Lessons from Lehi

As I’ve studied the words of Lehi over the past week, the following themes have emerged for me:

Perspective

• In Lehi’s final messages to his sons, he tries to help them place their daily decisions in context and see the big picture. For example:
  • He encourages Joseph to remember both his ancestors and his descendants in order to understand that his life is part of an intergenerational chain.
  • He reminds Jacob that God can help him learn and grow from his afflictions.
  • He urges Laman and Lemuel to wake up, get moving, and shake off the chains that bind them, so that their new land can be a land of liberty for them and for their descendants.

Agency

• Because the Atonement overcame the effects of the Fall, we are in a position that we can act for ourselves, and not be acted upon.
• Our actions will be most effective if we are consistent and fully engaged.

Happiness

• God wants us to be happy, and His plan is designed to help us achieve that happiness. A central component of a happy life is home and family.