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The below transcript is based on this video.
In Mormon 1 we find the powerful phrase: “Quick to observe.” When Mormon was only ten years old, Ammaron, the keeper of the Nephite records came to him and said, “I perceive that thou art a sober child, and art quick to observe” (Mormon 2:8).
In 2005, Elder David A. Bednar gave an influential talk called “Quick to Observe.” Speaking to students at Brigham Young University, Elder Bednar said, “As you study and learn and grow during your time as a university student, I hope you also are learning about and becoming quick to observe. Your future success and happiness will in large measure be determined by this spiritual capacity.”
Elder Bednar continued, “When we are quick to observe, we promptly look or notice and obey. Both of these fundamental elements—looking and obeying—are essential to being quick to observe. And the prophet Mormon is an impressive example of this gift in action.”
In his talk, Elder Bednar shared several examples of lessons he had learned when he had been quick to observe other people. One these was a story about when he was in a meeting with the First Presidency and several members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, include Elder David B. Haight, who was 97 and in poor health was asked by President Hinckley to give the closing prayer. Elder Bednar recounts:
“Elder Haight had some difficulty as he tried to stand and offer the prayer. After several attempts to rise to his feet, President Hinckley courteously said, “David, it is all right”—suggesting, I believe, that it was permissible for Elder Haight to remain in his chair and offer the prayer. Elder Haight responded in a voice that was both firm and appropriate and said, “President, I must stand!”
“There was simply no way that mighty Apostle was going to sit and pray in the presence of the First Presidency and his colleagues of the Twelve. And of greater importance, he was not going to sit as he communicated with his Heavenly Father. So once again Elder Haight worked to stand—and was successful. I shall never forget the spirit I felt as I listened to Elder Haight pray. I hope on that occasion I was quick to observe a powerful lesson about the dignity and the humility that should always attend our prayers.”
Re-reading Mormon 1this week and thinking about Elder Bednar’s talk caused me to reflect on lessons I’ve learned as I’ve tried to be quick to observe. As I share a couple of experiences with you, please know that I’m not trying to state what you should or should not be doing; I’m simply sharing lessons I’ve observed that have helped me.
When I was a teenager I tended to change out of my Sunday clothes as soon as church was over. As a missionary, I noticed that my Mission President’s son, who was about 15 years old stayed in his church clothes all day on Sunday. One day I asked him, “Richard, why do you stay in your church clothes all day? Wouldn’t it be more comfortable to change into shorts and a T-shirt.”
Richard responded to me by saying, “For me, staying in my church clothes on Sunday helps me keep the Sabbath day holy.”
That had a real impact on me, and I decided to try putting this idea into practice. I found that for me, wearing church clothes throughout the day on Sunday has had a positive impact in my ability to draw closer to God on the Sabbath Day.
Another example: When it comes to making decision, I like to decide quickly and move forward. But I recently noticed a friend who, when faced with decisions, will often take a few hours, or a day or two to prayerfully consider the situation. When I asked him about this practice, he said that he has often found that by being still, the Lord will cause situations to unfold a little bit further, making it easier to determine the best course of action. This is a principle I’m planning to put into my own life.
What examples do you have in your own life? When have you been “quick to observe”?
Are there additional opportunities for you and me to open our eyes and learn from others?
Elder Bednar taught, “Quick to observe. Prompt to watch and to obey. A simple gift that blesses us individually and in our families and extends blessings to so many other people. Each of us can and should strive to be worthy of this significant spiritual gift—even the capacity of being quick to observe.”
