33 And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not.
34 These are the words of my father: For as many as heeded them, had fallen away.
It’s not fun to be criticized. No one enjoys it. Sometimes, the people who care about us have helpful feedback which facilitates our growth and improvement: we should listen to that kind of criticism, even though it hurts. But most of the criticism we experience comes from people who don’t have our best interests at heart, and who are not interested in our well being.
In Lehi’s vision, he was totally focused on two things: his joy in partaking of the delicious fruit and his desire to share that joy with others. The mockers in the building were there all along, but he didn’t notice them until he saw people abandoning the tree and looked around to figure out why they were doing such an irrational thing. Only then did he notice the people in the building pointing at him, making fun of him and of the others at the tree.
You can’t escape criticism. No matter what you do, some people will find fault with you. If you want to be successful and happy, don’t allow your mind to spend a lot of time and energy worrying about it. If you pay too much attention to the naysayers, you will miss the amazing experience of living your life and of sharing your joy with those you love.
Today, I will follow the example of Lehi and focus on the decisions and activities which will bring joy into my life and into the lives of others. If I am criticized in unhelpful ways, I will “heed them not.”
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