Enos:1, 3
Many members of the church have children who do not believe the church is true. The feelings of guilt and regret are usually there. Almost every parent is painfully aware of their imperfections as parents. Parents certainly consider what they could have done differently. Perhaps if we had family home evening more consistently or read the scriptures each morning, the children would still believe.
Marci had a rebellious season when she was young. She will tell you that her parents’ words and actions and prayers stayed with her until she was ready to embrace what they had said. A parent’s words and acts stay embedded. It did with Enos.
“Behold, it came to pass that I, Enos, knowing my father that he was a just man—for he taught me in his language, and also in the nurture and admonition of the Lord—and blessed be the name of my God for it— Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart.” What Enos’s father had said and done impacted Enos.
Parents, including me, can draw some comfort from what Enos is saying here. What we have taught may still resonate with our children. It usually is just a matter of time.
Enos:2, 4
“And I will tell you of the wrestle which I had before God, before I received a remission of my sins.” Enos was feeling the effects of sin. He wanted a remission. He was sincerely struggling with God. His prayer was a physical, mental, emotional, spiritual challenge. How does this differ from my prayers? A LOT! This is one area where I am truly focusing. I want to be more intense, sincere, authentic, emotionally invested in my prayers. I’m attempting to spend more time listenening rather than just talking. I’m attempting to skip the rote parts of my prayers and just talk with God like he is an actual person - which he is. It seems like, every day, my desire for a real relationship with God is growing.
You could say that my soul is hungering for that relationship. “And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.”
What is making my soul hunger now? I am not sure but I know it’s time.
Enos:5-8
Enos obviously felt guilt for his sins. As we all do. “And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed. And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away.” What an amazing feeling! Enos’s curiosity led him to ask “Lord, how is it done?”
The Lord delivered a message that each of us needs to hear. “And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole.” The key indicator of our discipleship of Christ is our faithfulness. I love the word faithful. It means so much. Definitions include:
Having faith.
Remaining loyal and steadfast.
Following the facts accurately.
Being reliable.
True, constant, devoted, obedient.
I think the two aspects of being faithful are:
Full of faith.
Obediently loyal and steadfast.
First, if we are full of faith in Jesus Christ, that means that we rely on him. That means we follow him. We believe his promises. We look to him for strength. We have hope that our future will be bright because of him. Having faith in Jesus Christ is different than having faith in ourselves. We aren’t relying on ourselves for our salvation. We aren’t independent workers of our salvation. We truly depend on Christ’s atonement and trust that his work, not ours, is what fulfills the promises of the Abrahamic covenant.
Second, being faithful is about being obediently loyal and steadfast. We cannot have faith in Jesus Christ and disregard what he taught. We cannot be faithful to Christ and reject his Church. We cannot be faithful and go our own way. Being faithful Christians is about fully embracing that he is the way, the truth and the life.
I think being faithful is the “wake” of our faith in Jesus Christ. Being faithful is what follows having faith. In this way, our faith in Christ is what pulls us forward. It is faith in Christ that will lead our progression in this life AND in eternity. He taught us so much in his 33 years on this earth. Imagine what he will teach us in the next million years!
Enos wasn’t perfect at the end of his prayer. But, according to the Lord, he was “whole.” How was he whole? Because he was linked, through faith, to Jesus Christ. If we are moving through this life arm in arm with the Savior, we are whole. He is infinitely powerful. Whatever stage we are in, if we are partnered with an infinite being, we are wholly infinite. Say I’m at level 3 of personal wholeness. 3 + infinity is still infinity. I may not be bringing much to the partnership - it doesn’t matter. All that matters is the partnership/reliance/faith in Jesus Christ.
Many of us live with guilt and regret. We carry it around. We aren’t sure if we’ve fully repented or if we are currently righteous enough. The answer is that none of us have fully repented - I probably don’t even remember most of my past sins. None of us is “righteous enough.” We never will be. Again, all that matters is that we have faith in Christ.
Enos:9, 11
After Enos felt relief for himself, he started turning outward. This is awesome and healthy. If we are continually fixated on ourselves, it is pathetic and unhealthy. Immediately after Enos learns that he is made whole through his faith in Christ, his attention shifts. “Now, it came to pass that when I had heard these words I began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren, the Nephites; wherefore, I did pour out my whole soul unto God for them.” Everything Christ did was for his Father and us. As we exercise faith in Jesus and become more like him, we too will begin to expand the circle of those we care about. His circle initially expands to include the Nephites.
What’s interesting is his circle of concern expands even further to include his enemy, the Lamanites. “And after I, Enos, had heard these words, my faith began to be unshaken in the Lord; and I prayed unto him with many long strugglings for my brethren, the Lamanites.” It wasn’t a half-hearted mention. It was “many long struggling.” He is sincerely offering prayers for his enemies. He is definitely becoming like Jesus who said, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Enos:12, 15
“And it came to pass that after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy faith.” We have all asked for things that we haven’t received. But, in this case, the Lord grants what Enos desired. What determines whether the Lord grants a prayerful request.
