Lehi's Vision: the Mists of Darkness

One of the stories from the Book of Mormon that seems to have more and more meaning, no matter how many times I have studied it, is Lehi’s vision of the Tree of Life. In short, Lehi saw a tree with a rod of iron extending from it and a path underneath the rod of iron. On one side of the rod of iron was a river and on the other side of the river there was a huge building. Countless people were in the dream either moving toward the rod or away from it. Nephi was able to see his father’s dream and was given the interpretation as well. This dream seems to represent the spiritual journey that we are each on in this life.

I was intrigued by one verse in particular; where the angel is explaining to Nephi about the mists of darkness:

“And the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost” (1 Nephi 12:17).

This gives three examples of how the adversary uses temptation to lead us away from the iron rod—the word of God (see 1 Nephi 11:25)—are by: 1) blinding our spiritual eyes, 2) hardening our hearts, and 3) leading us away into broad roads where we get lost.

Spiritual Blindness

In reference to blindness, the Bible dictionary states, “In addition to the healing of physical blindness, the mission of Jesus included curing blindness to the things of the spirit” (Bible Dictionary:blindness). Isaiah describes spiritual blindness as, “Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not” (Isaiah 42:20). Paul taught about spiritual blindness to the Ephesians as, “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness [footnote: GR hardness] of their heart” (Ephesians 4:18).

Elder Kim B. Clark taught,

“In His mortal ministry, Jesus worked such mighty miracles of healing and taught with such authority and power that the scripture says, ‘His fame went throughout all Syria … and there followed him great multitudes of people.’

“Some who saw Him heal and heard Him teach rejected Him. Others followed Him for a season but then walked with Him no more. The Lord Jesus Christ was there in front of them, but they did not see who He really was. They were blind, and they chose to turn away….

“However, there were many men and women, including His faithful Apostles, who centered their lives on Him. Though they struggled with worldly distractions, with confusion about what He taught, and even with fear, they believed in Him, loved Him, and followed Him.

“Of them, Jesus said, “Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear’” (Kim B. Clark,“Eyes to See and Ears to Hear”, Ensign, November 2015).

Spiritual blindness comes when we choose to ignore the truths we know—perhaps out of ignorance, or perhaps because we have alienated ourselves from God. No matter the cause, it seems that we are unable to see those things that are right before our eyes, because of choices that we have made.

In Nephi’s vision he was taught about a “great and abominable church” who’s sole intent was to “blind the eyes and harden the hearts of the children of men”. This was done by their “[taking] away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious” and because of this “an exceedingly great many do stumble, yea, insomuch that Satan hath great power over them” (see 1 Nephi13:26-29).

Elder Dallin H. Oaks gave this insight,

“Book of Mormon prophecies describe the ‘great and abominable church of all the earth, whose founder is the devil’. This ‘church’ is prophesied to have ‘dominion over all the earth, among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people’. Called ‘most abominable above all other churches,’ this church is also said to act ‘for the praise of the world’ in bringing ‘the saints of God … down into captivity’.

“Because no religious denomination—Christian or non-Christian—has ever had ‘dominion’ over all nations of the earth or the potential to bring all the saints of God down into ‘captivity,’ this great and abominable church must be something far more pervasive and widespread than a single ‘church,’ as we understand that term today. It must be any philosophy or organization that opposes belief in God. And the ‘captivity’ into which this ‘church’ seeks to bring the saints will not be so much physical confinement as the captivity of false ideas” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Stand AsWitnesses of God”, Ensign, March 2015).

We are surrounded by the ideas and philosophies of the world. As we hold to the rod of iron we can avoid deception.

Another way the mists of darkness cause spiritual blindness is by the temptation to “[look] beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14). I think that means seeking for things that we can’t understand in this life, sometimes to the exclusion of all other things. Seeking is necessary in this life, but there are many things that we won’t have answers for until the next life. When on our quest for truth, which comes through seeking, it would be wise to remember the words of President Uchtdorf,

“It’s natural to have questions—the acorn of honest inquiry has often sprouted and matured into a great oak of understanding. There are few members of the Church who, at one time or another, have not wrestled with serious or sensitive questions. One of the purposes of the Church is to nurture and cultivate the seed of faith—even in the sometimes sandy soil of doubt and uncertainty. Faith is to hope for things which are not seen but which are true.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters—my dear friends—please, first doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Come, Join with Us”, Ensign,November 2013).

