Today’s Reading: 4 Nephi 1:1-16
15 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.
No envyings.
No strifes, nor tumults.
No lyings, whoredoms, or murders.
No contentions or disputations.
Can you imagine? Right now more than ever, this sounds like something that I want to be a part of.
For almost 200 years after Christ visited the Americas, the Nephites lived in this Zion-like society. There were “great and marvelous works wrought by the disciples of Jesus” (verse 5) including the healing of the sick and afflicted. All of these miracles were performed in the name of the Savior Jesus Christ. The people lived in peace and harmony and they were happy.
“Surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.” (verse 16)
Now the question for us is,
How can we be this happy in a tumultuous world?
“As individuals, families, communities, leaders, and governments, we must turn to God, acknowledge him as the Creator of the world and the universe, and as Father of us all, and seek his guidance and keep his commandments. No one can state too plainly or emphasize too strongly this eternal truth that only through the atonement of Christ can mankind be saved. Because of his atoning sacrifice all men will be raised in immortality and live forever as resurrected beings, but only those who believe and obey his laws will enjoy exaltation and eternal life.” -N. Eldon Tanner [i] (emphasis added)
So you see, there is only one answer to that question. We must turn to God. There is no other way around it. If we want to be truly happy, truly peaceful, and live in a Zion-like manner within the wickedness that surround us, we have to have the love of God dwelling in our hearts. (verse 15) By seeking His guidance and keeping His commandments, we will be able to experience the lasting joy that can come only from Him. We will be able to more fully partake of the blessings of Christ’s Atonement and have the opportunity to enjoy exaltation and eternal life.
As I have tried to live with the love of God in my heart, I have noticed some wonderful things in my life.
- I am noticeably less grumpy with my family.
- I find myself craving the word of God, instead of just opening the scriptures because I feel it is something that I need to check off my list.
- Things, good things mind you, that were once really important to me have nearly fallen out of my life completely leaving me with more time to spend with my family, for studying the gospel, and for attending the temple.
- It has become easier to forgive myself and others, and has given me the increased capacity to be more patient and not get offended so easily.
I must quickly add here, that I am in no way, shape, or form, living in a manner of righteousness that will qualify me to be translated tomorrow. No, I have a very, very long way to go before I could even come close, but the key for me is that I am improving. Each day I feel myself sliding forward by centimeters, getting closer to the woman that God knows I can become. Sometimes I slide backwards in meters, but as long as I focus on taking those itty bitty baby steps forward, and keep the love of God guarded closely in my heart, the Lord will bless me and through His infinite atonement I can truly be Zion-like in my thoughts, in my words, and in my actions.
I grew up the oldest of 5 children in the blazing heat of Southern Utah. After high school and some college experience I met and married Mark Ogden and we are the parents of four children. I have owned and operated my own home-based preschool for more than a dozen years, and I consider myself an accidental author as well. When I am not in my minivan transporting children from one activity to the next, I enjoy playing the piano, blogging, speaking about my life’s experiences, and feeding my insatiable crafting disease.