TO PROSPER

 

 

In conjunction with his profound statement that he was ‘encircled about eternally in the arms of His love’ (2 Nephi 1:15), Lehi said something else that was just as profound. I say conjunction, because I think the content of these two scriptures are related. This is the scripture:  “And he hath said that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; but inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence” (v 20). This, I think, is what landed Lehi in God’s arms and this is why.

To prosper in the land is not a reference to being rich. Scripturally, prosperity means to have the blessing of being close to God, to be in His presence, that’s the opposite of being ‘cut off’. The fact that God’s commandments are closely tied to spiritual blessings of righteousness, peace, faith, fortitude, self-control and ultimately eternal life, confirms this fact. Another fact, Alma the Younger, in his sinful state, became a hindrance to the ‘prosperity’ of the Church (Mosiah 27:9). The prosperity of the Church was not tied to the riches of this world but to the hearts and spiritual well being of its members. For this reason, this advice is given over and over in the Book of Mormon (1 Nephi 2:20; 2 Nephi 1:9; 20, 31; Jarom 1:9; Mosiah 1:7; Alma 37:13; 49:30; 50:20).

To prosper means to move forward, to be added upon, to successfully come out of difficulties, to have things work out for you, to have all you need come to you providentially, to be spared misfortune, to thrive, to flourish. Consider this explanation from the Church D&C Institute Manual: “To be rich and successful is of this world. God’s blessings are spiritual, in line with the spiritual realm that He is part of. His presence and strengthening power in your life are for the benefit of your eternal prosperity. He makes you prosper eternally because His work and His glory is to bring to pass immortality and eternal life of man. Though wealth and success can be byproducts of the Lord’s prospering presence, they are not meant to be equated with it. Spiritual blessings of wisdom, understanding and knowledge are spiritual blessings that can lead to riches and success. He does not necessarily bring wealth into your life himself”. This explanation goes along well with evidence of God’s presence in Lehi’s life, because Lehi was not only spiritually but temporally rich too.

This fact is true. If you let go of the world, God will come to you…..in more ways than one. But if you acquire riches as the result, be careful, riches are a trial of their own. Reflect on Nephite’s cycle of pride. The question is, what do we want more? To be in God’s arms or in the arms of the world?

I come to Thee Father,

In whose arms I belong,

Whose arms I once left long ago.

No earth’s breath between us

To mar the union of our souls,

No desires of heart to match our eternal joy.

 

(My apologies for inadequate referencing of the Institute Manual which I neglected to note at the time).

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Home by David Bowman)

VALIDATING GOD

 

 

Before Lehi died he said something highly profound to his children. He said: “I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love” (2 Nephi 1:15). Note that he did not say I ‘will be’, when I am judged and found worthy and will therefore be rewarded with eternal life with God. He said I ‘AM’, meaning he was already there, in His arms, with not an iota of the world between the two of them. How did Lehi end up in the Father’s arms while still in his probationary state? The answer lies in the rest of this scripture. Firstly, he says his soul was redeemed from hell. This sounds like an iron clad assurance that his sins were forgiven him.  Secondly, he says he has beheld his glory. The assurance of his forgiveness most likely came from a personal visitation from the Lord where his calling and election was made sure. This scripture says a great deal to me about Lehi and the life he lived. The lost 116 pages of the Book of Mormon would be an incredible read.

There is a distinction between the Church and the Gospel. The role of the Church is to bring us to Christ and the role of Christ is to bring us to the Father, and that means not just in the eternities, but also here. In every way, we are being trained and prepared here and now to live in the Father’s presence. This is the goal. The Saviour came not only to atone for us but also to reveal the Father to us (see “The Grandeur of God” by Jeffrey R. Holland, October 2003 conference talk).

Being a good member of the Church and being in God’s arms are two different things. You can be a good member by mechanically obeying the rules but being in God’s embrace means validating Him in your life. How do we do that? By making Him our partner in all our responsibilities, overcoming our downfalls, seeking His guidance and His will, turning to Him in all things and being aligned with His Spirit in righteousness. It is making Him a reality rather than a belief.

Some time ago I had a wonderful experience whilst I was praying. I had a vision in my mind of being in Father’s arms leaning against His ample chest. It made me weep uncontrollably. At the time I thought that was a memory from my pre-existence and it might very well have been but I know that our relationship with Him here and now can be described in those terms as well. If we feel the closeness, the love, the devotion, if we feel Him in our lives because we are aligned with Him and His will, we are in His arms…..we are being more than just good members of the Church and His offspring. We are being children of God.

I yearn to feel the closeness of

Your presence

And once again feel the warmth of

Your embrace.

I come to You, Father,

Through the gift of

Your Son’s benevolent grace.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Beloved Son by Danny Hahlbohm)