Sherem and the Danger of Familiar Voices

Sherem wanted to keep the Law of Moses. He believed the people of Nephi were on the wrong path by following prophets who spoke of Christ and taught that the law ultimately pointed to Him. Because Sherem disagreed with the living prophet, “he labored diligently that he might lead away the hearts of the people” (Jacob 7:3). And it appears that, in some cases, he succeeded.

Sherem was smooth. He was intelligent, articulate, and persuasive. But he operated under the devil’s power, having been deceived by him. Rather than humbly seeking truth, Sherem demanded a sign in order to change his viewpoint. As President Ezra Taft Benson once observed, “The proud wish God would agree with them. They aren’t interested in changing their opinions to agree with God’s.”1

Why Jacob Could Not Be Shaken

So how was Jacob able to avoid Sherem’s deception?

Jacob explains it simply: “I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken” (Jacob 7:5).

Jacob could not be shaken because he was close to the Lord. He recognized the Lord’s voice. That spiritual familiarity anchored him when persuasive but misleading voices arose.

We too can hear the voice of the Lord “from time to time”—through consistent scripture study and through revelation that comes by the Holy Ghost after sincere prayer. That steady exposure matters more than a single dramatic experience.

Many Voices, One Standard

There are many voices competing for our attention and sympathy. Some of those voices, like Sherem’s, even come from within the Church. They can sound intelligent, articulate, and compelling. Sometimes they demand new signs or answers to questions that have already been given.

The key is learning to recognize the voice of the Lord so we are not deceived by the “Sherems” of the world. Daily prayer and scripture study tune our spiritual ears. They give us a reference point. Then, when a prophet—or a false prophet—speaks, we can discern the difference.

“Give the Lord Equal Time”

Elder M. Russell Ballard once shared an experience that powerfully illustrates this principle:

“One of my missionaries came to me some time ago. He was a fine missionary. I asked him, ‘Elder, how can I help you?’

“‘President,’ he said, ‘I think I’m losing my testimony.’

“I couldn’t believe it. I asked him how that could be possible.

“‘For the first time I have read some anti-Mormon literature,’ he said. ‘I have some questions, and nobody will answer them for me. I am confused, and I think I am losing my testimony.’

“I asked him what his questions were, and he told me. They were the standard anti-Church issues, but I wanted some time to gather materials so I could provide meaningful answers. We set an appointment ten days later. As he started to leave, I stopped him.

“‘Elder,’ I said, ‘you’ve asked me several questions today. Now I have one for you. How long has it been since you read from the Book of Mormon?’

“His eyes dropped. After a pause, he admitted, ‘It’s been a long time, President.’

“‘Then here is your assignment,’ I said. ‘I want you to read from the Book of Mormon for at least one hour every day until we meet again.’

“Ten days later he returned. Before I could begin answering his questions, he stopped me.

“‘President, that won’t be necessary,’ he said. ‘I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.’

I answered his questions anyway, and then asked, ‘What have you learned from this?’

“He replied, ‘Give the Lord equal time.'”

Unshaken by Giving the Lord Equal Time

The Sherems of the world will weave in and out of the Church and our lives. Their words may sound flattering, convincing, and even reasonable. But the sure way to remain unshaken, like Jacob, is to give the Lord equal time.

When we consistently listen to His voice, other voices lose their power.

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1. Ezra Taft Benson, “Beware of Pride“, General Conference, April 1989.
2. M. Russell Ballard, “When Shall These Things Be?“, BYU Devotional, March 1996