Living After the Manner of Happiness

My brother shared an analogy with me last night. He used a ladder to describe our motives and attitude behind why we do the things we do. The first rung of the ladder is out of fear, the second is out of duty (checking the box), and the third is because we love the person. The fourth and final rungs are because we love God. I had this analogy in my thoughts this morning as I read 1 Nephi 8. In particular, look at verses 24-25, 28 and compare them to verse 30 thinking about the ladder analogy. What is the difference between these two groups? All of them pressed forward, then caught hold of the rod, and continued pressing forward through the mists of darkness. One group clung to the rod and the other group continually held fast, but both groups had hold of the rod. It is what happens after that makes all the difference. President Packer taught the following about the word after in relation to this chapter. “One word in this dream or vision should have special meaning to...

While I love studying the New Testament, I always weep tears of joy each time I begin the Book of Mormon again because of the plainness of its writing (after Revelation) and the clarity with which it teaches. Reading the first few chapters this week has brought these same emotions and gratitude again. I am so excited for this year! Elder Bednar teaches that we should look for connections, patterns, and themes as we study (see  https://speeches.byu.edu/…/david-a-…/reservoir-liv ing-water/ ). One that stood out to me the last couple of days has been the contrast between Lehi’s sons. All of them left their home and journeyed into the wilderness. All of them went back to get the plates. All of them went through the motions to follow the prophet, but these experiences were life-changing for only one (compare the Nephi in 1 Nephi 1-3 to the Nephi in 1 Nephi 5 and beyond). A few scriptures that show the contrast (how many more can you find as we continue 1st and 2nd Nephi?): Nephi...