Book Of Mormon Prophets: An Analysis
Doubting and questioning gospel principles and doctrines helps our testimonies become stronger. It is part of a normal process to doubt and question gospel doctrines. Some would have us think that we should believe every principle and doctrine of the gospel blindly, without question. This, however is not what the Lord intends for his disciples. In James 1:5 we read, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (Bible King James Version) It is important to study and pray by faith to gain personal revelation. Nephi, son of Lehi, is one of the greatest examples of Book of Mormon prophets. In
1 Nephi 2, Nephi’s father, Lehi, has a dream where he is commanded
by the Lord to take his family and depart into the wilderness. His family knows him as a visionary man and follows him, leaving all their earthly possessions, comforts, and friends behind. Nephi desires to understand the knowledge, given by God, to his father, Lehi, and decides to find out for himself by praying and asking the Lord in prayer to know what He has shown his father. The Lord softens Nephi’s heart and he gains the light and knowledge that his father possesses. Because Nephi humbles himself before the Lord, God gives him personal revelation of truth, and He makes him a ruler over his brothers. Nephi shows a great example by praying in faith for confirmation that a principle is true.
In contrast, Laman and Lemuel, Nephi’s older brothers complain and do nothing to understand why their father took their family away from their home. Because they did not act, and ask the Lord, their hearts are not softened. Therefore, they never know for themselves the truth of their father’s teachings. They continue to consistently rebel against their father and God because they refuse to gain a testimony of the principles and doctrines placed before them. They are prideful. Obeying prophets is what individuals choose to do when they have faith in God. Blind obedience is not true obedience. (Monson) Laman and Lemuel should seek out their own confirmation from God based on trust, faith and courage. To have the opportunity to seek knowledge of personal revelation is dutiful and a privilege. This story’s ending would be different if Laman and Lemuel were humble and prayerful, from the beginning. One of the greatest factors of gaining a testimony is having faith. “Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore, if ye have faith ye hope for thing which are not seen, which are true.” (Book Of Mormon) Everyone has a principle or a piece of gospel doctrine for which they need clarification to gain a testimony. This clarification comes from studying the principle and praying in faith that personal revelation will touch your heart and mind. In the April 2016 General Conference, Sister Julie B. Beck said, (Beck)when this happens, testimonies grow.
Remember that individuals are sent here to this earth to learn and grow. People are always going to have questions and doubt principles and doctrine. The Lord is heavily relied upon and answers flow to those who need confirmation of the truth. It is only through humility and faith that our testimonies grow.
1 Nephi 2, Nephi’s father, Lehi, has a dream where he is commanded
by the Lord to take his family and depart into the wilderness. His family knows him as a visionary man and follows him, leaving all their earthly possessions, comforts, and friends behind. Nephi desires to understand the knowledge, given by God, to his father, Lehi, and decides to find out for himself by praying and asking the Lord in prayer to know what He has shown his father. The Lord softens Nephi’s heart and he gains the light and knowledge that his father possesses. Because Nephi humbles himself before the Lord, God gives him personal revelation of truth, and He makes him a ruler over his brothers. Nephi shows a great example by praying in faith for confirmation that a principle is true.
In contrast, Laman and Lemuel, Nephi’s older brothers complain and do nothing to understand why their father took their family away from their home. Because they did not act, and ask the Lord, their hearts are not softened. Therefore, they never know for themselves the truth of their father’s teachings. They continue to consistently rebel against their father and God because they refuse to gain a testimony of the principles and doctrines placed before them. They are prideful. Obeying prophets is what individuals choose to do when they have faith in God. Blind obedience is not true obedience. (Monson) Laman and Lemuel should seek out their own confirmation from God based on trust, faith and courage. To have the opportunity to seek knowledge of personal revelation is dutiful and a privilege. This story’s ending would be different if Laman and Lemuel were humble and prayerful, from the beginning. One of the greatest factors of gaining a testimony is having faith. “Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore, if ye have faith ye hope for thing which are not seen, which are true.” (Book Of Mormon) Everyone has a principle or a piece of gospel doctrine for which they need clarification to gain a testimony. This clarification comes from studying the principle and praying in faith that personal revelation will touch your heart and mind. In the April 2016 General Conference, Sister Julie B. Beck said, (Beck)when this happens, testimonies grow.
Remember that individuals are sent here to this earth to learn and grow. People are always going to have questions and doubt principles and doctrine. The Lord is heavily relied upon and answers flow to those who need confirmation of the truth. It is only through humility and faith that our testimonies grow.