Members of the Mormon Church are constantly asked by the leaders of the Church to keep a journal. President Spencer W. Kimball once said, “We urge our young people to begin today to write and keep records of all the important things in their own lives.” This urging extends beyond just the youth to all members of the Church. But why is this Mormon belief so important?
A few scriptures give some of the reasons why members of the Church are asked to keep journals. In the Book of Mormon it says, “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23). This scripture illustrates one reason why members are encouraged to keep journals and records; because they can be an inspiration to your children, grandchildren and others. Keeping a journal also helps those who will come in later generations feel a link to their ancestors, thus fulfilling the scripture, “and the hearts of the children will turn to the fathers” (Doctrine and Covenants 98:16).
Another reason to keep a journal is that it can be a personal inspiration. Numerous Church leaders have explained that those who keep journals are more likely to remember God in their daily lives, and that a journal can be a source of strength when things are not going well.
Another main reason is that a journal can provide historical insight and be a historical source for future generations. One example of this in the Mormon Church is Wilford Woodruff. He faithfully kept a journal for 63 years and the information found in his journals provides a detailed record of the history of the Church during that time. If President Woodruff had not kept a journal many of the things known about the Church and life in Utah during that time would be lost. Journals also help maintain family history knowledge and may help future generations who are doing genealogical work for your family.
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