encourages us to be sensitive to those around us, "inviting them to pull a chair up to the Lord's table and feast on the words of Christ." We should do all in our power to help those around us who are spiritually starving. And of course, we must make sure we're well-nourished in order to be strong to help others!
(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
August 18, 2015
August 18, 2015
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