STATE OF THE HEART

 

“And there were no envyings, nor strife, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness…..and they had all things common among them; therefore there were no rich and poor…. they were all made free…..and they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God….and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God” (4 Nephi 1:3,16,17).

This was a Zion society amongst the Nephites of old akin to the city of Enoch, but in just 200 years they went from that idyllic picture to this:

“And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride…and from that time forth they did have their goods and their substance no more common among them (4 Nephi 1:25). This pride of the people led to division into classes which led to the buildings of may churches which led to denial of the true church of Christ (vs 24-27).

It has to do with the heart. During the two hundred years of peace and unity and no contention, the love of God dwelt in the hearts of the people (v 15). Mormon was clear on the reason: “…they did walk after the commandments which they had received from their Lord and their God, continuing in fasting and prayer, and in meeting together oft both to pray and to hear the word of the Lord” (v 12). So instead of contention, this formula produced miracles and the love of God (vs 13,15).

It took two hundred years for two generations post Christ’s visit to die out and for Satan to step in to get ‘hold upon their hearts’ (v 28). His success to make them weak was based on the inverted formula which once made them strong. First came Church inactivity (v 20), then pride (v 24) and then iniquity (v 28).

The people hardened their hearts to such an extent that they sought to kill the apostles despite the mighty miracles performed by them (v 31). And here is why: they ‘hardened their hearts because they were led by many priests and false prophets to build up many churches and to do all manner of iniquity” (v34). In other words, they listened to voices other than that of Christ.

Once many churches arose and they sold themselves into iniquity, there came about ‘a great division among the people’(v 35). This division led the Nephite civilization to destruction as Lamanites and all manner of ‘ites’ came back amongst the people together with the secret oaths of Gadiantons (vs 36-38, 42-46).

Fast forward to 2024 and the picture of our day: “And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumours of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them….and the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound” (D&C 45:26,27).

We, the members of Christ’s latter-day church should learn from the Nephites. We have a chance of survival and indeed a very bright future that awaits us in New Jerusalem if we take care of the state of our hearts. That chance starts with obeying the very first commandment: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

The more we love God, the more of His love will be planted in our hearts. That love can only be motivated, by both parties, through obedience to His commandments and His will.

Once we love God and He fills us with His love, the love for others follows and our hearts are knit as one. We are on our way to Zion.

You knock at the door of my heart

And I often forget to turn the key.

With sorrowing steps you retreat

Hoping that one day

I will remember Thee.

Of my undying love

I give Thee a token,

I will keep the door open.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Jesus Knocking Generated with AI by masterofmoments)