--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Life is an 'open-book' exam, but the…" description: "\"Life is an 'open-book' exam, but the problem is that most of the students don't have the 'book', or refuse to open it-a fact that ought to spur us on a..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a62/neal-a-maxwell-925_book_life-is-an-open-book-exam-but-the-proble_2743577.png" --- # Life is an 'open-book' exam, but the problem is that most… ![“Life is an 'open-book' exam, but the problem is that most of the students don't have the 'book', or refuse to open it-a fact that ought to spur us on as Church members to share the gospel more widely so that life would be meaningful for more people.” quote by Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a62/neal-a-maxwell-925_book_life-is-an-open-book-exam-but-the-proble_2743577.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a62/neal-a-maxwell-925_book_life-is-an-open-book-exam-but-the-proble_2743577.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a62/neal-a-maxwell-925_book_life-is-an-open-book-exam-but-the-proble_2743577.png) > “Life is an 'open-book' exam, but the problem is that most of the students don't have the 'book', or refuse to open it-a fact that ought to spur us on as Church members to share the gospel more widely so that life would be meaningful for more people.” [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Many lack access to spiritual guidance, urging believers to share the gospel widely for deeper meaning. **In simple terms:** People often lack spiritual resources, so sharing faith is vital. Key Takeaway Share teachings to give others access to meaning. Themes faith sharing meaning Mood hopeful compassionate Type inspirational practical When to use this quote - church outreach - education programs - community events - personal mentorship Key Concepts evangelism spiritual literacy Questions to Reflect On - How can you present the gospel respectfully? - What methods best reach those without access? A Different Perspective Not everyone is receptive; cultural barriers exist. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Book](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/book/) [Christianity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christianity/) [Church](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/church/) [Exam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/exam/) [Facts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/facts/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Meaningful](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meaningful/) [Missionary](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/missionary/) [Open book](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/open-book/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Problem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/problem/) [Share The Gospel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/share-the-gospel/) [Students](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/students/) ## Related quotes > [“As we scatter kindness, we help to create a safe space where we can openly share the gospel with others. We get to see…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-ehman/as-we-scatter-kindness-we-help-to-create-a-safe-space-where-we-can/) [Karen Ehman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-ehman/) > [At the end of the day, the biggest obstacle to evangelism is Christians who don’t share the gospel.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-mohler/at-the-end-of-the-day-the-biggest-obstacle-to-evangelism-is/) [Albert Mohler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-mohler/) > [Imagine if we started raising generations of children who stood uncompromisingl y on the Word of God, knew how to defend the Christian faith,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ken-ham/imagine-if-we-started-raising-generations-of-children-who-stood/) [Ken Ham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ken-ham/) > [The greatest motivation to share the gospel w/ someone today & everyday: Another voice around the throne. A louder song for Jesus.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matt-papa/the-greatest-motivation-to-share-the-gospel-w-someone-today-everyday/) [Matt Papa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matt-papa/) > [We are supposed to share the gospel. So, I believe it can actually be a sinful thing to not do it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/greg-laurie/we-are-supposed-to-share-the-gospel-so-i-believe-it-can-actually-be-a/) [Greg Laurie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/greg-laurie/) > [The intensity of our desire to share the gospel is a great indicator of the extent of our personal conversion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dallin-h-oaks/the-intensity-of-our-desire-to-share-the-gospel-is-a-great-indicator/) [Dallin H. Oaks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dallin-h-oaks/) > [“We don’t have time to share the gospel with people around us. We do, however, have time to say, “That’s wrong.