16 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers.
(1 Nephi 2:16)
Earlier in this chapter, Nephi’s father was commanded by the Lord to leave his home and travel in the wilderness (verse 2). The family had to abandon friends and relatives, their daily routines, their possessions, and their plans for the future. In exchange, they took on a life of hardship and a journey of uncertain duration to an unknown destination. Not a very attractive trade, especially for a young man approaching adulthood and independence!
Two of Nephi’s brothers responded to this change by complaining. They listed everything they had to give up–“their gold, and their silver, and their precious things” (all of which they had presumably inherited, not earned). They imagined the worst possible outcome: they would “perish in the wilderness.” And they attributed the situation to their father’s foolishness (verse 11).
In contrast, Nephi responds in this verse by praying for understanding. The Lord softens his heart and helps him believe his father’s words.
My dad taught me that discipline means doing what you want to do when you don’t want to do it. As Nephi shows in this passage, the Lord is willing to help us align our immediate desires with our long-range desires. If we ask, He will help us calibrate our emotions and overcome any temporary resistance to doing what we know is right.
Today, when I am reluctant to do what I know I should do, I will remember Nephi’s example. I will pray for a change of heart and will trust God to help me want to do what’s right.