Where are you?

The first time that I really remember seeing this depiction of Lehi’s Dream by Greg Olsen was on my mission in a copy of the Liahona we got from the mission office. The article and its content escape my memory, but I remember being so infatuated with this painting. It is one of the best that I have seen. But I used this picture when teaching members of the branch I was in and asking them where they thought they were if they were in Lehi’s vision. So I am asking you… Where are you?

This post may not make any sense, but I want to talk through parts of the vision, especially with current events in mind, so we can see where we are right now. Where are you in relation to the Tree of Life?

Elder Kevin W. Pearson has said, “The tree of life is the central focus in Lehi’s dream. Everything points to the tree of life. The tree represents Christ, who is the clear manifestation of the love of God. The fruit is His infinite Atonement and is great evidence of God’s love. Eternal life with our loved ones is sweeter and more desirable than any other thing. To realize this gift, we must “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him.” (Moroni 10:32) He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) We can fill our lives with accomplishment and well-doing, but in the end, if we do not enter into sacred covenants to follow Christ and faithfully keep them, we will have utterly and completely missed the mark.”

And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood. (1 Nephi 8:21)

I think that this part pertains to every living person. We all possess the Light of Christ and are drawn to goodness and light, why wouldn’t we want to press forward to find the path that would lead us back to Him!

And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree. (1 Nephi 8:24)

These, for me, are the people who are baptized and become members of the church. We find out that the iron rod is the Word of God. We use the scriptures in our daily lives. The fruit is the Atonement of Christ and the love of God. Lehi said that this fruit was sweet above all that he had tasted and wanted his family to partake of it. (1 Nephi 8: 11-12) I have experienced the sweetness of the fruit of the Atonement. I do desire others to receive the joy that comes from this. I am not as out going about it as I think I ought to be, but I am willing to talk about it with anyone who is honestly seeking to learn more.

And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.

And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit. (1 Nephi 8:26-27)

Lehi at a different time told his son that there is opposition in all things. (2 Nephi 2:15) The great and spacious building is the opposition to the tree. This represents the world and all the vanity of it. We have been encouraged to be in the world but not of the world. Being of the world is taking up residence in the great and spacious building. Getting caught up in things that don’t matter or don’t last is what this building is all about. Instant gratification abounds there. Being in the microwave age makes it even harder not to be tempted to want to join in the revelry. The world doesn’t understand the things of God and therefore mocks and scorn the believers. One of my deepest desires has been to be well liked and accepted by many, if not all. I have found out time and time again that this is next to impossible. We are not meant to be liked by everyone. Peer pressure is real. I have done some stupid stuff because of it. The world is aware of its power and will use it by any means possible. Judgment of any others on their path, with or without the iron rod, puts us in this building.

And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. (1 Nephi 8: 28)

As I said peer pressure is real and has its consequences if followed. To be so devoted and to simply fall away because of what the world is saying. I have felt shame before for my actions, but only for the ones I did that were against God. I have yet to feel shame for being a believer and I don’t plan to feel shame for choosing God and His Christ. I am saddened when loved ones and friends choose their own path and get lost. I have, through my experiences, come to gain a greater appreciation of the power of choice. I can only give my opinion and encouragement, but it is up to the person to choose for himself what he will do. The consequences are not his to choose. I, however, will continue to love him and pray for his swift return that he be not lost forever. I do know that the Shephard is mindful of him always.

But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.

(1 Nephi 8:30)

The field is white! (D&C 11:3) There are so many people who are ready for the gospel and are pressing forward to reach the Tree of Life and partake of that precious fruit. It takes effort. This is a gospel that is for everyone, but as I have said before, not everyone is for the gospel. There is joy to be found here if we look for it and remain constant and steadfast. This is my prayer!

God Bless! Until next time!