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/voddie-t-baucham-jr/we-don-t-have-time-to-share-the-gospel-with-people-around-us-we-do/) [Voddie T. Baucham Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/voddie-t-baucham-jr/) > [As a pastor, I have the opportunity every week to share the gospel publicly in a way that most of the members sitting in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-dever/as-a-pastor-i-have-the-opportunity-every-week-to-share-the-gospel/) [Mark Dever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-dever/) > [Christians, like everyone else, are prone to be selfish and scared, and wanting others to think well of them. So, although we possess what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-dever/christians-like-everyone-else-are-prone-to-be-selfish-and-scared-and/) [Mark Dever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-dever/) > [Think of someone you know who's not saved but you may be afraid to share the Gospel with that person. I've found a way…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kirk-cameron/think-of-someone-you-know-who-s-not-saved-but-you-may-be-afraid-to/) [Kirk Cameron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kirk-cameron/) > [We all have the opportunity to share the gospel and we should - that's what we were called to do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeremy-camp/we-all-have-the-opportunity-to-share-the-gospel-and-we-should-that-s/) [Jeremy Camp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeremy-camp/) > [Our desire to share the gospel takes all of us to our knees, and it should, because we need the Lord's help.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neil-l-andersen/our-desire-to-share-the-gospel-takes-all-of-us-to-our-knees-and-it/) [Neil L. Andersen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neil-l-andersen/) > [The ability to share the gospel isn't a 'gift' that has been given to only a few Latter-day Saints and denied to the rest.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-ability-to-share-the-gospel-isn-t-a-gift-that-has-been-given-to/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [If we were able to rewrite the script for the reputation of Christianity, I think we would put the emphasis on developing relationships with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-stanley/if-we-were-able-to-rewrite-the-script-for-the-reputation-of/) [Andy Stanley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-stanley/) > [So relational evangelism? Go for it, as long as it turns into real evangelism. You hanging out having a beer with your buddy so…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matt-chandler/so-relational-evangelism-go-for-it-as-long-as-it-turns-into-real/) [Matt Chandler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matt-chandler/) ## More by Neal A. Maxwell > [Clearly, when we baptize, our eyes should gaze beyond the baptismal font to the holy temple. The great garner into which the sheaves should…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/clearly-when-we-baptize-our-eyes-should-gaze-beyond-the-baptismal/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [We should not assume; however, that just because something is unexplainable by us, it is unexplainable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/we-should-not-assume-however-that-just-because-something-is/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [Naive optimism and pervasive pessimism are both to be avoided, therefore. It's not an easy balance to maintain, to be asked to work away…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/naive-optimism-and-pervasive-pessimism-are-both-to-be-avoided/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [Occasionally some individuals let the seeming ordinariness of life dampen their spirits. Though actually coping and growning, others lack the quiet, inner-soul satisfaction that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/occasionally-some-individuals-let-the-seeming-ordinariness-of-life/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [The acceptance of the reality that we are in the Lord's loving hands is only a recognition that we have never really been anywhere…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/the-acceptance-of-the-reality-that-we-are-in-the-lord-s-loving-hands/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [We can't dwell upon another's ingratitude without using up our time and talents unprofitably.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/we-can-t-dwell-upon-another-s-ingratitude-without-using-up-our-time/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [The winds of tribulation, which blow out some men's candles of commitment, only fan the fires of faith of others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/the-winds-of-tribulation-which-blow-out-some-men-s-candles-of/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [Power is most safe with those who are not in love with it!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/power-is-most-safe-with-those-who-are-not-in-love-with-it/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [Ultimate hope constitutes the anchor of the soul.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/ultimate-hope-constitutes-the-anchor-of-the-soul/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [Frequently, we busily search for group service projects, which are surely needed and commendable, when quiet, personal service is also urgently needed. Sometimes the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/frequently-we-busily-search-for-group-service-projects-which-are/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [The cumulative weight of all mortal sins--past, present, and future--pressed upon that perfect, sinless, and sensitive Soul! All our infirmities and sicknesses were somehow,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/the-cumulative-weight-of-all-mortal-sins-past-present-and-future/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [“When we feel so alone, we cannot presume to teach him who, at the apogee of his agony, trod “the winepress alone” anything about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/when-we-feel-so-alone-we-cannot-presume-to-teach-him-who-at-the/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [How myopic it is to view His ministry as all crucifixion and no resurrection!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/how-myopic-it-is-to-view-his-ministry-as-all-crucifixion-and-no/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [Patience stoutly resists pulling up the daisies to see how the roots are doing!