"...but we heeded them not."

A few weeks ago I found myself studying First Nephi, or more specifically the story of Lehi's vision. I was immediately impressed to jot down some of my thoughts, and feelings as I read through that chapter, (chapter 8).



First, I will share some of the notes I had scribbled in the margins, regarding the symbolism of this allegorical vision Lehi had.

Large and spacious field = The world
A tree = The love of God
The fruit(of the tree) = Eternal life
Rod of iron = Word of God
Mist of darkness = Temptations of Satan
Great and spacious building = Pride of the world

After reading through the chapter a couple times I began writing...

"There have been and will be those in your life, sometimes even those very close to you, that will choose to stray from what they know to be true.

Instead of pursuing and pressing on towards the blessings of eternal life, they may wander and lose their grasp on the rod and lose focus on their understanding, or increasing their understanding, of the word of our Heavenly Father.

Temptations truly are a literal mist of darkness that make us blind to the blessings and promises that Heavenly Father has stored up for us, if we but hold true to His word, and stand up for truth and righteousness. They leave us trapped in a darkness that can only be vanquished by the brilliant light of, (that most precious fruit), the truth of eternal life and what Heavenly Father has in store for us.

Those who walk along the path at first, holding firmly to that rod of iron, cannot deny that blessings await them if they continue to hold tightly. Even if you do not see the blessings, you know deep down they are there. What causes us to let go? We cannot always have an understanding while looking upon the outside, especially in this earthly realm, but rest assured, Heavenly Father knows these reasons. Whether they are reasons we choose to hold fast, or reasons we choose to let go, We cannot hide the reasons in our heart from the loving Father in Heaven who created it, who created you.

If you hold on, strive to live obediently, heeding not the shameful scorn and mockery from those prideful souls, the beauty of what lies in wait at the end of the the path through this world, is most definitely worth it.

As it says in verse 33, there is a great multitude in that great and spacious building. We must heed them not. We are all of a divine birthright, and Heavenly Father wants each of us to return to Him.