Monday, August 5, 2013

2 Nephi 18-19

(August 3, 2013)
One of the weaknesses that I have is that I have too much rational fear.  There are some things that it just makes sense to be afraid of.  An example of this is the rational fear that the people of Jerusalem had of war at this time.  Any objective, rational look at the situation (if we presume that objectivity demands spiritual ignorance, which I don’t agree with but concede for the purpose of this analysis) would lead to you to believe that Jerusalem was in a dangerous position.  Alliances seem prudent and necessary.  Those who chose not to obey this rational fear would seem to be foolish.

Rational fear has its place.  I have a rational fear of driving down the highway at 130 m.p.h.  But where rational fear becomes a problem is at the moment it conflicts with the requirements of the Lord.  If the Lord has told us a thing, rational fear cannot contradict it.  If He says that He will protect us, then we have nothing to fear.  Our rational fears turn irrational when we hold them despite the assurances of protection from the Lord.

No comments:

Post a Comment