2 Nephi 23-24

(August 5, 2014)

                When we look at the course of the world, from its creation through its destruction, we see the course that each of us must take in order to return to live with God (even this is a type to inspire us to repent).  If this is the case, then our lives must ultimately face the chaos and struggle and destruction that accompanies the transition from living a Telestial life to living a Terrestrial one, just as this world must suffer as it passes from its current Telestial state to its Millennial, Terrestrial state.

                Babylon in our own lives must be destroyed.  Everything that holds us back from giving ourselves wholly over to God must be destroyed.  To a certain extent, the amount of sorrow such destruction entails depends on how deeply we have embedded Babylon in our lives.  If it is as minor skin blemish, it can be easily removed.  If it is as a wart with deep roots, it might need to be pulled out again and again.  It may even be a systemic problem that needs treatment over and over again, bringing pain into our life from beginning to end in order to excise it.

                But, at some point, if we are willing to go through the treatment we will find ourselves on the other side of the transition and be prepared to learn to live the still-higher law that the Lord has to offer us (and to receive the still-greater blessings that accompany living such laws).  As such, we should not shirk or shun trials or discomfort, but should rather embrace these difficult times with a determination to do what is right throughout.