Skip to main content

The things of the Spirit

1 Corinthians 2:14 -

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Ah, Laman and Lemuel. These murderous, backsliding, and generally faithless men! They become the quintessential antagonist to our protagonists early in the Book of Mormon. You want to loathe them, but then, if you're like me, you often find yourself identifying with certain aspects of their nature...

One of the interesting things that comes from the second chapter of 1 Nephi is how hard headed these young men are. Lehi, being their father, has to speak rather harshly to them in order for them to come along for the ride. Their complaints never really ever quit, and they eventually found the opposing nation to the righteous Nephites.

The thing that grabbed my attention this morning was how they thought that their father was foolish for abandoning their lands and gold in pursuit of some kind of unknowable and nebulous promises. Living in a tent is difficult at best, and when the comparative luxuries of Jerusalem are only a few days away, it seems foolish to languish in hard conditions in the hope of receiving some reward.

The reaction is predictable. Nephi prays to know the truth of these things, and as a result he gains the favor of the the Lord and the promises that are attendant with such favor. His brothers make no such attempt, believing that the Lord will not make such things known to them. And you know what? In both cases they are right.

The things of the Lord are only to be known or perceived by inspiration and guidance of the Spirit. They cannot otherwise be known. The Lord often deigns to use similes, metaphors, parables, etc, to help us naturally understand. But ultimately there is a definite spiritual aspect of every principle, every program of the gospel. Seeking this spiritual meaning in what we are all about not only leads to a deeper, more satisfying understanding of the gospel and it's principles, but it draws us closer to the Lord. Further, it refines us in the process. As we humble ourselves before Him, seeking understanding in faith and diligence and with the sincere desire to act on knowledge gained, we will find treasures of knowledge and learning that will enlarge our souls and hearts. We will be more effective in sharing the gospel, in living the gospel, and in knowing how we should act. We will be able to strengthen our brothers and sisters. And we will gain the supreme confidence and assurance that comes from familiarity with the things of the Spirit.

What else do you want?

These are not foolish things.

Comments

Deb said…
I've wondered, did Nephi praying for a personal witness of Lehi's instruction show that he had doubts, too? I think I have fallen into the trap of thinking of Nephi as, if not mindless, at least a follower of his father rather than a leader in his own right (at least in the beginning). His virtue was always that he "followed his father" rather than "he followed the Father." This has made me think: did Nephi hear his dad lay out the plan and think to himself, "Okay, the old man's really lost it this time, I'd better pray and see for myself?" Because that makes a lot of sense to me.
November 5, 2009 at 3:49 AM
Bill Cobabe said…
There is a careful balance between questioning authority's sanity and questioning their answers. I think that questioning is not only encouraged but commanded - the Lord Himself repeatedly directs us to ask, seek, knock... If we don't ask we are not gaining that relationship with the Lord that is required for salvation. I believe that Joseph Smith is the model for us in this - we should follow Joseph into the woods to find out for ourselves. However, once we have received confirmation, we should go with it.

I would also suggest that faith assumes there is an answer and that diligence and patience will lead us to that answer. Doubt assumes there is no answer, only questions that cannot be answered. Let us ask in faith.
November 5, 2009 at 5:59 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Baptism

Yesterday Ellie was baptized. She turned eight on January 27, 2020, and she made the decision to be baptized. I want to tell you a little bit about Ellie. I have never met a child that is quite like Ellie. She is full of life and fire and joy and light. She knows no fear and is infectious in her passion for life and for goodness and for FUN!!! Above all things, she seeks the joy and fun in life. She is also wickedly clever and funny, she’s a delight to be around and makes everyone feel so good. Because she is happy, she wants everyone else to be happy. I first met sweet Elizabeth in 2018, and on the day I met her she was not feeling well. We decided that a movie would be a fun thing for a sick little girl, so I brought one of my favorites to share with her - The Neverending Story. When I got to the house, I picked her right up. It had been a very long time since I was able to pick up a girl, and she snuggled right into my arms. Her poor sick body was warm, but I was more impressed ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ephesus

Paul got around. Ephesus is right on the Aegean Sea, on the coast of present-day Turkey. Yesterday he was in Galatia, which was much more towards the middle of Turkey. And when he actually wrote these letters, he was in Rome... So the man could travel. He probably walked. Today's item of interest comes from chapter one in Ephesians. Verses 18 and 19 are particularly interesting: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power This is not the first time Paul talks about an inheritance. In Galatians he talks about the inheritance that comes of being part of the Abrahamic Covenant. He notes that we are joint-heirs through and with Christ. In Ephesians, he uses the word "adoption" - that we are adopted as the Children of Jesus Chris...
7 comments
Read more

Excommunication

My heart is heavy this morning. I read that Kate Kelly and others are being brought up on Church disciplinary action. For those who are unfamiliar with the process/proceedings of LDS Church discipline, it can be a bit mystifying. There are several levels of censure that the Church may impose. These range from a simple removal of some privileges for a short period of time to the most severe action - excommunication. When one is excommunicated, the person's membership in the Church is terminated. It is a very extreme measure, and for the faithful it can be a very difficult thing to consider. What people don't understand - what is nearly impossible for someone outside the proceedings to understand - is the amount of love felt. It's discipline. It's intended to be harsh (at times). And it's intended to be unpleasant. But it is done with love and care for the person. Since excommunication is such an extreme measure, it is really only very rarely applied. There are ...
18 comments
Read more