Learning and Language of the Father

So I'm about a month behind in my little spotlights from the summer institute class about the teachings of The Book of Mormon on the family, but I still want to share a few thoughts from those lessons.

In the well-read first verse of Nephi we find the phrase "I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father..." and the second verse clarifies a little stating that it, "consists of the learning of the Jews and the language of the Egyptians." And later on, in the first chapter of Mosiah, King Benjamin emphasizes the same idea, "And he caused that they should be taught in all the language of his fathers, that thereby they might become men of understanding...for he having been taught in the language of the Egyptians therefore he could read these engravings, and teach them to his children, that thereby they could teach them to their children, and so fulfilling the commandments of God, even down to this present time."

We could take that literally and talk about what the actual learning and language of the fathers might be. A cultural learning including the law of Moses, an understanding of their relationship with God, the blessings associated with the Abrahamic covenant, etc. Perhaps a dialect found among the Hebrews that reflected the Egyptian influence. Some interesting insights can definitely be found in that avenue of study.

However, the interpretation that I found in this study of those verses seemed to point more towards a spiritual language taught and learned within the family relationships. Is it not within the family that we first learn the languages of love and the language of the Spirit? As we observe and then emulate our parents, we begin to take note of how the Spirit is manifest, felt, and understood uniquely for each individual--indeed a confusing language for a beginner. However, as we watch how others hear and use the languages of the Spirit, we can begin to understand how the Lord speaks to us.  Similarly, within our closest family relationships we have the privilege to learn how to express love through a myriad of methods such as service, words, time, and affection.

We could also talk about the language of prayer and the learning of the scriptures that is nurtured in the family that are truly how we communicate with our Father in Heaven. Are we practicing these languages within our own families? Just like learning any new language it requires work and dedication to master, but the rewards will be infinitely sweeter as we use it to improve our relationships. Maybe that will be through recognizing spiritual promptings or understanding how a sibling needs to feel loved. Whatever the practical application of this may look like for our individual families, it is my testimony that in so doing we will become "men [and women] of understanding" and more fully "fulfill the commandments of God."