I loved his article. Thank you for it. I think you are spot on. I have travelled with you to Oman, and have seen the type of location where they lived another 4 years or so after their arrival in Bountiful. A total of 12 years or so out of Jerusalem. May we all be more Nephi-ish in our attitude and relationship with our God. Life would be so much more enjoyable.
GTOJanuary 9, 2024
I work at publishing online material to help people increase their testimonies in the gospel. We try to address controversies among the membership when they come up and are just now seeing the hue and cry from angry members regarding a quote from our prophet in General Conference: “Your choices today will determine three things: where you will live throughout all eternity, the kind of body with which you will be resurrected, and those with whom you will live forever.”
Are they searching the scriptures and praying to understand eternal concepts designed by God? Or are they angry that the little we know about Eternal Life doesn't fit the concept they've gleaned from their earthly experiences and feelings? This article addresses this exactly. Humility and gratitude are keys to increasing our understanding. Nephi was humble, teachable, and willing to do anything for the Lord. Thank you for this eloquent, profound insight.
NealJanuary 8, 2024
What a far different story we would have if Lehi had just told them, OK, go back to Jerusalem and do the best you can; we will go on".
David Newbold, PhDJanuary 6, 2024
What an absolutely brilliant and insightful piece of writing, the likes of which I have rarely encountered. You have identified the core problem that these two men suffered from. They truly suffered loss and pain, not because they were separated from their riches, although they believed that to be the cause of their unhappiness, they did not place God at their center. Obtaining riches and amassing power on earth has no positive effect on our eternal progress, on the contrary, these earthly desires undermine and, in many cases, bring eternal progression to a screeching halt. Yes, gold and power and dominion can be used in ways that build the Kingdom of God, but only if the person with an abundance of money and influence has amassed those gifts with an eye single to the Glory of God and has successfully removed selfishness out of their life. I have already begun to share this article with some of the patients in my practice of psychology. Thier reading of your thoughts and insights will most certainly assist them in improving their lives.
Thank you again.
Cindy HuffakerJanuary 6, 2024
I think that Laman and Lemuel were very accustomed to the world and its ways. They didn't believe in God, didn't even WANT to believe in God. Even when there was evidence and testimony that persuaded them, they soon forgot, because they were not "grounded" in their own spiritual foundation through experiences - prayer, etc. A real testimony of God, Jesus Christ, is sincerely sought for.
Donna McCownJanuary 5, 2024
Laman and Lemuel did not realize they were not in charge. God was and Nephi figured that out. Our prisons are full of people who refused to believe they were not in charge.
ChuckJanuary 5, 2024
I never fail to find application from the Book of Mormon in my life. Your article put some of my thoughts in to wonderful words. Thank you
F BoothJanuary 5, 2024
There is another character in the story. His name is Sam. He was older than Nephi but younger than L & L. He chose to side with Nephi. Yet, we learn very little about him. Did Nephi sleight him or was it simply that his story was outside the purpose of the Book of Mormon? He experienced everything his three brothers experienced, but his reaction is not recorded. Too bad!
JaneJanuary 5, 2024
This is beautifully said! It really resonated with me. Thank you!
Jim BrownJanuary 5, 2024
Thank you for an inspired commentary that "hits the nail on the head" with regard to commitment to the Savior as the key to happiness in this life and as our "nail in the sure place" with regard to gaining eternal life.
Mary NooseJanuary 5, 2024
I love this article! It was exactly what I needed to hear, and confirms some things that the Holy Spirit has been telling me. Thank you!
Mike PerkinsJanuary 5, 2024
Love this. Have ye inquired of the Lord? Do you know the dealings of God? You are in a difficult situation - can you turn to the Lord and ask him to teach you and help you?
HelenCJanuary 5, 2024
It is so hard watching those I love struggle as Laman and Lemuel did! Love is challenging enough WITH Faith; it must be immeasurably dark without it!
I keep praying for my husband’s return to at least the place where he again acknowledges what he used to call, “Helen’s little miracles”.
I know Father has His arms ready to receive him but he is the one who must turn around, as I once did.
Oh, the Joy that awaits him! I will keep Laman and Lemuel vs. Nephi in my mind throughout the year, watching and waiting for opportunities to add touches of light to our journey together.
