Book of Mormon Reading: Mosiah 1-2

There's a good reason that we believe that the Bible is the word of God as far as it is translated correctly (Article of Faith 1:8).

Some years ago, a family member of mine bought a Book of Mormon study guide book to help her along the way in understanding the Book of Mormon better. Along the way, she found herself upset at reading these words from King Benjamin:

And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you (Mosiah 2:22).

The word require bothered her a lot. I mean a lot! Because somehow, in the translation of her studies, require meant to "to demand," and how dare, she thought, that the Lord demand her to keep His commandments?

Interestingly, the meaning of the word require has changed over the years. In its beginnings, require came from the Old French word requerre which means to "seek, procure; beg, ask, petition;" the "re" part meaning repeatedly.

And while I do see God making strict His commands, I also see Him with His arms stretched out still.

Beckoning.

Calling.

Asking.

All He seeks of me is to keep His commandments, because His commandments keep me on the covenant path.

And the covenant path is what leads to His life. Even eternal life.