Sunday, April 15, 2012

keep safe these things.

This thought comes from a rather short passage in my more recent reading of the Book of Mormon.

In the first chapter of Mosiah, King Benjamin is teaching his sons the language and prophecies of their ancestors and stressing how important it is for them to remember (I love the theme of remembering that is so prevalent in the Book of Mormon). He has his son, Mosiah, come to him and tells him he will be the future king. He then gives him charge over the records (plates of brass) that contain their scriptures.

He also gives him charge over the sword of Laban as well as the Liahona.

I'd like to extrapolate some symbolism here. I feel like these three things are symbolic of what is important for us to remember and keep close to us in our lives.

Firstly the plates. For obvious reasons, the scriptures are integral to our salvation. For many it's how we received a witness that Christ is our savior, or how we get answers to our prayers. As well I'd like to add our own personal records. Journals and study journals. There we write down our own testimonies and scraps of revelation. It shows God that we value the answers He's given us, and that we want His help. It can also serve as a later guide to our family or friends. You never know who will benefit from an answer you got years ago. Including yourself.

Secondly the sword of Laban. To me it is symbolic of being obedient and understanding that the Lord has a greater plan; one that we might not initially understand. If we're obedient to the things He asks of us, we can be happy and be closer to the Spirit.

Third, the Liahona, or compass. This ties into obedience . . . as well as sensitivity and faith and diligence. If we are looking for the subtle directions of the Lord, being sensitive to the whisperings of the Spirit and then acting on them, we can see more clearly, even during our trials. Faith to act and move forward, as well as the needed directions.

So that's it. Keep safe these things and we can have the increased guidance of God.


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