Elder Holland gave a great talk on this. I’ll just say that it depends on the Lord’s will. The Lord’s will will always be done. However, I think some blessings happen by request. A granted blessing is available and waiting according to God’s will - but God is waiting for his child to ask. There is growth in asking and exercising faith. Seeing righteous prayers answered strengthens faith.
God knows what he is doing. He is working hard to develop us so that we will receive eternal life. Part of that development is granting blessings according to righteous desires. So, if you have a righteous desire, it doesn’t hurt to ask. If it’s also God’s will, that request will be granted.
“I cried unto him continually, for he had said unto me: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive in the name of Christ, ye shall receive it.”
Enos 20
“And I bear record that the people of Nephi did seek diligently to restore the Lamanites unto the true faith in God. But our labors were vain; their hatred was fixed, and they were led by their evil nature that they became wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people, full of idolatry and filthiness.” It may have been that they knew their labors were in vain. But, in faith, they “did seek diligently” to bring the Lamanites back.
It’s an interesting phrase that the Lamanites “were led by their evil nature.” I think all of us have two sides. We have a spiritually led side and a natural-man led side. We can choose to be led by either side. Some of us bounce back and forth. We cannot give in to our “evil nature.” We should be wary of it and defend against it taking the reigns of our lives.
Enos 22-23
The Nephites had their own problems. “And there were exceedingly many prophets among us. And the people were a stiffnecked people, hard to understand.” I’m curious if Enos was saying that the stiffnecked people couldn’t understand the gospel or the prophets couldn’t understand why the people would be stiffnecked. It’s probably both.
A spiritual, righteous, faithful person may have a hard time empathizing and understanding someone who is living another way. I think it’s worthwhile to attempt to understand and empathize with them. If we meet them where they are, we may be able to help pull them out of their current state. Sometimes, when faced with someone who is struggling with the gospel, our instinct is to share a similar story from our lives or quote scriptures or recommend General Conference talks. That’s not the approach we should take. Our first step should be to understand the person. Only when we understand their concern are we in a position to help.
A stiffnecked person may not be able to even comprehend spiritual topics. I’ve had those conversations and my words travel right by the person. It’s like I’m speaking another language.
“And there was nothing save it was exceeding harshness, preaching and prophesying of wars, and contentions, and destructions, and continually reminding them of death, and the duration of eternity, and the judgments and the power of God, and all these things—stirring them up continually to keep them in the fear of the Lord. I say there was nothing short of these things, and exceedingly great plainness of speech, would keep them from going down speedily to destruction. And after this manner do I write concerning them.” I keep waiting for General Conference to change tones. The speakers are always so uplifting and positive and encouraging. I think there will be a day when this isn’t the case.
I think the talks may shift to more harsh warnings and direct reminders of judgment and the “duration of eternity.” Our church leaders may find it necessary to do exactly what the prophets during Enos’s time did. We shouldn’t be surprised.
Enos:26
“And I saw that I must soon go down to my grave, having been wrought upon by the power of God that I must preach and prophesy unto this people, and declare the word according to the truth which is in Christ. And I have declared it in all my days, and have rejoiced in it above that of the world.” Marci and I are also feeling “wrought upon.” Our plan is to go on multiple missions. We want to talk to people about Christ full time. We feel blessed to have the opportunity to do that.
My lazy side wants to simply be in mountains and not leave. It is so beautiful and peaceful here. I also would like to travel around the world. There is so much to experience. But, our goal is to “rejoice in it above that of the world.” This world does have a lot of good things to offer. But, when put in perspective against the work of gathering Israel, it doesn’t offer much.
Jarom:2
It’s an interesting reason that Jarom gives for not writing more. “And as these plates are small, and as these things are written for the intent of the benefit of our brethren the Lamanites, wherefore, it must needs be that I write a little; but I shall not write the things of my prophesying, nor of my revelations. For what could I write more than my fathers have written? For have not they revealed the plan of salvation? I say unto you, Yea; and this sufficeth me.” His big reason for not writing is that his fathers have already written about the plan of salvation. What’s so important about the plan of salvation?
We learn in the temple the reason. If we truly understand the plan of salvation we know the purpose of life. We know why we were born. We know about the fall. We understand the necessity of the atonement of Jesus Christ. We see our potential and what eternity holds for us. Everything is in perspective. I think Jarom believes that this has been covered enough.
Jarom:3
Jarom understands that his people struggle with:
Hard hearts.
Deaf ears.
Blind minds.
Stiff necks.
Where most people would just turn their backs on them, Jarom says that “much should be done among his people.” This is a good example for us when we believe that people are past feeling. Rather than give up, we should see that “much should be done.”
Jarom:4
“And as many as are not stiffnecked and have faith, have communion with the Holy Spirit, which maketh manifest unto the children of men, according to their faith.” The phrase that stuck out for me was “communion.” I looked it up: “The sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level.” Isn’t this a great definition for how we should be interacting with the Holy Ghost. I love the idea of exchanging intimate thoughts with the Spirit.
