Mosiah 7

BONDAGE or FREEDOM--Our CHOICE

In verse 20 of Mosiah 7, it talks about how the people had done many iniquities, and because of those iniquities--they were in bondage. I think about in my own life. Everyday I am faced with choices. Sometimes I make good choices, and other times--I don't. Inevitably the poor choices always have a negative consequence. It seems to me that this is a pretty straight forward formula. Good choices=good consequences; whereas, bad choices=bad consequences. So, if it is so straightforward, how is it so difficult to continually choose the right? 

The scriptures continue by stating that the Lamanites were able to bring the Nephites into bondage only after they were slowly deceived--little by little. And so it is with us, when we stop reading our scriptures, saying our prayers, etc..., we are slowly lulled away until those choices do not seem so black and white anymore. And before we know it--we find ourselves receiving the consequences of our choices--whether they be bad or good.

Verses 29 and 30 it state, "For behold, the Lord hath said: I will not succor my people in the day of their transgression; but I will hedge up their ways that they prosper not; and their doings shall be as a stumbling block before them.
And again, he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the chaff thereof in the whirlwind; and the effect thereof is poison."

And then in verse 33 it states, "But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage."

There are days when I feel I am in bondage. I feel burdened with the busyness of life, and I wonder how I am ever going to accomplish my many tasks in addition to my responsibilities as a mother. Although I haven't committed a major transgression, I have committed a sin of omission by not turning to my Father in Heaven in prayer. I think this is part of choosing the better consequence. The part about good choices=good consequences. I don't know how long I will have to struggle before I realize that I can't do it alone. In order for me to be the mom I want to be--I need the Lord with me. I know that as I pray to Him, and ask--He will provide; however, it is up to me to choose! Because He will not take away my agency--He still allows me to choose whether or not I will seek Him. So, not only do I need to seek Him by choosing the right, I also need to seek Him by allowing Him to be a part of my life. I believe that as I seek Him through prayer, and scripture study, I will be seeking Him by choosing the right, because I will not be tempted by "bad choices" if He is a part of my life. 

Mosiah 5

Mosiah 5

Steadfast and Immoveable

I like that in verse 15 it states, "Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen" (Mosiah 5:15)

I think it is easy to become complacent in our devotion to our Heavenly Father. AS we fill our lives with the many tasks that are before us, we can easily neglect the things that are most important. As we do so, we may find ourselves on a path that we had never intended. Maintaining a testimony of the Gospel is something that takes work. WE must be diligent in keeping His commandments. We must be reading and studying the scriptures. WE must do as this scripture states, "be steadfast and immoveable" (Mosiah 5:15). There have been many examples throughout history of people who were once strong in our faith, but through lack of devotion--fell away. In my life, I know of other's who have chosen to allow the "busyness of life" to override the importance of Gospel diligence. We cannot let this happen for us. I feel protected as I study the scriptures. I am constantly reminded of the things that matter most.