Scripture Thought
1 Nephi 8:26-27
The river here divides this group of people. At first, one would think the river was there to feed the tree of life, but after hearing it's described, one begins to think different. The more I think about it the more I see this river as just another way of the Lord trying to keep us on the right track. It is an obstacle.
The Lord does not want us to cross this river. He does not want us to get lost in the mist. He does not want us to traverse the depths of the gorge created by the river. He just wants us to stay on course, hold to the rod, and return to him. Yet there are many who don't. Why?
If you think about the people described in the large and spacious building, they are haughty, lifted up in self pride. They see themselves as better or above everyone, even God himself. They see the mist, the gorge, the river, the depths, the building as maybe challenges. They are convinced that they do not need God, they can accomplish anything, and nothing will prevent them from reaching the building. So, they let go of the rod, wander in the midst, make sacrifices of those things that are important to their salvation to traverse the depths, wade through the waters, and put themselves where they think they will have all that they desire. Unfortunately, along the way they have sacrificed those key characteristics that make them worthy to stand in our Father's presence.
I would also throw out the idea that those who make it to the building are only a small percentage of all who attempt to make it to the building. There are so many who continue to wander as they seek that fame and those riches. There are many more who fall claim to the depths of the gorge or drown in the filth of the river, never to rise again. And even though it looks like a grand old party on the other side, it does not compare to what is given up.
Where do you find yourself? Are you mocking? Seeking fame and glory? Putting yourself above or better than others, even in the slightest degree? What are you doing to remain steadfast and attached to the rod?
The river here divides this group of people. At first, one would think the river was there to feed the tree of life, but after hearing it's described, one begins to think different. The more I think about it the more I see this river as just another way of the Lord trying to keep us on the right track. It is an obstacle.
The Lord does not want us to cross this river. He does not want us to get lost in the mist. He does not want us to traverse the depths of the gorge created by the river. He just wants us to stay on course, hold to the rod, and return to him. Yet there are many who don't. Why?
If you think about the people described in the large and spacious building, they are haughty, lifted up in self pride. They see themselves as better or above everyone, even God himself. They see the mist, the gorge, the river, the depths, the building as maybe challenges. They are convinced that they do not need God, they can accomplish anything, and nothing will prevent them from reaching the building. So, they let go of the rod, wander in the midst, make sacrifices of those things that are important to their salvation to traverse the depths, wade through the waters, and put themselves where they think they will have all that they desire. Unfortunately, along the way they have sacrificed those key characteristics that make them worthy to stand in our Father's presence.
I would also throw out the idea that those who make it to the building are only a small percentage of all who attempt to make it to the building. There are so many who continue to wander as they seek that fame and those riches. There are many more who fall claim to the depths of the gorge or drown in the filth of the river, never to rise again. And even though it looks like a grand old party on the other side, it does not compare to what is given up.
Where do you find yourself? Are you mocking? Seeking fame and glory? Putting yourself above or better than others, even in the slightest degree? What are you doing to remain steadfast and attached to the rod?
Comments