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.
The Fall of Adam and Eve
The Fall of Adam and Eve was important to Book of Mormon prophets. Lehi, Benjamin, Alma, Samuel,and Moroni all elaborated on this important event, explaining how it informs our decision-making, our perception of mortality, and our understanding of God's plan for His children.
“Get Thee Hence”: Learning from Moses About Overcoming Temptation
Moses showed us how to overcome Satan's insidious temptations. (1) Remember your true identity as a child of God. (2) Be persistent. (3) Rely upon the Savior; He has power over the devil.
What Do We Know About the Council in Heaven?
Revelation is often incremental, building on what we already know and adding clarity to concepts we are already familiar with. One example of this iterative process is the Council in Heaven. Earlier references in the scriptural canon are somewhat opaque, while more recent additions add valuable details and context about this important event.
Multiply and Replenish
God wants His children to marry and raise children. When that is not possible, we can follow the example of Adam and Eve while they were still in the Garden of Eden: multiplying and replenishing the earth by tending the personal gardens in which God has placed us.
Happiness in Family Life
Leo Tolstoy said that all happy families are alike. The Family Proclamation teaches that happy and successful families turn toward God, help family members change and grow, treat one another with kindness, and participate in meaningful activities together.
Predicated
Joseph Smith taught that blessings are predicated on laws. However, it's important to remember three related principles: (1) We exercise agency within the context of the gifts we have already received from God. (2) We don't earn blessings; we qualify for them. (3) God provides promised blessings in His time and in His way.
“Let Your Hearts Rejoice”
Joseph Smith ended a letter to the church with a rousing invitation: "Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad." There are many reasons why we don't allow ourselves to feel joy, including ingratitude, perfectionism, conformity, and misguided empathy. Joy can be contagious, and our examples of joyful living may inspire and uplift others.
“Take Especial Care of Your Family”
God told Brigham Young to “take especial care of your family.” That counsel still stands today. President Dallin H. Oaks recently reminded us that family work, recreation, and learning are sacred priorities. When we turn off distractions, we will find sufficient time to fulfill our family responsibilities.
Patriarchal Blessings
Jacob and Lehi blessed their children near the end of their lives. Following in that tradition, modern patriarchs provide blessings which affirm recipients' inheritance of Abrahamic blessings and provide counsel and guidance specific to that individual. Patriarchal blessings are given by inspiration and should be read and interpreted with the guidance of the Holy Ghost.