When we hear or see false worldly ideas, we can remember the peaceful and reassuring truths Lehi shared.
When the world says, 'There is no good or evil, because it is relative to each situation,' we know the truth. We were all given conscious or the light of Christ. “...men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil...” 2 Nephi 2:5. The test for me is simple: if the thing brings me to do and act with godly goodness, it is from Jesus.
I've heard good people say many times that it doesn't matter what sins we commit as long as we say we follow Jesus. They say, 'there is no law,' when we know “...The law is given unto men...” 2 Nephi 2:5. Yes, Jesus died for our sins but we need to do all in our power to avoid sin and repent--we need to obey the law. No, I don't believe I can buy my salvation.
The saddest one I've heard is there is no Christ. I'm so grateful I was raised in a home that taught the reality of Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Savior of the world. “Redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah for he is full of grace and truth” 2 Nephi 2:6. While I wasn't taught doctrine or taken to church often, Christianity was a reality to me. Jesus is part of my life and always will be.
How sad for those that believe there is no existence after this life. While it is too sacred to go into on a forum like this, I can say with absolute assurity that there is life after death. “...All men...[will] stand in the presence of [God], to be judged of him...” 2 Nephi 2:10.
How can anyone deny the existence of God, when all around are proofs of His existence in His creations. “There is a God.” 2 Nephi 2:14.
When I hear philosophers and skeptics spout that life has no purpose, I remember a sweet little song. My life has a purpose. My life has a plan. My life has a purpose, in heaven it began. When I read Lehi's words, it hits me hard. Heavenly Father designed this whole experience for joy! “...men are, that they might have joy" 2 Nephi 2:25. My lifes' purpose is to make choices so that I might have joy!
I remember the days before the big lie of psychoanalysis and the victim mentality became popular that actions are determined by genetics and environment. Yikes! This is translated to say, 'I am not responsible for my actions, whether I murder, abuse, rape, steal, or destroy. As the prophet of God, Lehi taught Jesus' ideas. We are free “to act for [our]selves and not to be acted upon.” We are “free to choose liberty and eternal life … or to choose captivity and death.” 2 Nephi 2:26–27. We are free to choose our actions and in so doing choose our consequences. Each action has an affixed consequence in the eyes of God. I choose liberty and eternal life instead of captivity and death.
How do I choose this? I choose to live the commandments to the best of my ability and repent, when I fall short. I choose to stand as a witness of God at all time and in all things and in all places. I choose to take upon me the name of Jesus Christ and always remember Him. I choose to stand in holy places and live my covenants. Will I be perfect? Absolutely not in this life. However, it is in the striving and repenting and striving again; it is in the surrendering of my will to that of the Father; it is in following the promptings of the Holy Ghost and serving God's children on earth that I might develop the character of Jesus and thus be comfortable one day in the presence of God, The Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. Perfection cannot and will not come in this lifetime. Nevertheless, that is the goal.
