1 And it came to pass that there arose a division among the people, insomuch that they divided hither and thither and went their ways, leaving Nephi alone, as he was standing in the midst of them.
2 And it came to pass that Nephi went his way towards his own house, pondering upon the things which the Lord had shown unto him.
How easily we can get carried away in a debate, so that the debate itself becomes more important to us than the topic! We may think we’re seeking truth when in fact we are only trying to gratify our pride.
This “division among the people” was about Nephi’s status: some of the people believed that he was a prophet, while others contended that he was a god (Helaman 9:40-41). You might think that, whether he was a prophet or a god, it would be wise to talk with him and listen to him. But they were apparently so immersed in the discussion that they completely ignored Nephi himself, leaving him alone.
Meanwhile, Nephi “went his way towards his own house, pondering.” He knew that the path to enlightenment was not in endless argument and debate but in quiet contemplation of the things he had experienced and in seeking revelation from God.
Today, I will avoid getting caught up in things of little importance at the expense of the things that matter most. I will care more about understanding the truth than about scoring points, and I will keep myself grounded by pondering and praying.
Meanwhile, Nephi “went his way towards his own house, pondering.” He knew that the path to enlightenment was not in endless argument and debate but in quiet contemplation of the things he had experienced and in seeking revelation from God.
Today, I will avoid getting caught up in things of little importance at the expense of the things that matter most. I will care more about understanding the truth than about scoring points, and I will keep myself grounded by pondering and praying.
Especially apropos considering the political races of today