Learning a foreign language in an unfamiliar land was far from easy. After much trial and error, I began by memorizing simple greetings, basic words, and short phrases step by step, like a child learning to walk. Gradually, my efforts bore fruit. After a year, I found myself able to carry on everyday conversations with relative ease. With the basics in place, I assumed my language skills would naturally improve over time. I became complacent and allowed my studies to slip. But I was mistaken. My progress stalled completely. In fact, I began to forget words and expressions I had once memorized so diligently. It felt as though I was regressing. Realizing this, I resolved to begin again. The more I studied, the more fluent my expression became, and the better I could understand others. The joy of learning returned.
Through this experience, I came to realize that the word of truth is much the same. Just as language skills don’t automatically improve by living abroad, spiritual understanding doesn’t deepen simply by staying in Zion. Without continual effort, even the most basic knowledge of the Bible can fade, and with it, our faith in the Savior and our hope for heaven. And if we lose sight of the Savior, if our hope for heaven grows dim, how can we expect to receive salvation? I will diligently study the words of life that our Heavenly Father has entrusted to His children. In doing so, I hope to clearly grasp His will for His people and, with certainty, learn the way to the kingdom of heaven.