Some of my thoughts while reading through 1 Nephi 17–18, one phrase stopped me:
“They did bear their afflictions without murmuring.”
What changed?
They began keeping the commandments—and the result was strength.
Murmuring is poisonous.
Obedience brings strength, nourishment, and provision.
Last week, I stood in a foundry in Lehi watching molten brass—heated to nearly 2200°F—poured into molds. The room was almost unbearable.
And I thought:
Nephi did this?
In the wilderness?
No equipment? No protection?.
He didn’t do it alone. I’m not talking Laman or Lemuel here. The Lord was there!
The same God who strengthened them in their journey strengthened Nephi.
Nephi says to his brothers:
“Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God.”
That line lingers.
It doesn’t take much to slip. I’ve seen how quickly conviction can turn into distance.
As a parent, I feel Nephi’s words:
“My soul is rent with anguish because of you…”
Laman and Lemuel could still be convinced—for a moment.
They saw. They felt. They knew. Isn’t this the Holy Ghost bearing witness?
But it didn’t last.
Affliction can strengthen us.
Obedience invites power.
But remembering Him? Ah, that’s the choice.
Because it is a slippery slope.
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