God's commandments are strict. Korihor thought this meant that we lack freedom. But God's strictness is not an attempt to subvert our agency. It is a vote of confidence in us, a vision of what we can become, with His help.
No More Desire to Do Evil
It's wonderful to discipline ourselves to do what's right, but God has promised something better. He has promised to change our desires. As we draw closer to Jesus Christ, He fills our lives with light, and there is less and less room for darkness.
Stumbling Blocks
A stumbling block is anything that causes you to lose your balance and stop moving forward. The removal of plain and precious truths from the scriptures was a stumbling block to many. So was pride. God can help us overcome every stumbling block we face.
Patterns of Repentance in Nephi’s Psalm
Nephi's psalm divides into 7 sections: 1. Expression of joy 2. Expression of sorrow 3. Expression of gratitude 4. Conflict 5. Rallying cry 6. Prayer 7. Commitment The last three sections are complementary strategies for dealing with the conflict.
Wretched
Both Nephi and Paul lamented their shortcomings by describing themselves as "wretched." But both of them recognized that Jesus can heal all the conflicts in our lives, including the rift between our expectations of ourselves and our actual behavior.
About Isaiah and Plainness
Nephi was extremely careful about the content he included in his record. A large amount of that content comes from the book of Isaiah. Isaiah's writings are difficult but with some effort can be extremely rewarding. Here are some ideas to help.
Developing Christlike Attributes
Peter listed a number of attributes that we should strive to develop with God's help: faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. The Book of Mormon provides insight into each of these Christlike attributes.
Ask Not Amiss
Jesus promised that our prayers will be answered. James added a caution: we need to pray with the right motives. Bishop Keith B. McMullin taught that the Spirit can help us understand what to ask for, so that our prayers can be aligned with God's will.
All Scripture Is Profitable
Why do you study the scriptures? Paul told Timothy that scriptures are profitable for doctrine, for correction, and to for instruction. We should study with an open mind, eager to learn what God would have us do and what adjustments we need to make.
Sin and Law
Law is good, because it helps us see what we should do. It can also be discouraging, as we recognize how far we fall short. But if that recognition leads us to reach out to the Savior and receive His mercy, then our awareness of the law has been fruitful.