To avoid, or withstand, the mists of darkness we must cling to the rod of iron and not let the questions that we don't have answers to cloud our vision of what we already know.

Lehi told of “a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron” (1 Nephi 8:20). I wonder if this path is made of “a sure foundation” (Helaman 5:12), a foundation of rock—rather than a dirt path—that the posts of the rod of iron are deeply embedded into. The iron rod is the word of God, and Christ is the rock. If we stray from the stone path we are near a river (a horribly, dangerous, swiftly moving river) that I imagine has gradually sloping, sandy banks.

I am reminded of the psalm, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalms 119:105). The path is something solid to guide our steps. However, when the mists of darkness come if we don’t have hold of the rod, Nephi recorded that those people, “did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost” (1 Nephi 8:23) even though they were initially on the path. It is our grip on the rod that makes the difference when the mists of darkness come. And they will come.

“Traveling through mists of darkness is a completely normal part of God’s plan. He allows us to experience difficulties from time to time so that we can completely depend on Him and His Son. The key is to cling to the iron rod” (Juventa Vezzani, “Latter-daySaint Voices: Finding My Way through Mists of Darkness”, Ensign, January 2016).

Hardens the Heart

I think a key to understanding how hearts can be hardened is found in the Book of Hebrews,

“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

“For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end;” (Hebrews 3:12-14)

I feel that these verses say that we will start to disbelieve when we distance ourselves from God. We can then become more hardened in our hearts through continued disbelief or even the deceitfulness of sin, further distancing ourselves from God. We lose our connection with the Spirit through sin, and no longer have the continual guidance and direction available through the Holy Ghost.

We, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God” (Articles of Faith 1:8). The Lord has given us His word—an iron rod—to cling to as a spiritual protection in these last days. President Ezra Taft Benson shared this promise about the Book of Mormon specifically:

“It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path” (Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion”, Ensign, November 1986, emphasis added).

There have been times during my life when I have been closer to the Lord and other times when I have been father away. How do we continually stay close to the Lord? I think that President Spencer W. Kimball gave wise counsel when he said,

“When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be ‘remember.’ Because all of [us] have made covenants … our greatest need is to remember. That is why everyone goes to sacrament meeting every Sabbath day—to take the sacrament and listen to the priests pray that [we] ‘… may always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given [us].’… ‘Remember’ is the word” (see Book of Mormon: Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, Lesson 33, "A Sure Foundation").

I also love this insight on the power that comes through remembering that was shared about a seminary class,

“’If you remember,’ [the teacher] said, ‘you won’t forget to pray. You won’t forget to serve or love. You will remember to read the scriptures. You will not forget your family and friends. You will remember to obey the prophet. You’ll keep in your heart the knowledge that Jesus Christ sacrificed his life for us, and you will love him as he loves you. You will remember why you came to this earth. And you will remember you are sons and daughters of God. You can return home to him if you remember to keep his commandments and live your lives the way he has asked.’” (Laura Kay Worthington, “What is the Most Important Word?”, New Era, September1992).

Another key about why our hearts may be hardened is found in 3 Nephi. Nephi recounts,

“[A]nd the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen—

 “Imagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it was wrought by men and by the power of the devil, to lead away and deceive the hearts of the people; and thus did Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again, insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a vain thing” (3 Nephi 2:1-2).

The people began to forget about what they had seen and heard, and began to harden their hearts. They were not remembering. Each week we are reminded to “always remember Him” (Doctrine & Covenants 20:77, 79) during the sacrament prayers. This does not mean for those few minutes that we’re sitting in our seats, but always in our day-to-day lives. This is a great protection to us, to allow us time to really remember our Savior, so that we can (hopefully) keep from becoming hard in our own hearts.

