The scriptures were not given to us for an occasional perusal, a casual reading, or a brief history lesson. They were given for us to “feast” on the words of Christ. This implies something much more than just reading. It implies that the scriptures are satisfying a powerful spiritual hunger and quenching a thirst for the things of the Spirit. Those who most enjoy this “feast” are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. The promise is given to them that they will be filled with the Holy Ghost (3 Nephi 12:8). This occurs most of the time as the individual feasts upon the words of Christ in the scriptures. The spiritual food is internalized and becomes a part of the individual. Spiritually speaking, “you are what you eat.” The other verb that the scriptures use to describe our approach to scripture study is “to search.”
Scriptures are of little value unless they are feasted upon and searched. They are useful if they are “read,” but the term “search” implies something totally different. To “search” is to try to understand, to look for personal meaning, to understand historical context, to reference other sources, to find resolution to conflicts, and to internalize principles. The Lord has never commanded the saints to “read” the scriptures; He always commands them to “search” them: search them diligently that ye may profit (Mosiah 1:7)….and search these things diligently, for great are the words of Isaiah (3Ne 23:1). The result of diligent searching is that one becomes as the sons of Mosiah who had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth (Alma 17:2).
Bruce R. McConkie
“Loaves and fishes perish, but there is a food which is eternal, ’which endureth unto everlasting life.’ This is the food he is prepared to give them; it is the everlasting word, the word of truth, the gospel of salvation. As the woman of Samaria was invited to drink living water and never thirst more; so they were invited to eat living bread and never hunger more. This bread was available, without money and without price, from the Son of Man.” (The Mortal Messiah, Book 2, p. 371)
Ezra Taft Benson
“More than at any time in our history we have need for greater spirituality. The way to develop greater spirituality is to feast on the words of Christ as revealed in the scriptures. One of the most significant happenings in recent Church history is the publication of the new editions of the standard works with the new footnotes and other helps. I think we can say without exaggeration that never before in any dispensation have the Saints been so abundantly blessed with the words of the Lord and His prophets. Now our challenge is to do as the Lord commanded: ”Study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men" (D&C 11:22). (Conference Report, April 1984, p. 7)
Elder Rulon T. Burton
“I add my voice to these wise and inspired brethren [referencing President Spencer W. Kimball, Bruce R. McConkie and Boyd K. Packer] and say to you that one of the most important things you can do as priesthood leaders is to immerse yourselves in the scriptures. Search them diligently. Feast upon the words of Christ. Learn the doctrine. Master the principles that are found therein. There are few other efforts that will bring greater dividends to your calling. There are few other ways to gain greater inspiration as you serve.” (From the General Priesthood Meeting, Apr. 1986, as quoted in the Ensign, May 1986, p. 81-2)