Lately, I’ve been being silent for a time in my personal prayers. I basically ask, “Is there anything that I can do for you today?” Then I just wait. Much of the time, I just kneel in silence. Other times, a person’s face will appear in my mind. Or I’ll get an idea about something that I’ve been struggling with. I like how I’m giving the Spirit a minute to talk to me. If I don’t give Him a minute, how can I hear a message?
Jarom:9
Jarom quotes the Lord. “Inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land.” We hear this message repeated throughout the scriptures. But what does it mean? Does it literally mean, if we are righteous, we will be successful? Does it mean we’ll be wealthy? Does it mean that no sickness or disease will happen? Does it mean that our children will never leave the church?
I don’t think it means any of that. This is still a fallen world. Bad things will still happen - even to those who keep the commandments. So, what does it mean? I see righteousness as a protection for unnecessary evils. I see righteousness as a buffer against AVOIDABLE personal and social problems. A society that follows the commandments will avoid the “unforced errors” that can happen in mortality.
For example, righteousness will help us to avoid:
Unplanned pregnancy.
Disregarding the wisdom of parents.
Drug addiction.
Prison time for breaking the law.
Broken homes from infidelity.
Sexually transmitted disease.
Broken relationships resulting from lying and cheating.
Distrust and violence between people.
Consistent laziness.
I could write a hundred things on the list. If you have a society free of all these evils, that society will prosper much more than a society that is filled with all of these problems.
Jarom:11
“Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently, exhorting with all long-suffering the people to diligence; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for which it was given; persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was. And after this manner did they teach them.” Those who had responsibility over the people were working hard. It likely wasn’t pleasant. It may not have made them popular!
They taught the law of Moses but, possibly more importantly, they also taught the “intent for which it was given.” The law of Moses was there to point people to Christ. It was set up to prepare them. The law of Moses was like John the Baptist - both were meant to prepare the way for the Lord.
I like the phrase, “believe in him to come as though he already was.” I think we could use a little of that ourselves. Sometimes I feel a separation with Christ. He is a force more than a person. He’s an entity rather than a man of flesh and bones. Strange thought: today, I was in the temple and started imagining what Christ will look like. I realized that he’d likely look like a early twenty something. Which, now that I’m 52, anyone under 30 looks like a child. It will be interesting to see him as a young man.
My point is, the more I can bring him from a heavenly domain and imagine what it will be like to see him and hug him, the closer I can feel. I want a more intimate connection with him.
The truth is, I don’t need to wait for his second coming to have a deep connection with him. I don’t need to wait until he comes in glory before he can walk by my side throughout my boring life. I should “believe in him to come as though he already has!”
Jarom:12
“…they did prick their hearts with the word, continually stirring them up unto repentance.” The word of God stirs people up to repentance. What can you say to someone that will prick his or her heart? My grandchildren aren’t being taken to church currently. I find myself searching for the right words to say to my daughter that might prick her heart. The word of God would be a good place to start.
Omni:2
“Wherefore, in my days, I would that ye should know that I fought much with the sword to preserve my people, the Nephites, from falling into the hands of their enemies, the Lamanites. But behold, I of myself am a wicked man, and I have not kept the statutes and the commandments of the Lord as I ought to have done.” Who is worried about Omni? I’m not. I am picturing a battle-hardened man. Who knows all of the horrible things that he’s seen and done in war. He was literally putting his life on the line for his people.
He admitted that he was a “wicked man.” He is confessing his sins on metal plates for millions to read. He doesn’t sound like a wicked rebel. He sounds like someone who has weaknesses and knows that he is sinful. This is someone who will repent. He knows he could have been better and did what he “ought to have done.” This sounds like desire to be righteous. I don’t worry about guys like this. I more worry about someone who doesn’t feel like they do ANYTHING wrong when they are deep in a pit of sin.
Omni:13
“And they were admonished continually by the word of God; and they were led by the power of his arm…” Those who are continually admonished by the word of the Lord are more likely to be “led by the power of his arm.” If people aren’t hearing the word of God, they will not live according to it. Whatever we can do to expose people more to the word of God is good. We can even write a blog!
Omni:26
“And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.” Amaleki covered all ends of the discipleship spectrum. On the one hand, he says that we should offer our whole souls. That’s everything right! That’s us sacrificing our will and offering a broken heart and contrite spirit. That’s what we can sacrifice for him. That’s big.
He then mentions who relatively small and basic actions: fasting and prayer. I think this is intentional. We’ve got to maintain the big picture of what this is all about but remember that it is the small, daily things that will keep us on the path that we want our souls to be on. We cannot claim a sincere, beautiful, powerful discipleship and ignore the many smallest actions that all add up. Keep the big picture in mind while we do the very basic, daily actions.
WofM:7
I love that Mormon jumps in here. He has seen all of the prophecies be fulfilled! He also knows that his people are destroyed. Most of us would feel hopeless but Mormon is busy at work. I’m sure the task was monumental. If I were in his shoes, I might think that the whole thing is futile. But, he had faith. “And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.” Mormon didn’t know everything. But, he did know what he had been told by the Spirit. He didn’t question. He simply took a large leap into the unknown because it’s what the Lord wanted. I love his faithfulness.
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