We will be surrounded by mists of darkness at different times throughout our lives. During these times, if we can remember to grasp the iron rod we can find light, truth, and direction. Continually holding fast to the rod of iron takes faith, but is crucial when we are surrounded by these mists and unable to see. Elder David A. Bednar explains the importance of the day-to-day things that we need to do to be able to remember.

“In [1 Nephi 8:30] we read about a third group of people who pressed forward ‘continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.’ The key phrase in this verse is continually holding fast to the rod of iron.

“The third group also pressed forward with faith and conviction; however, there is no indication that they wandered off, fell into forbidden paths, or were lost. Perhaps this third group of people consistently read and studied and searched the scriptures. Perhaps it was diligence and devotion to a seemingly ‘small and simple [thing]’ that saved the third group from perishing. Perhaps it was ‘the knowledge of the Lord’ and ‘the knowledge of the truth’ obtained through faithful study of the scriptures that yielded the spiritual gift of humility—such that this group of people ‘fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree’. Perhaps it was the spiritual nourishment and strength provided by continually ‘feasting upon the word of Christ’ that enabled this group to heed not the scorning and mocking of the people in the great and spacious building. This is the group you and I should strive to join” (David A.Bednar, “Lehi’s Dream: Holding Fast to the Rod”, Ensign, November 2011).

Leadeth them Away into Broad Roads

When I read this sentence I wondered why the adversary chose to lead people into “broad” roads. Why didn’t he lead them to isolation? Perhaps it is because when we are alone, and take a moment for some quiet reflection and contemplation, that we can feel the whisperings of the spirit drawing us back to the path. I feel that the adversary is aiming for distraction. If he can put us in a broad road, filled with sights, sounds, and other distractions, it can put us in an awkward or uncomfortable situation of making ourselves stand alone, if we choose to be different. He wants to cloud our judgment with what seems to be a natural desire to want to be included and accepted. There is strength in numbers, both for good and evil.

I also like this explanation that President Boyd K. Packer gave:

“This trend to more noise, more excitement, more contention, less restraint, less dignity, less formality is not coincidental nor innocent nor harmless.

“The first order issued by a commander mounting a military invasion is the jamming of the channels of communication of those he intends to conquer.

“Irreverence suits the purposes of the adversary by obstructing the delicate channels of revelation in both mind and spirit” (Boyd K. Packer, “Reverence Invites Revelation”, Ensign,November 1991).

In Luke we read, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” (Luke 13:24). When I read this verse I wondered why would they “not be able” to enter? What would keep them from being able to enter?

King Benjamin taught about the broad road of sin when he said, “And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them” (Mosiah 4:29). The road to sin is so incredibly vast that we cannot fathom it. The road to the Savior, on the other hand, is very narrow. Nephi taught,

“Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter….

“And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life;…

“And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

“And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God” (2 Nephi 31:17-21).

Once we are in the “broad” roads of life it is easy to stay there without any effort. But once we enter into the gate that leads to eternal life, it will take a concerted effort on our part to stay there.

The adversary does not often come out and attack openly. He uses subtlety, deceit, arrows and fiery darts that can be thrown from a distance, rather that hand-to-hand combat. He doesn’t attack when we are strong but waits until we are tired, rundown, and weak.

The mists of darkness are necessary to provide an opportunity for growth. We can’t fully comprehend something unless we’ve experienced it. This life gives us that opportunity to learn—to know for ourselves the good from the evil. In this battle we have our Savior on our side. The power that comes through the atonement of Jesus Christ can help to keep us on the strait and narrow path. It is only through Him that we will be able to stay on the path that leads back to Him.

The key to enduring through the mists of darkness, the temptations that will come throughout our lives, is the rod of iron.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gives amazing insight into the power of the word of god.

“The Savior warned that in the last days even those of the covenant, the very elect, could be deceived by the enemy of truth. If we think of this as a form of spiritual destruction, it may cast light on another latter-day prophecy. Think of the heart as the figurative center of our faith, the poetic location of our loyalties and our values; then consider Jesus’s declaration that in the last days ‘men’s hearts [shall fail] them’….

