I WANT TO BE LIKE NEPHI

As I ponder the many points of doctrine to be found in these first seven chapters, I return to thoughts about Nephi as a person and role model. There is so much to learn about the characteristics of a true disciple of Jesus Christ through studying the actions of Nephi. What character traits come to you mind as you think of Nephi? 

Here are just a few that came to me as I read this past week:

Nephi was obedient - to God and to his father (and mother) whom he loved and honored.  He had such a perfect faith, that he was willing to do whatever God asked of him.  He understood that God had infinite knowledge of things past, present, and future; whereas his own knowledge was finite with limited scope. President Ezra Taft Benson wrote: Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that he can make a lot more of their lives then they can. Nephi had faith to do hard things, even things far out of his comfort zone, because he understood that God was in charge, not him.

I have tried throughout my life to have that kind of faith.  Sometimes, I have felt that trust in God's will and made choices based on that trust.  Other times, I have failed miserably.  I find that when I am sick, or depressed, tired, or frustrated, I tend to have emotional and spiritual temper tantrums, like an immature child who cries herself to sleep. I know that  Heavenly Father is my spiritual parent and I know that He has great patience, but I am sure that I have tried His patience more than once.  When that happens, I rely on the Savior and His promise of forgiveness. Without His infinite atonement, I would be lost for sure. With Him, I can always try again.

Nephi went to the Lord with his questions.  He did not listen to naysayers (like his brothers) nor did he seek the answers of the world.  For example, when his father taught something that he had learned through study, prayer, and vision, Laman and Lemuel questioned and murmured.  In contrast to that, Nephi went immediately to his Heavenly Father in prayer.  He asked to understand. He wanted to know what his father knew and understood. After praying, his listened for the answers.  The Holy Ghost spoke to him and he often had the same vision his father had experience.

Nephi had great faith.  So many times I have tried to figure it out myself by relying on my own education and experience.  I often have to "hit the wall" so to speak, before I realize that I don't have all the answers - or any of the answers - I then go to the Lord.  I remember on crucial time in my life when I prayed and told the Lord that I didn't even have the questions, much less the answers. He gave me an answer that I felt had nothing to do with my then-current situation.  In time, I realized that it was exactly what I needed to do to change my situation for the better. 

I have learned that prayer should be a dialogue, not a monologue.  Those times when I have taken the time to listen and ponder, I always get an answer.  On a few such times, the answers have been profound and life-altering.

Nephi forgave. As many times as his elder brothers attacked him, persecuted him, and mocked him, he would forgive them and move forward. The Book of Mormon describes him as being large in stature, (1 Nephi 2:16) but he was also large in spirit and character.  I love this poster.

Forgiveness is a form of love. It not only shows love, understanding, and compassion for the person being forgiven, it also show love for the one who does the forgiving. Someone once said that when you forgive, you set a captive free.  Then you realize, the captive was you.  Holding on to anger or vengeance is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Forgiving is so important, I have tried to embody it into my character.  It sometimes takes time and divine intervention, but I almost always get there.

Nephi was honest about his own trials and suffering. While it was not part of this week's study, I have always loved the verses that are sometimes described as the Psalm of Nephi.*  They read like Hebrew poetry and are so tender and heartfelt, they never cease to move me. He was a prophet. He was a mighty leader. He was an incredible disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.  He also struggled, felt discouraged, felt unworthy, felt depressed.  Yet even in his sorrow, he recognized his blessings and gave thanks to God for them. 

I share his feelings.  It gives me great comfort and courage that despite feeling wretched and sorrowful because of his iniquities and temptations and the sins temptations of the flesh.  He said he was encompassed about with temptation which so easily beset him.

When I feel weak and inadequate, as if my life no longer matters, I try to be like Nephi and focus on the many blessings I have been given.

I can relate.  I have felt guilt and sorrow and shame because I am human.  I do have weaknesses.  Some temptation seem overwhelming. Some feel like Paul's thorn in the flesh that seem to reoccur just when I thought I was beyond caring. Again, I am grateful for the Savior.  As Paul wrote: I can do all things through Christ when strengthens me.(Philippians 4:13)

When I feel despondent, I look to Nephi for an example of not only enduring, but enduring well.  I count my blessings.  I recall the many instances when God has answered my prayers.  I think of those times when, like Nephi, my prayer has become a dialog.  God has been my support in afflictions.  Most importantly, He has filled me with His love to the brim and overflowing.  That love has made it easy for me to love others, even those who seem difficult to love.

Who is your hero from the Book of Mormon?  Nephi is certainly one of mine. He is a person who is worthy of emulation.

*(Read the full psalm in 2 Nephi 4: 17-35.)

©January 2020, Dr. Kathleen Rawlings Buntin Danielson