Lehi's vision included a rod of iron
1 Nephi 8:19–20, which represented the Word of God
1 Nephi 11:25;
15:23–24. Scriptures, teachings of prophets ancient and modern, and personal guidance of the Holy Ghost are the Word of God. Because it helps us choose the proper direction and keeps us in mind of the Savior, the word of God help us come unto Christ. When we feast upon the Word of Christ, we will know all things we must do, the proper way to conduct our lives, and the right direction to travel, keeping us on the path to eternal life.
If we loose our grip on the iron rod, we may loose our way in the river of filthy water, the mist of darkness, or the great and spacious building 1 Nephi 8:13, 23, 26–27. The river of filthy water represents hell 1 Nephi 12:16; 15:26–29. The mist of darkness represents the temptations of the devil 1 Nephi 12:17. The effects of the mist of darkness are more temptations, which blind us to the goodness of the way of God 1 Nephi 8:23; 12:17. Satan wants our eyes to be blinded to the love of God, to the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and to the word of God so he might drag us down and make us as miserable as he. He wants to destroy God's work and God's children, because of his jealousy and anger. Satan tries to blind our eyes in subtle ways. Perhaps he might put thoughts in our heads about some trivial thing that will keep us from devoting time to the Word of God. Perhaps he will remind us of past hurts, tempt us with carnal desires, or plant the seeds of contention and rebellion in our minds.
'The rod of iron “extended along the bank of the river”' (1 Nephi 8:19). It seems the iron rod also serves as a sort of guard rail between the strait and narrow path and the chasm of filthy water. Also it seems to serve as a hand rail or something to cling to, while encircled about by the mist of darkness (1 Nephi 8:24, 30). Learning and living by the precepts in the word of God, we open the door to the help and direction of God. It is much easier to do right or go right, when we have something to hold onto that directs us in the proper direction.
The great and spacious building represented 'vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men' 1 Nephi 11:34–36; 12:18. In other words, the building is the wisdom and foolishness of the world; it is worldly people who mock the word and people of God. We learned in the New Testament that Christ if the only foundation upon which to build our lives. The great and spacious building “stood … in the air”, because it has not solid foundation 1 Nephi 8:26. Pride can keep a person from receiving eternal life, because the person sets aside the things of God, thinking they know of themselves.
Sadly, 'some people in the vision tasted of the fruit but were ashamed because the people in the great and spacious building mocked them' (1 Nephi 8:26–28). Worldly people often mock anyone who won't adopt the attitude and wear the uniform of the world. It is hard to stand alone against this pressure. That is why we need the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost and a close loving relationship with God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. When we have this heavenly companionship, we receive strength to withstand worldly persecution.
I experienced this mocking many times, while living in Seattle and Oahu. It was as easy to disregard as I never took them seriously. I learned to laugh at their rude comments and ridiculous anger over my choices. Moving to Utah, I never thought I would see it again. After all, the people here are supposed to be on the straight and narrow path; they are supposed to be my brothers and sisters in Christ. While the majority of the people here are good and kind and Christian, there is a congregation in this little town filled with people who live in large spacious homes, drive expensive cars, wear fine clothing, etc. Although I don't think most of them would be considered wealthy in other places we have lived, for the standards of small town UT they are. Likely, most of the 'wealthy' people on the hill are good, charitable LDS-Christians. At a woman's meeting a few years back, I sat by an acquaintance that had just moved up the hill and three women from the hill. The other women looked me up and down and mocked my simple style. It was humiliating. Never since high school had I felt inferior because of my unique, fashion sense.
Then I remembered an idea that has guided me through many things. No, it isn't scriptural, but I believe the Holy Ghost helped me pull it from memory at this time to help me turn my back on these mocking women from the great and spacious building ward. "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent," Eleanor Roosevelt. As a daughter of God, I have a divine identity and infinite worth beyond clothing, hair, make-up, shoes, houses, and cars. Nobody can take this testimony from me unless I allow it by loosening my grip on the iron rod, shrinking at the mocking of or joining those in the great and spacious building, or becoming disoriented and losing my way in the mist of darkness.
