Gadianton robbers that the people were so humbled and grateful that "there was not a living soul among all the people who did doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets."(chapter 5 verse 1). We go on to read that, "they did forsake all their sins, and their abominations, and did serve God with all diligence day and night." (verse 3).
What righteous people they were - all of them. And yet we turn the page (seven years later) and we read that the majority gave in to the temptations of the devil and "did not sin ignorantly, for they knew the will of God concerning them, for it had been taught to them; therefore they did willfully rebel against God."(2 Nephi 6:18)
There are two lessons I take away from these verses for our day. First, like the Nephites, if we sin we do it willfully because we've been taught better and are under greater responsibility and thus greater condemnation if we sin. Second, I'm amazed at how quickly these people who had
such great testimonies (remember they did not doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets) fell away and fell to temptation.
It makes me realize that we have to work on our spirituality every day. But I also know that when we do that is when we feel the greatest peace and happiness.
No comments:
Post a Comment