2 Nephi 5

I never realized before that it was just the age-old power hunger that made Laman and Lemuel so angry and wicked. It really is the same story over and over, from the beginning of the Book of Mormon. And the message is, be sure you are aware of your motivations, and that your desire is to serve God. I can see that tendency in myself, when I question my leaders, and often think I can do things better than whoever else is in charge of something. Something to think about.

Another example of Nephi’s humility is when he said the prospered because the Lord was with them, even while mention that they worked hard. But he gives all credit and glory to the Lord. And really, what could any of our efforts avail us if it was not for his mercy allowing us to succeed, giving us the capacity to work, and protecting us from forces that would hinder us. We really can do nothing of our selves.

The curse on the Lamenites was being cut off from God. And this caused them to be an idle people. That’s something to remember when I am feeling idle myself. It’s not His way. As for the Lamenites being a scourge t the Nephites, that is what I always think about the terrorist now, and the effect 9-11 had on people. It’s interesting to see that as proof of His love—but really all things are; even such horrible afflictions as that. I pray that our nation can remember Him and not be scourged to destruction!

I notice in that last verse, that Nephi just briefly mentions that they have already had wars. It must have been such a painful subject still, I’m sure he still loved his brothers. What a hard thing.