Joseph's brothers resented his dreams foretelling their subservience to him. Laman and Lemuel resented Nephi for the same reason. Their anger reflected their own insecurities. Nephi and Joseph were wise to "heed them not," but to move forward, trusting God.
Abraham and the Posterity Priority
All of God's promises to Abraham are about family. He promised Abraham land so his descendants would have a home. He promised Abraham the priesthood so that his descendants could bless all the families of the earth. Family is central to God's plan for the happiness of His children.
Two Trees: Lehi on Opposition and Agency
Lehi views the explusion of Eden not as a tragic loss but as a decision which enabled agency. Eve and Adam chose a bitter fruit which introduced sorrow and death, but which opened the door for the Mediator to offer happiness and life.
Strengthening Families
The Family Proclamation ends with a call to action, urging us all to strengthen families. Laws, company policies, schools, neighbors, and extended family can all have a significant impact. It's important for us to see the people around us as members of families and to consider how we are supporting and strengthening those families.
How to Recognize the Holy Ghost
God taught Oliver Cowdery four principles about personal revelation which can help us recognize messages from God: 1. Messages from God enlighten us. 2. Messages from God dispel fear and build faith. 3. God speaks to both our mind and our heart. 4. The Spirit of God confirms positive choices with positive feelings.
Called, Chosen, and Faithful
Those who are with the Savior at His Second Coming will be "called, chosen, and faithful." We have all been called. By humbling ourselves and exercising faith, we can be chosen. When we act consistently with the call over time, we demonstrate faithfulness
Hearken and Search
To hearken is to listen attentively, intending to act on what you hear. To search is to proactively seek understanding. In the preface to the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord invites us to do both. Good disciples are good listeners and good seekers.
Seed
After studying the brass plates, Lehi's thoughts turned to his "seed." His invitation to Ishmael and his tree of life dream were both related to this focus. Like Lehi, we can think about the impact of our current decisions on future generations.
Frankly…
The word "frankly" means "freely." When we forgive "frankly," like Nephi, it is without conditions. It is a gift; it doesn't have to be earned. We give it freely, and in the process, we free ourselves of a burden we would otherwise carry.
The Title Page and Nephi
Although Moroni wrote the Title Page of the Book of Mormon, he was heavily influenced by Nephi. In this post, I show many parallel phrases between the Title Page and Nephi's words. From start to end, the Book of Mormon has a consistent message and purpose