“Brothers and sisters, God always provides safety for the soul, and with the Book of Mormon, He has again done that in our time. Remember this declaration by Jesus Himself: ‘Whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived’—and in the last days neither your heart nor your faith will fail you” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Safety for the Soul,” Ensign, November 2009).

May we do all that is in our power to keep our grip on the iron rod.

Parable of the Sower (Part 2: Spiritual State of the Soil)

“Spiritual” State of Soil

In the parable of the sower, that the Savior taught (see Matthew 13:3-9), we can look at the soil as all being equal in the beginning and evolving over time.

Alma teaches us that, “in the first place [we] were on the same standing with [our] brethren” (Alma 13:5). In the very beginning state of our pre-mortal existence, we all started out on equal footing. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all of us were born into mortality innocent before God, as Joseph Smith taught:

“Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning; and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again, in their infant state, innocent before God” (Doctrine & Covenants 93:38).

In the beginning all the soil—all of us—were on equal standing. The seed—the word of God—is available to all but there are some who, through their own decisions, have allowed the adversary to snatch the word away (see Matthew 13:19). To “snatch” means to “to take (something) quickly or eagerly” (link to definition). The adversary is ever on the lookout for opportunities to deceive the children of men. Peter admonishes us to, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He may be subtle and crafty, or blatant and bold, but his intentions are the same – to deceive mankind.

The soil that has the seed snatched away are those who “[hear] the word of the kingdom, and [understand] it not” (Matthew 13:19). Like Laman and Lemuel, in the Book of Mormon, it could represent those who neglected to inquire of the Lord, or failed to keep the commandments, when they didn’t understand (see 1 Nephi 15:8-10). They failed to do what was required and never gave the seed a chance to sprout.

If we have sincere questions about the gospel we should continue to be obedient as we seek them out. In the Ensign magazine we are taught that, “A sincere questioner continues to be obedient while searching for answers….The doubter’s posture is generally to withhold obedience or limit it, pending resolution of the doubts” (link to article). As for obedience, we can always remember the Lord’s promise: “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.” (Doctrine & Covenants 82:10).

The stony soil represents those who receive the word with joy, but don’t make the effort to focus on their roots. They have not taken the work and effort to dig out the rocks and prepare the soil for planting so when temptation, trial, and tribulation come they have no root to hold them firm and steadfast (and there are a lot of stones in the way). The Apostle Paul’s counsel can apply to us today when he said, “continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel” (Colossians 1:23). We need to be obedient to the principles of the gospel so our feet can be firmly planted, deeply in the soil.

When I think of the stony soil I think of the experience I have had with fruit trees. After transplanting a fruit tree, it is very important to remove all of the buds for the first couple of years, so that the tree can focus more on establishing the roots than on producing fruit. If we attempt to produce “fruit” in our lives without establishing our roots, the tree will be less fruitful and the fruit will be smaller. This may be the type of soil that describes those who do things for show, or the praise of the world (see Matthew 6:2, 5, 16).

We need to take time to really establish our root system so that we can weather the storms of life. We need to prepare our soil by establishing the needed habits of daily scripture study, daily prayer, weekly Family Home Evening, and temple worship in order to sustain us during our trials. President Henry B. Eyring stated it so simply, “If the foundation of faith is not embedded in our hearts, the power to endure will crumble” (link to talk).

The soil that is covered with thorns describes one who hears the word, but seems to be distracted by “the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in” (Mark 4:19).

When thinking of “the cares of the world” we might include the philosophies of men. Elder Dallin H. Oaks speaks of, “the ‘captivity’ into which this ‘church [of the devil]’ seeks to bring the saints will not be so much physical confinement as the captivity of false ideas” (link to article).

The deceitfulness of riches is very prevalent. In this world if you have enough money you can buy pretty much anything you want - except for the important things, like family, love, faith, and an abiding testimony in the Savior. The other week in church one of the speakers stated it so plainly when he said, “some people are so poor all they have is money”. We must remember the words of the Savior, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). President Ezra Taft Benson taught,

“When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities” (link to talk).

