An Incredible Example

Give us... hmm... maybe 500 years? How improved would we be by then?

Some of God's spirits choose to reach incredible spirituality levels quite early. Nephi is one such example, of whom I am reading of right now in the Book of Mormon.

Nephi had just predicted two major events: the murder of the chief judge, and the confession of the murderer.

“And now there were some among the people, who said that Nephi was a prophet. And there were others who said: Behold, he is a god, for except he was a god he could not know of all things. For behold, he has told us the thoughts of our hearts, and also has told us things; and even he has brought unto our knowledge the true murderer of our chief judge.”

And what do they do next?

“And it came to pass that there arose a division among the people, insomuch that they divided hither and thither and went their ways, leaving Nephi alone, as he was standing in the midst of them.”

...why?! I guess it is true: miracles don't convert people, unless they've opened their hearts.

Nephi's reaction is natural.

“And it came to pass that Nephi went his way towards his own house, pondering upon the things which the Lord had shown unto him... being much cast down because of the wickedness of the people of the Nephites, their secret works of darkness, and their murderings, and their plunderings, and all manner of iniquities...”

Nephi had followed every word the Lord had given him, and yet the wicked Nephites still didn't repent. Is this a lesson here for any perfectionists?

But the Lord recognizes his obedience.

“...as he was thus pondering in his heart, behold, a voice came unto him saying: Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people... And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea,”

And this is the amazing part:

“...even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.”

...huh?

Did I read that right?

Whatever Nephi says, will happen.

God gives him this power because he is so trustworthy.

If there is to be any doubt in a reader's mind as to what exactly the Lord means, He elaborates:

“Behold, thou art Nephi, and I am God. Behold, I declare it unto thee in the presence of mine angels, that ye shall have power over this people, and shall smite the earth with famine, and with pestilence, and destruction, according to the wickedness of this people. Behold, I give unto you power, that whatsoever ye shall seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven; and thus shall ye have power among this people.”

Now, if this doesn't prompt a reader to take introspection, I'd assume that reader was me the first few times I read the Book of Mormon.

But one can imagine what life would be like if every word I spoke came true. If every thought I had would be fulfilled.

Now, that's a depressing thought for me... unless I understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ: which I do. Enough to know that God designed this mortal life for growth and development, not for perfection.

I mean, missionaries once summed up the total hours required to keep all their missionary rules: 25 hours. In general, it's impossible to be perfectly obedient.

But as Brad Wilcox taught, our relationship with Christ is like our relationship with our mother who pays for piano lessons. We don't (and probably can't) pay mum back. But we can show our appreciation for her payment by practicing the piano, listening to our teacher.

As Christ paid the ultimate price for us – the price required For falling short – we now have time on our side. We can now have the consequences of sin and mistakes mostly and eventually completely alleviated. We have the opportunity to grow and be perfected one day. I take for granted, every day I live, for that plus one day I live, and for the laughter, the joy, the experiences I have, which would be weighed down by the consequences of my past mistakes if I didn't have my Saviour.

May we appreciate both the alleviation and the destination, as we sojourn through this glorious life!