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/patience-stoutly-resists-pulling-up-the-daisies-to-see-how-the-roots/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [Our little pebble of poor performance helps to start, or to sustain, an avalanche.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/our-little-pebble-of-poor-performance-helps-to-start-or-to-sustain-an/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) [Explore all 328 Neal A. Maxwell quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) ## More Book quotes > [I think a new world will arise out of the religious mists when we approach our Bible with the idea that it is not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aiden-wilson-tozer/i-think-a-new-world-will-arise-out-of-the-religious-mists-when-we/) [Aiden Wilson Tozer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aiden-wilson-tozer/) > [If I had a dollar for every time I couldn’t sleep, I could buy a billion locks and finally read a book in peace.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aesop-rock/if-i-had-a-dollar-for-every-time-i-couldn-t-sleep-i-could-buy-a/) [Aesop Rock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aesop-rock/) > [Young men, especially in America, write to me and ask me to recommend “a course of reading.” Distrust a course of reading! People who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-lang/young-men-especially-in-america-write-to-me-and-ask-me-to-recommend-a/) [Andrew Lang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-lang/) > [The Rosary is the book of the blind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fulton-j-sheen/the-rosary-is-the-book-of-the-blind/) [Fulton J. Sheen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fulton-j-sheen/) > [I have many who keep me going, I am very fortunate in this sense. There is nothing like a child who knows more about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/floyd-cooper/i-have-many-who-keep-me-going-i-am-very-fortunate-in-this-sense-there/) [Floyd Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/floyd-cooper/) > [I think books in which people are really happy and things are going well are probably the most challenging novels there are to write,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anna-quindlen/i-think-books-in-which-people-are-really-happy-and-things-are-going/) [Anna Quindlen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anna-quindlen/) > [It's like the query letter problem that I just mentioned, magnified a hundredfold. You might be good at telling a story, but that doesn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-rothfuss/it-s-like-the-query-letter-problem-that-i-just-mentioned-magnified-a/) [Patrick Rothfuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-rothfuss/) > [I don't think I have made as much of my life as I should have. I should have written more books.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-m-schlesinger-jr/i-don-t-think-i-have-made-as-much-of-my-life-as-i-should-have-i/) [Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-m-schlesinger-jr/) > [Some books are not read in the right way because they have skipped a stage of opinion, assume a crystallization of information in society…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doris-lessing/some-books-are-not-read-in-the-right-way-because-they-have-skipped-a/) [Doris Lessing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doris-lessing/) > [“People talk about books that write themselves, and it's a lie. Books don't write themselves. It takes thought and research and a backache and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neil-gaiman/people-talk-about-books-that-write-themselves-and-it-s-a-lie-books/) [Neil Gaiman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neil-gaiman/) > [There are great books in this world and great worlds in books.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-bronte/there-are-great-books-in-this-world-and-great-worlds-in-books/) [Anne Bronte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-bronte/) > [The purpose of this book is to supply, in the form suitable for laymen, guidance in the adoption and execution of an investment policy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-graham/the-purpose-of-this-book-is-to-supply-in-the-form-suitable-for-laymen/) [Benjamin Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-graham/) > [But I think that of all the literature that I studied, the book that did more than any other to fire my enthusiasm was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kwame-nkrumah/but-i-think-that-of-all-the-literature-that-i-studied-the-book-that/) [Kwame Nkrumah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kwame-nkrumah/) > [It's amazing to see things that are suggested in the book fully developed and so brilliantly realized through the artistry of the designers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/it-s-amazing-to-see-things-that-are-suggested-in-the-book-fully/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“But I’ve developed a great reputation for wisdom by ordering more books than I ever had time to read, and reading more books, by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marilynne-robinson/but-i-ve-developed-a-great-reputation-for-wisdom-by-ordering-more/) [Marilynne Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marilynne-robinson/) [Browse all 29,378 Book quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/book/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Life is an 'open-book' exam, but the problem is that most of the students don't have the 'book', or refuse to open it-a fact that ought to spur us on as Church members to share the gospel more widely so that life would be meaningful for more people.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Neal A. 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