One thing that has been taught over and over again is about the dangers of pornography (which I think applies to “the lusts” referred to in the parable). Elder Richard G. Scott so bluntly states,

“Satan has become a master at using the addictive power of pornography to limit individual capacity to be led by the Spirit. The onslaught of pornography in all of its vicious, corroding, destructive forms has caused great grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages. It is one of the most damning influences on earth. Whether it be through the printed page, movies, television, obscene lyrics, vulgarities on the telephone, or flickering personal computer screen, pornography is overpoweringly addictive and severely damaging. This potent tool of Lucifer degrades the mind and the heart and the soul of any who use it. All who are caught in its seductive, tantalizing web and remain so will become addicted to its immoral, destructive influence. For many, that addiction cannot be overcome without help. The tragic pattern is so familiar. It begins with curiosity that is fueled by its stimulation and is justified by the false premise that when done privately, it does no harm to anyone else. For those lulled by this lie, the experimentation goes deeper, with more powerful stimulations, until the trap closes and a terribly immoral, addictive habit exercises its vicious control” (link to talk).

Those in thorny soil may have lost focus of their true priorities. They have made something else more important than following the Lord. They may rely on their riches, or their own understanding, rather than trusting in the Lord. Those in thorny soil may feel like they will be able to get around to the spiritually important things later, or they may feel hopelessly entangled. To become free they need to access the power of the Atonement; which can rescue them from the choking influence of the world. Elder Scott continued,

“If you are ensnarled in pornography [or any other vice, for that matter], make a total commitment to overcome it now. Find a quiet place; pray urgently for help and support. Be patient and obedient. Don’t give up” (link to talk).

Elder Ullises Soares also offered this comforting counsel: “Don’t be discouraged. If you are striving and working to repent, you are in the process of repenting” (link to article).

The good soil represents those who hear the word, understand it and endure (see Matthew 13:23, JST). They have cultivated an attitude of seeking for the things of God (see Doctrine & Covenants 25:10).

Ask any farmer—or anyone who has planted a garden—good soil takes time, effort, and consistency to prepare it for planting. But once you plant the seeds the work is far from done. It requires the daily efforts of watering, weeding, and just walking through it to see if there are any trouble spots.

Like Captain Moroni who fortified his weakest cities (see Alma 48:7-10) we need to recognize our weaknesses and fortify ourselves against times of weakness, opposition or temptation.

I wonder if, like the parable of the Ten Virgins (see Matthew 25:1-13), the soil can be likened to members of the Church. How are we doing in weeding and watering our soil to keep it in a good state?

All plants need water, soil, and sunlight in order to survive. I like to think that in this parable the soil represents the experiences that we will have in mortality—the outcome of the soil is determined by our use of agency to make choices. The sunlight can be likened to the Light of Christ when He said, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God…I am the light which shineth in darkness” (Doctrine & Covenants 6:21). This light is available to all. The water that is so essential to our survival can be likened to the living water that the Savior spoke of when He said, “whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). All of these are necessary for our spiritual growth.

We must not neglect the importance of the daily care and weeding needed to maintain good soil. Weeding can be likened to repentance. If we do it daily, we can pick the weeds when they are small. If we “procrastinate the day of [our] repentance” (Alma 13:27) we may have much larger weeds that are much harder to pull out. All weeds can be pulled out but some will take more effort than others. We must remember that is it through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that we can repent. As we use our agency to follow the Savior we can be guided in our lives. Elder Ulisses Soares said,

“We were born with the seed of divinity in our spirits because we are God’s children. This seed needs to grow. It grows as we exercise our agency in righteousness, as we make correct decisions, and as we use the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost to guide us in the decisions we make during the course of our lives. This process takes time, and it is not possible to shape our lives from one day to another” (link to article).

When thinking of the parable of the sower we may ask ourselves why the sower allowed the soil to become thorny or rocky. Why didn’t he take care of it? The answer is simple. The Lord allows us to make our own decisions because of our agency. Our agency is worth so much that the Lord would not trade it for anything–not even His knowledge of the tragedies, pain, sorrow, fear, loneliness, and every other trial that His children would face. Not even for the sake of one-third of His spirit children.

