I learned several things this time reading it. I was struck by how many times they forgot the Lord. With all the blessings they received and miracles they witnessed, how easy they were deceived. How easy it was to turn their backs on the ones who had helped them during their darkest hours.
Another thing that really struck me was how riches seemed to be the root of all evil. Whenever the Lord would bless them with riches, within a year or two, they had forgotten Him. They were too busy trying to get more and coveting what they didn't have, that they forgot Him. They stopped helping the poor and started keeping the money for themselves.
The lesson that really sticks out the most though is what hatred does to a person - and not just a person, but a whole society or nation. When one king hated another, they convinced all their people to hate the other people. And at times it really had nothing to do with something that someone had done. It had to do with the fact that they were richer or happier or they liked their land better - they just wanted what someone else had.
Hatred can fill your whole soul until you are 100% consumed by it. Everyone has to realize that no one is perfect. We all make mistakes - and no matter how hard we try not to, we will all hurt someone and be hurt by someone at some point in our lives. The key is to let it go. Don't dwell on it and let it harden your heart. Have the courage to forgive them, even if they don't ask for it. LET IT GO!
If you want to take the 100 Day Challenge that I did, you can find it at http://www.ldssinglessg.com/content/BOM_100_Days.pdf. I read one day in the morning and one at night to finish in 49 days. It took about a half hour each time I read, but it is definitely worth it. Now what? I am working on the Doctrine and Covenants and then the Bible. I hope to have read all the Standard Works by the end of this year. And IF I have enough time, I will start the Book of Mormon over again. It is definitely my favorite!
Loved, loved your thoughts, insights and feelings of the Book of Mormon. How true they are! I am so proud of you for sticking with it and reading it in 7 weeks. We still have about a month left, but are on track. I loved your picture and quote at the end of your blog. I need to learn how to do that and be more creative with my blog - compared to yours it is so boring, but I guess it reflects me.
ReplyDeleteWow-good for you! I too can't seem to understand how some of those people were showed numerous miracles and still they would turn away from the Lord. So many things to be learned from that wonderful book. I need to get back on track and finish-thanks for being such a great example!
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