I really liked what Jeffery said in his last post about Laman and Lemuel. Their reaction to the news that they would be leaving behind their comfortable lifestyle to "rough it" in the wilderness was so different than that of Nephi's. As I was pondering why this might be, I wondered if their age might have played a roll in their attitude. Laman and Lemuel were older and probably were more involved in the Jeruselum "scene" than was Nephi. Nephi was younger and more trusting of his father.
Joseph Smith was also young, just 14, when he had the first vision. Having had the opportunity to work with the children and youth of the church over the past 10 years, I have noticed how trusting these young people are. The scriptures tell us that, "we should become as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him (Mosiah 3:19), " just as Nephi did.
As I pondered the first couple of chapters of Nephi, I found myself reflecting upon my past reponses when the Lord has asked me to do something; fullfilling a calling, following a prompting I have recieved, etc. Have I murmured like Laman and Lemuel or have I been humble, submissive and willing? And, what would my attitude be if I were asked to give up everything that I had? Would I react as Nephi or as Laman and Lemuel?
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I always like to think that I would be a Nephi but I wonder sometimes if I might have complained at being asked to sacrifice so much. In fact, I'm pretty sure that I would! However, to my credit, I don't think I would try to kill anyone over it.
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