Why?

He has been this way before. He knows what it takes to become exalted, because He once walked in mortal shoes. He knows that getting to where He is will be worth every heartache, every trial, or every challenge that we will ever face. Joseph Smith taught that,

“[God] was once a man like us; yea…God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ Himself did” (Joseph Smith, from the King Follett Address in History of the Church 6:305-6).

And Elder Bruce R. McConkie testified that,

“The Father is a glorified, perfected, resurrected, exalted man who worked out his salvation by obedience to the same laws he has given to us so that we may do the same” (Taken from "A New Witness For the Articles of Faith" by Bruce R. McConkie, pg 64).

The Lord isn’t sending us on a mission to do something because He doesn’t want to do it. He is asking us to follow in His footsteps, and do what He has done. As we follow Him we can become as He is.

The sower does care for his field. He has given instructions to each of us in how we may have a successful crop. As we are obedient to His instructions He is bound to keep His side of the bargain (see Doctrine & Covenants 82:10).

Those entangled in the thorns, or burned by the stones have not heeded the instructions of the sower. There may be times where we may wish to bask in the warm sun (until it scorches us) or enjoy the gentle caressing of the thorns (until they choke us), but if we disregard the instruction we have received we are only deceiving ourselves. The choice to change must come from within. We must take the first step, for the Lord will not stand in the way of our agency. I love the words in the following Hymn:

“Know this, that ev’ry soul is free

To choose his life and what he’ll be;

For this eternal truth is giv’n:

That God will force no man to heav’n.

“He’ll call, persuade, direct aright,

And bless with wisdom, love, and light,

In nameless ways be good and kind,

But never force the human mind 

(link to Hymn)

Once we come to ourselves (see Luke 15:17) and have “viewed [ourselves] in [our] own carnal state” (Mosiah 4:2) we will need to “[put] off the natural man” (Mosiah 3:19), bid Babylon farewell (link to Hymn) and turn to the Lord. He will help us to get rid of the thorns and stones so that we may have good ground. The process will not be easy, and may be painful and long, but if we trust in Him, we will be eternally blessed. Elder Richard G. Scott stated,

“Challenges help us become more like our Father in Heaven, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes it possible to endure those challenges. I testify that as we actively come unto Him, we can endure every temptation, every heartache, every challenge we face” (link to talk).

Sometimes it may feel incredibly difficult to commend ourselves fully unto the Lord (see Ether 6:4), but if we trust in Him we will be led to our own land of promise—a land more beautiful and fruitful than we can ever imagine.

Walking In the Lord's Path

In the Book of Mormon Nephi shares part of the dream his father had, about the Tree of Life. Lehi saw a great and spacious field, and then a tree covered with fruit. He walks to the tree and eats of the fruit. After partaking of the fruit he looks around (see 1 Nephi 8:4-13). It makes me wonder if he was so focused on the tree that he saw nothing else until he reached it.

He notices Sariah, Sam, and Nephi, calls to them, and they come and eat the fruit. It isn’t until he sees Laman and Lemuel that he mentions the rod of iron and the path. “And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood." Lehi sees a river that runs near the tree. He also sees that the rod of iron extends along the bank of the river. (see 1 Nephi 8:19-20)

What I understand from this is that if your feet are solidly on the path, the rod should be within your grasp, and will stand as a barrier between you and the river, which Nephi later learns is “filthy” and represents “the depths of hell” (1 Nephi 12:16). The iron rod represents the word of God and leads to the tree of life, or the love of God (see 1 Nephi 11:25). Elder David A. Bednar taught,

“The fruit on the tree is a symbol for the blessings of the Atonement. Partaking of the fruit of the tree represents the receiving of ordinances and covenants whereby the Atonement can become fully efficacious in our lives” (link to article).

Lehi also saw “numberless concourses of people” who commenced in the path but a mist of darkness arose and they lost their way (see 1 Nephi 8:21-23). Nephi explains that "the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost” (1 Nephi 12:17). 

