1 Nephi 7

I think it is significant that they gained favor with Ishmael before they spoke to him the word of the Lord. They established a relationship first. Sometimes I feel like I have to be in such a hurry for missionary work, but being kind to people and making friends is an important first step.

I also love that Nephi gives all the credit to the Lord for softening Ishmael’s heart. It wasn’t about them and their great persuasive powers or testimony, it was the Lord.

Laman and Lemuel are such a cautionary tale of completely turning away from our sins. It’s so easy to fall back into the worldly traps, especially caring about things that don’t really matter. Even tonight I’ve been sitting here worrying so much about how my house or my snacks will look for book club. Isn’t that all pride and silliness? Or the things we can’t afford—that make me want to work, when I know what the will of the Lord is. It’s so important to stay close to him and not forget. Have I seen fewer miracles than Laman and Lemuel? No! 

It’s interesting also that they weren’t angry with Nephi because he tried to stop them. He told them to go. They were mad only at what he had said. If they didn’t know it was true, it wouldn’t bother them. The guilty taketh the truth to be hard (1 Nephi 16:2). I’ve seen this played out so often with myself, and my brothers, even our friends. Ah that pride again!

Did Laman and Lemuel really intend for him to die? Or was it just some irrational anger for a moment? They were sorry when they came off of the angry high. I wish I didn’t know those feelings so well. I wish I wasn’t so quick to anger with my sons. My sorrow is always real afterwards, but when I read this, does that make Laman and Lemuel seem any better? I pray that that thought will help me tomorrow. Oh, Lord be with me, and make me better than I am alone!

How much of Laman and Lemuel’s spiritual canker was their anger? Is that really what kept them so far from God? What a frightening thought.