Course Correction?

Mormon 2

Mormon describes the sad state of the Nepites. He is their leader, but he has little hope they will change and become a righteous people again. Wars continue in spite of their gathering together. Wickedness is everywhere.

I'm impressed with Mormon. He was just a young boy (10) when he was told he would become the steward of the brass plates when he grew up. All his life he was exposed to their wickedness and abomations. Yet he says in v19, “nevertheless, I know that I shall be lifted up at the last day.” How is it that some people can deal with the perversions around them and others fall so easily? I wish I could have an answer to this. I can only suppose it has something to do with who we were before we were born. Were we fully on board and committed as spirit children? We know we chose the Lord's plan, or we wouldn't be on this earth.

The Nephites were successful in one battle against the Lamanites. However, Mormon says in v 26, “. . . nevertheless, the strength of the Lord was not with us; yea, we were left to ourselves. . . weak. . .” This is the state those who fight against the Lord are in. Those who have broken their covenants with the Lord can expect the same. They should not be surprised when they are weak. Should they experience success, it will only be for a time and they would never give the Lord credit, nor would it be because of the Lord.

Sometimes I have a hard time finding application to me today. It is very easy to be finger pointing toward those who do not keep their covenants. When there is complaint about not having the blessings they desire, what am I to say? "Of course you're not being blessed. Is there a reason why you should be?"  Conversely, there are those who keep their covenants and blessings seem to be withheld. Interesting that those people will give the Lord credit for the smallest of blessings and see his hand in their lives.  Again, what makes the difference?  I believe it is who we were before we came to this earth.

This chapter is one to be remembered when things go wrong. When they do, it might be a good idea to do a reality check and be sure I can see blessings or would I be among those who “. . . curse God, and wish to die”? (v15)  If so, maybe I have crossed the line and need to make a course correction.