Darkness, fogginess, or anytime we can’t see clearly can be disorienting. When I have been in such a situation I have become confused as to which way to go. Moving forward to a specific location in total darkness (even if I've seen it before) can be challenging. When we are unable to see, how much more important would it be to be holding onto something solid? President Boyd K. Packer gave a little insight when he said “If you hold to the rod, you can feel your way forward with the gift of the Holy Ghost” (link to talk). I think it is very important to note that there is no mention of this group holding on to the rod. 

One thing I found interesting is that when Nephi speaks of the path that these people are following he uses the word in. I find this very descriptive of the type of path they (and we) are following.

A number of years ago I had the opportunity to go and see some of the early pioneer landmarks; the ruts in Gurnsey, Wyoming were among them. In this area the pioneers had to go over some rocks. Group after group after group went over these same rocks, until eventually a path was worn into the rocks.

The strait and narrow path has been around for a very long time. Adam and Eve were the first on this earth to trod it, followed by many faithful others throughout generations. By following the examples of the righteous and obedient men and women in the scriptures we can stay in the well-marked path.

There are two other groups of people mentioned that grab the rod, press forward, and partake of the fruit, but the outcomes are very different.

Both of these groups press forward and have a grip on the rod. The first group is described as clinging to the rod. They make it to the tree and partake of the fuit, but when the mocking voices and fingers of scorn are felt, they seem to backtrack in their conviction. Nephi recounts, 

“And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree….

“And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost” (1 Nephi 8:24, 28).

The other group is described as continually holding fast to the rod. This group "came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree” (1 Nephi 8:30). 

In contrasting the idea of clinging versus holding fast I am reminded of an experience I had. 

In Zion’s National Park there is a beautiful hike, known as “Angel’s Landing”. It truly felt like I was standing in the place of angels when I was at the top overlooking the vast expanse. 

Near the end of this hike, however, there was a steep climb. As I started on the final climb there were strong, sturdy, thick chains that were bolted into the side of the mountain, alongside the trail. A sign said to hold on to the chains as you climb. I remember walking along the path, and keeping my fingertips on the chain, or not quite holding on because the path was wide. I was comfortable with the width of the path and wasn’t worried about falling off, and felt that it was something I could handle without a problem. When the path narrowed, and the fear of falling became real, I would grip the chain tightly until the narrowness, and fear, had passed. 

Comparing this to Lehi’s vision I wonder if those from the first group were casually walking in the path—doing all the right things—but not holding fast to the rod. Perhaps they were gently grazing their fingertips along the rod, feeling that this journey was something they could handle on their own (pride maybe?), but hanging on just in case troubles came up. This group doesn’t seem to have fully internalized the gospel into their lives, because when the mocking and scorn came they fell away (see 1 Nephi 8:28). Did Nephi use the word “forbidden” because of covenants they had made? 

Jesus taught this idea of holding to the word of God, in a parable. In the parable of the sower he speaks of the seed being thrown to several different groups. I want to point out what happens to one specific group.

“Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

“And when he sowed…

“Some [seeds] fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:

“And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away” (Matthew 13:3, 5-6).

Jesus explains this parable to his disciples. First, he teaches that "The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). The rod of iron also represents the word of God. The Savior's continued explanation seems to fit the clinging group of people from Lehi's dream.

“But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

“Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended” (Matthew 13:20-21).

It seems that these people may have been doing the right things (they started in the path) and they were at least doing something right (they made it to the tree), but along the way something was missed. They went through the motions, but I don’t think they internalized the reason behind what they were doing. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf explains,

“Sometimes, in the routine of our lives, we unintentionally overlook a vital aspect of the gospel of Jesus Christ.… In our diligent efforts to fulfill all of the duties and obligations we take on as members of the Church, we sometimes see the gospel as a long list of tasks that we must add to our already impossibly long to-do list, as a block of time that we must somehow fit into our busy schedules. We focus on what the Lord wants us to do and how we might do it, but we sometimes forget why….

