How can I use my talent to expound the scriptures?

Question

Gramps,

I received but one talent from Heavenly Father – It is ” If I prove to be true and faithful I will be given the opportunity to “expound the scriptures.”  I have studied the word expound and have found more than 300 definitions.  So, I narrowed it down to LDS- whom has the authority to expound the scriptures.  The general direction is that only the General Authorities have the authority to receive revelations concerning expounding scripture.  What am I to do.  I do not want to bury my one talent
Robert

Answer

Dear Robert,

First, might I mention, that just because only one talent or gift is mentioned in your Patriarchal Blessing that does not mean that you only have ONE.  It is simply that that is the one the Lord mentioned.  I and others I know have talents that are not mentioned in our Patriarchal Blessings.  Now to your question.

According to the Webster’s 1828 Dictionary expound means: “1. To explain; to lay open the meaning; to clear of obscurity; to interpret; as, to expound a text of scripture; to expound a law.”  (Webster’s Dictionary)     Hmmm, to me that sounds like what we do every week in our church meetings and hopefully daily in our homes, i.e. read the scriptures, try to better understand them and share that understanding with others.  It appears that you have a particular aptitude for this and that is a gift indeed.  Sometimes people tell me, “I just can’t understand the scriptures.”  With your gift you can help those who struggle in this way.

You mentioned that General Authorities have the authority to receive revelations expounding scripture.  It is true that only the those whom the Lord has called, i.e. the General Authorities, can speak for the church.  That does not mean that the rest of us can’t discuss the scriptures and try to help one another better understand and apply them to our lives.  For example, Emma Smith was not a General Authority but as we see in D&C 25:7, she was called to expound the scriptures.

“7 And thou shalt be ordained under his hand to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit.”

May I also recommending re-reading D&C 20 where holders of the Aaronic Priesthood are all given the responsibility to expound.

How you develop this talent, Robert, is in your hands.  There are so many potential ways to study and expound the scriptures that I couldn’t possibly mention them all here.  I will give you this suggestion though: follow the Spirit.  I imagine it will be for you as it has been for me, that you will be guided to study different ways at different times.  A serious study of the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon, is a blessing waiting to unfold.  So go, develop your talents (this and the others that I am sure you have.)  Enjoy the journey of discovery!

Gramps