Reflections of a True Millennial

Avoiding the root of sin "Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us.  And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.  Yea, they have all gone out of the way; they have become corrupted, because of pride," -2 Nephi 28:7-8,11-12 In these times, many people reject the notion of any standard to follow in life. The world increasingly turns toward an attitude that anything goes, and away from an attitude of righteousness. This situation is described in verse 7. In the next verse Nephi talks about a more common group

Finding Light in Dark Times   "Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" - 2 Nephi 15:20  There's an old cheesy Mormon joke that if you shoot a Book of Mormon, the bullet won't get past 2nd Nephi. Chapters 12-24 of 2nd Nephi transcribe the writings of Isaiah 2-14 recorded by Nephi for his people, and are probably the most dreaded writings in the entire book. Isaiah wrote his prophetic work in Hebrew poetry form from 740-701 BC. His writings can often be confusing due to their heavy influences from historical events of the time. Anyone seeking to study his words should brush up on the history of Judah and Israel concurrent with his writings. It is also helpful to note that as a poet, he uses much repetition and symbolism. With the ancient historical references, Isaiah's writings can seem out of date and unimportant. Later in the Book of Mormon when Ch

Finding Comfort in the Infinite Atonement " And why should I   yield   to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to   temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my   peace   and afflict my soul? Why am I   angry because of mine enemy?   Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul." - 2 Nephi 4:27-28 Throughout the book of 1st Nephi, we read the story of a strapping, young, courageous boy who heeded every command from the Lord. He seemed a perfect example and diligent leader. Second Nephi chapter 4 humanizes Nephi as we see his sorrow and emotion after the death of his father. He preaches through a clear cycle that we can apply to ourselves when we experience sadness.  First, Nephi emphasizes his righteous desires that his "soul delighteth in the things of the Lord" (v.16). He begins the next verse with the contrasting phrase "nevertheless"

Keeping the commandments without knowing everything  " And it came to pass that they did worship the Lord, and did go forth with me; and we did work timbers of curious workmanship. And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship." - 1 Nephi 17:1 After reaching the shores, Lehi's family needed a way to cross the ocean between them and the waiting promised land. In chapter 17, the Lord had commanded Nephi to build a ship. In the beginning of chapter 18, Nephi expands on this process. Nephi describes that he built the ship after the manner instructed by God, and not by man. He prayed "oft" to receive instruction and revelation (v. 3). The Lord showed him "from time to time" what he should do. Could you imagine being instructed to build a boat to carry your family across the ocean? It seems ridiculous, and most of us wouldn't even know where to start. The task seems so incredibly large that it would be