1 Nephi 1:16-EoC (End of Chapter)

Upon reading and pondering these verses there were a couple of things that came to mind. When Lehi prophesied to the people in Jerusalem about thing he had seen in vision and in the book, they mocked him. I'm sure that the people in Jerusalem at that time were doing some pretty wicked things, but in applying this scripture to us, I wondered if there are some spiritual things that we mock when they are preached to us from a bishop, a stake president, or any general authority.

I don't think that we are doing the things that those in Jerusalem at that time were doing, at least I hope not. But, what about the little things that we endure which drive the Spirit away? If it was suggested to us to avoid those things, would we mock and say that it's no big deal? Elder Bednar came to a stake conference one time when I lived in Arizona. One thing he said really had an impact on me. He said that in the Church we focus a lot on how to identify the times when the Spirit comes and testifies of truth. It is that warm sensation within. However, we don't stress enough about identifying the times when the Spirit leaves.

For example, in the Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood manual it states, "Because He is so sensitive, the Holy Ghost can be offended by what we may consider unimportant things. To keep the Holy Ghost with us, we must live in harmony with those around us. Speaking to the Nephites, Christ said that the spirit of contention comes from the devil (see 3 Nephi 11:29). The Holy Ghost cannot dwell where disunity and disharmony exist. For this reason, arguing with our wife or quarreling with a brother or sister will drive the Holy Ghost away from us and from our homes." This is something that I want to work on.

A final example in which I know that the Spirit leaves is when we endure some TV shows, music, and movies that feature immorality and profanity. If we are watching such things, are we condoning such actions? Is is worth it to endure the bad for a few minutes of jokes, which are probably off color anyway? These questions I leave for you, Friend. Feel free to post comments. I know that the Spirit will not endure such situations.

On a much lighter note, Nephi testifies that the tender mercies of the Lord are over those whom He has chosen, even to the power of deliverance. I believe that the deliverance he refers to is of a temporal nature and a spiritual nature. Lehi and his family were delivered from the people in Jerusalem who sought their lives. In my life, we've benefited from His tender mercies by moving to Georgia. But, also the tender mercies of the Lord have delivered everyone from death. Additionally, if we are righteous, repent, and endure to the end His tender mercies will deliver us from spiritual death. What a glorious thought!

Thanks again, Friend for stopping by. Have a great day!