Short-term memory

1 Nephi 6 & 7

Nephi tells of the purpose of the Book of Mormon – to persuade men to come unto God of Abraham.

Nephi and his brothers return to Jeruselem for Ishamael and his daughters to join them in their journey. There was no murmuring at this request, but there was rebellion by Laman and Lemual and some of Ishmaels family on the way back to Lehi in the wilderness. The angst was that Nephi was taking charge and he was the younger brother. After all the miracles Laman and Lemuel had seen, they still doubted the validity of their mission. It surprises me that Ishmaels family so quickly gave up on the cause as well. What is it with the short-term memory? Do we see that sort of thing today. Absolutely! It is amazing to me at how quickly a person's life can go sour and I've seen several. Where does it begin? For one, I believe there is not a serious study of the Book of Mormon. I also believe it is the practice of praying that is lost. Once those two things slip, it is a fast decline to the point of disbelief and then active efforts to disprove it. Why is that? Why the need to discount what is working in other peoples' lives? I believe it is a power that Satan has been given.

So how can I keep from having this insidious disease creep into my own life and the lives of my family? As far as my family is concerned, I have no choice but to set a righteous example. As for my own life, I must continue my study of the Book of Mormon and other great books that testify of Christ and his mission. I must pray always for guidance and strength as did Nephi, to accomplish the tasks I'm given. I believe the Lord has our backs and will help us along the way as long as we're trying. This has proven true in my own life, and I have no doubt it will be the same in the lives of others.