1 Nephi 12
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This chapter pretty much covers the rest of the events of the Book of Mormon. How surreal it must have been for Nephi to see all of it. And how much more surreal for Mormon to read it as he was deciding what to include in his compilation. Mormon didn't have a lot of room, and was particularly careful as to what he included in the gold plates.
I love the prophecies of the Savior in the Book of Mormon. The BoM prophets were so plain in their teaching It is pure, not lost on hundreds of translations.
I thought the dichotomy was striking between the fruits of faith and the fruits of pride and giving into the temptations of the devil.
It piggy-backs on the theme of yesterday's chapter. What you are looking at really determines your condition-and position.
There is a saying I use when I teach a lot: It is better to be at the bottom of the stairs looking up, then at the top of the stairs looking down. So true.
Am I looking to the Savior in faith? And therefore being made white and pure, living in happiness?
Or am I looking at the temptations the devil has set in my path and giving into pride- my testimony fading and I dwindle in unbelief.
Which way am I looking?
This chapter pretty much covers the rest of the events of the Book of Mormon. How surreal it must have been for Nephi to see all of it. And how much more surreal for Mormon to read it as he was deciding what to include in his compilation. Mormon didn't have a lot of room, and was particularly careful as to what he included in the gold plates.
I love the prophecies of the Savior in the Book of Mormon. The BoM prophets were so plain in their teaching It is pure, not lost on hundreds of translations.
I thought the dichotomy was striking between the fruits of faith and the fruits of pride and giving into the temptations of the devil.
It piggy-backs on the theme of yesterday's chapter. What you are looking at really determines your condition-and position.
There is a saying I use when I teach a lot: It is better to be at the bottom of the stairs looking up, then at the top of the stairs looking down. So true.
Am I looking to the Savior in faith? And therefore being made white and pure, living in happiness?
Or am I looking at the temptations the devil has set in my path and giving into pride- my testimony fading and I dwindle in unbelief.
Which way am I looking?
The one symbol that jumped out at me this time was the river of filthy water. The verse before Nephi is shown the battles that wage between his seed and his brothers seed. The Spirit then says, "Behold the river of filthy water." It is equated with the depths of hell.
ReplyDeleteMay I make my declaration right here and now that we follow the Prince of Peace. Satan is the one who builds up armies and navies, oppression, and wants people to reign with blood and horror.
That is not what we believe in. Yet, our country has been one of war for decades. War should be a last resort.
What a multi-sensory spiritual experience Nephi had. Until today I never read, "I heard thunderings, and earthquakes, and all manner of tumultuous noises". I wonder did he smell too? I don't me to be "light" about it. Just questioning. I do know that this life is "flat" compared to the spiritual and that it has so many other dementions.
ReplyDeleteThe wording that struck me this morning is in vs 18. " "vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men." I was having a conversation with someone last night and it wasn't going very well. The biggest issue was the person kept "assuming" he knew what I was thinking and kept jumping to conclusions then thinking ahead to what his next reply was going to be instead of actually listening.
ReplyDeleteHow many times does our attempts at simple communication with people fall on deaf ears because of this same example.
How many times have you heard someone say "I am sure she meant..." or "I bet he was thinking/feeling..." - when we do that, we are falling prey to vain imaginations. When we are jumping to conclusions or assuming we already know what the other person is going to say or quit listening because we are too busy formulating our next comment- it is pride.
When people are caught up in vain imaginations (this type- there are obviously others as well) feelings get hurt. People get mad. Wars are started. The circle gets bigger and bigger.
With the interaction last night and the words jumping out at me this morning, I know I am going to be much more careful! I don't know what someone is thinking or feeling because I am not God and cannot see into their heart. That would be judging unrighteously if my reaction was based on my imagination rather than asking, listening and hearing.
Thank you each for your comments and the spirit you bring here! I am amazed that I can read a chapter and be so filled, the read your inspirations and insights and learn even more, and be filled even more! Thank you!
ReplyDelete