Comments | Return to Story
Jack StapleyJanuary 12, 2024
I loved his article. Thank you for it. I think you are spot on. I have travelled with you to Oman, and have seen the type of location where they lived another 4 years or so after their arrival in Bountiful. A total of 12 years or so out of Jerusalem. May we all be more Nephi-ish in our attitude and relationship with our God. Life would be so much more enjoyable.
GTOJanuary 9, 2024
I work at publishing online material to help people increase their testimonies in the gospel. We try to address controversies among the membership when they come up and are just now seeing the hue and cry from angry members regarding a quote from our prophet in General Conference: “Your choices today will determine three things: where you will live throughout all eternity, the kind of body with which you will be resurrected, and those with whom you will live forever.” Are they searching the scriptures and praying to understand eternal concepts designed by God? Or are they angry that the little we know about Eternal Life doesn't fit the concept they've gleaned from their earthly experiences and feelings? This article addresses this exactly. Humility and gratitude are keys to increasing our understanding. Nephi was humble, teachable, and willing to do anything for the Lord. Thank you for this eloquent, profound insight.
NealJanuary 8, 2024
What a far different story we would have if Lehi had just told them, OK, go back to Jerusalem and do the best you can; we will go on".
David Newbold, PhDJanuary 6, 2024
What an absolutely brilliant and insightful piece of writing, the likes of which I have rarely encountered. You have identified the core problem that these two men suffered from. They truly suffered loss and pain, not because they were separated from their riches, although they believed that to be the cause of their unhappiness, they did not place God at their center. Obtaining riches and amassing power on earth has no positive effect on our eternal progress, on the contrary, these earthly desires undermine and, in many cases, bring eternal progression to a screeching halt. Yes, gold and power and dominion can be used in ways that build the Kingdom of God, but only if the person with an abundance of money and influence has amassed those gifts with an eye single to the Glory of God and has successfully removed selfishness out of their life. I have already begun to share this article with some of the patients in my practice of psychology. Thier reading of your thoughts and insights will most certainly assist them in improving their lives. Thank you again.
Cindy HuffakerJanuary 6, 2024
I think that Laman and Lemuel were very accustomed to the world and its ways. They didn't believe in God, didn't even WANT to believe in God. Even when there was evidence and testimony that persuaded them, they soon forgot, because they were not "grounded" in their own spiritual foundation through experiences - prayer, etc. A real testimony of God, Jesus Christ, is sincerely sought for.
Donna McCownJanuary 5, 2024
Laman and Lemuel did not realize they were not in charge. God was and Nephi figured that out. Our prisons are full of people who refused to believe they were not in charge.
ChuckJanuary 5, 2024
I never fail to find application from the Book of Mormon in my life. Your article put some of my thoughts in to wonderful words. Thank you
F BoothJanuary 5, 2024
There is another character in the story. His name is Sam. He was older than Nephi but younger than L & L. He chose to side with Nephi. Yet, we learn very little about him. Did Nephi sleight him or was it simply that his story was outside the purpose of the Book of Mormon? He experienced everything his three brothers experienced, but his reaction is not recorded. Too bad!
JaneJanuary 5, 2024
This is beautifully said! It really resonated with me. Thank you!
Jim BrownJanuary 5, 2024
Thank you for an inspired commentary that "hits the nail on the head" with regard to commitment to the Savior as the key to happiness in this life and as our "nail in the sure place" with regard to gaining eternal life.
Mary NooseJanuary 5, 2024
I love this article! It was exactly what I needed to hear, and confirms some things that the Holy Spirit has been telling me. Thank you!
Mike PerkinsJanuary 5, 2024
Love this. Have ye inquired of the Lord? Do you know the dealings of God? You are in a difficult situation - can you turn to the Lord and ask him to teach you and help you?
HelenCJanuary 5, 2024
It is so hard watching those I love struggle as Laman and Lemuel did! Love is challenging enough WITH Faith; it must be immeasurably dark without it! I keep praying for my husband’s return to at least the place where he again acknowledges what he used to call, “Helen’s little miracles”. I know Father has His arms ready to receive him but he is the one who must turn around, as I once did. Oh, the Joy that awaits him! I will keep Laman and Lemuel vs. Nephi in my mind throughout the year, watching and waiting for opportunities to add touches of light to our journey together.
Adrian MartinJanuary 5, 2024
Great message! Great lesson! Thank you!
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