Mosiah 2:18-41
And again, the words that I have chosen for the title of this post (from verse 41) I find to be timely and profound. King Benjamin's reminder to remember was exactly what I needed. Having recently done battle with the "super flu" which had me laid up for more than a week, I have also had a spiritual battle of sorts with some false notions that I had permitted to get planted just a little too deep. What had resulted were feelings of blackness and uneasiness, a loss of peace generally, which peace was as real and significant as any physical blessing of health.
What King Benjamin lays out in the last half of this chapter is a recipe for perfect peace and happiness in this life. After concluding that no degree of praise or thankfulness would be enough to resolve our indebtedness to God (though praise and gratitude are important ingredients of discipleship), King Benjamin concludes that the best thing that we can do to show our appreciation towards God is to keep His commandments (vs 22).
In verses 32 to 39, King Benjamin addresses the consequences that come to one that "listeth to obey the evil spirit," (vs 32). Then he goes on to talk about those that have been taught and instructed after the manner of the prophets but that choose to instead obey the evil spirit. He says that such "cometh out in open rebellion against God," (vs 37). He goes on to explain the wretched and horrible state of those when they are brought into remembrance of their guilt before God.
In verses 40 and 41, a simple contrast between the two states lets the reader decide for himself:
I am reminded recently of a conversation with a friend who was explaining to me the source of his happiness as a result of financial independence. Ironically, though I found myself realizing just days earlier that I was happy beyond description. When tracing the source of my happiness, I concluded that it was my willingness to obey the commandments of God, repent of my sins, serve God, and so forth. I have found peace and happiness and joy which are available to all.
And again, the words that I have chosen for the title of this post (from verse 41) I find to be timely and profound. King Benjamin's reminder to remember was exactly what I needed. Having recently done battle with the "super flu" which had me laid up for more than a week, I have also had a spiritual battle of sorts with some false notions that I had permitted to get planted just a little too deep. What had resulted were feelings of blackness and uneasiness, a loss of peace generally, which peace was as real and significant as any physical blessing of health.
What King Benjamin lays out in the last half of this chapter is a recipe for perfect peace and happiness in this life. After concluding that no degree of praise or thankfulness would be enough to resolve our indebtedness to God (though praise and gratitude are important ingredients of discipleship), King Benjamin concludes that the best thing that we can do to show our appreciation towards God is to keep His commandments (vs 22).
In verses 32 to 39, King Benjamin addresses the consequences that come to one that "listeth to obey the evil spirit," (vs 32). Then he goes on to talk about those that have been taught and instructed after the manner of the prophets but that choose to instead obey the evil spirit. He says that such "cometh out in open rebellion against God," (vs 37). He goes on to explain the wretched and horrible state of those when they are brought into remembrance of their guilt before God.
In verses 40 and 41, a simple contrast between the two states lets the reader decide for himself:
- "Remember the awful situation of those who have fallen into transgression." (vs 40)
- "Consider... the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God." (vs 41)
I am reminded recently of a conversation with a friend who was explaining to me the source of his happiness as a result of financial independence. Ironically, though I found myself realizing just days earlier that I was happy beyond description. When tracing the source of my happiness, I concluded that it was my willingness to obey the commandments of God, repent of my sins, serve God, and so forth. I have found peace and happiness and joy which are available to all.
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