“[T]he gospel of Jesus Christ is not an obligation; it is a pathway, marked by our loving Father in Heaven, leading to happiness and peace in this life and glory and inexpressible fulfillment in the life to come. The gospel is a light that penetrates mortality and illuminates the way before us.

"While understanding the 'what' and the 'how' of the gospel is necessary, the eternal fire and majesty of the gospel springs from the 'why'” (link to talk).

When we understand why we are in the path and why we are holding on to the rod, it will make the temptations more bearable, and the challenges of life's journey easier to get through.

I find another parable fitting to the dream of the iron rod. We know that in the Parable of the Ten Virgins the oil represents spiritual preparedness, and all ten virgins are members of the church—meaning all have been taught the truth (link to article). Yet half are wise and half are foolish. From the scriptures we learn that to be wise means to “[apply] your hearts to understanding” (Mosiah 12:27). Another scriptures goes along with President Packer's quote above, 

“For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived” (Doctrine & Covenants 45:57).

It seems that having access to the Holy Ghost as you travel in the path is a critical element. In Lehi’s dream I think that those who are continually holding fast to the rod of iron are those who lived “by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God” (Doctrine & Coventants 84:44) and have served Him “with all [their] heart, might, mind and strength” (Doctrine & Covenants 4:2). This can be shown by the exertion that has been spent to get to the tree, for they fall down when they reach it (see 1 Nephi 8:30). 

Elder Robert D. Hales shares what this group of people may have done to keep a firm grip on the rod of iron.

“I testify that when we do what is necessary to know [Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ] and know Their love for one another, we will obtain 'the greatest of all the gifts of God'—even eternal life….

“How can this gift be ours? It comes through a matter of personal revelation…

“As you seek a personal witness—your personal revelation—you will discover that Heavenly Father has provided a special way for you to know the truth for yourself: through the third member of the Godhead, a personage of spirit we know as the Holy Ghost” (link to talk).

Nephi also taught that,

“the power of the Holy Ghost…is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men….

“For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them” (1 Nephi 10:17,19).

This group had paid the price to obtain their own spiritual witness through the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal Son of God. They had received a witness that Jesus Christ really is who He said He is. They had learned, through their own experience, about the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. They had felt the peace “which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). They knew that Jesus Christ,

“would overcome the world; he would descend beneath it all. He would make it possible for every person of every age to overcome every obstacle, every weakness, every sin, and every tinge of guilt” (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement, p 205).

They had full confidence in the promises of our Heavenly Father, and our Savior Jesus Christ. It is no surprise that they paid no heed—mindfulness, consideration, study—to those mocking from the great and spacious building. They knew in whom they had trusted (see 2 Nephi 4:19).

Elder M. Russell Ballard spoke of our journey through life similar to being in a boat on a white-water rafting trip. The boat symbolizes The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One of the rules on this journey is to “stay in the boat”. 

“Along with rule number one as I’ve applied it, remember rules two and three: always wear a life jacket, and hold on with both hands. The words of the Lord are found in the scriptures and the teachings of the apostles and prophets. They provide us counsel and direction that, when followed, will act like a spiritual life jacket and will help us know how to hold on with both hands.

“We need to become like the sons of Mosiah, who 'waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth.' We can become men and women 'of a sound understanding.' This can be accomplished only by our 'search[ing] the scriptures diligently, that [we] might know the word of God.'

“In searching the scriptures and the words of past and current apostles and prophets, we should focus on studying, living, and loving the doctrine of Christ.

“In addition to developing the habit of personal scripture reading, we need to be like the sons of Mosiah and give ourselves 'to much prayer, and fasting.'

“It seems that these things which are not easily measured are of great importance. Stay focused on these simple things, and avoid becoming distracted” (link to talk).

I felt this very fitting to Lehi’s dream of the rod of iron. We need to hold on firmly with both hands, and we can do that as we follow Elder Ballard's counsel. There will be times when we stumble, or fall, but if we are holding steadfastly to the rod of iron we will only fall so far. As we keep focused on the Lord: obeying His words as found in the scriptures, and the words of His prophets; we can stay in the path that He has already walked. By doing these things we can make it to the tree of life and experience God's love in its fullness.