"and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard" (3 Nephi 2:1)
Forgetting is a natural tendency when it comes to spiritual
things, a consequence of our fallen nature. It requires consistent
effort to remind us of the prophecies we watch and prepare for. Effort in the
way of study, prayer, fasting, sacrament among other things. If this effort is
neglected, forgetting is guaranteed. We may wonder how they were able to forget the miracles they witnessed, some saw angels (Helaman 16:14), Nephi worked miracles (Helaman 16:4, 13). There was a night with no darkness, a new star appeared (3 Nephi 1:15, 21) signifying the birth of the savior. But a short time later many had forgotten the meaning of these signs. From this we can learn of the importance of faith. Signs may convince some of the truth, but signs do not impart faith and without faith conversion is temporary. Faith is a gift granted to us by exercising real intent and diligence in keeping the commandments.
Knowing the only way to preserve his people, the wise chief judge Lachoneus sent a proclamation that they should all gather together in one place (3 Nephi 3:13). There is strength in numbers, for many reasons. We gather to
lean on each other’s faith when necessary, we gather to teach and learn from
each other, we gather to witness covenants that are made, we gather to bear
each other’s burden, and we gather to sing and worship. In all these gathering
activities there is strength that becomes greater than it would on our own. These days we
are limited to gatherings in families, and for some those gatherings may be very small, but in these gatherings we have rights to
all the same blessings as long as we adhere to the same principles of faith:
mourning with those who mourn etc. Not only do we gather together into one place, but we, as did the Nephites, set up fortifications and defenses to protect us.
- What fortifications have you built around your gathering places?
For the Nephites, it was necessary for this great evil to come upon them, for them to become humble enough to turn again to God. This is a pattern that is seen often in the scriptures. Whenever the Lord's people choose to be humble and follow him they are blessed, otherwise they must be compelled to be humble, "it was because of their repentance and their humility that
they had been delivered" (3 Nephi 4:33). "And insomuch as the children of Lehi have kept his
commandments he hath blessed them and prospered them according to his word." (3 Nephi 5:22)
In 3 Nephi 5 Mormon gives us a few notes on his abridgment of the records. We learn that, "this book cannot contain even a hundredth part of what was
done among so many people in the space of twenty and five years; But behold
there are records which do contain all the proceedings of this people." (3 Nephi 5:8-9). This caused me to think of some of my own records which I have kept throughout various periods of life. How much value does the Book of Mormon and other ancient records have to us today? How much would we enjoy having more of the other records that were kept? If these ancient records provide us with so much value, how willing are we to create records of our own that our future generations may also benefit? Do we take time to preserve a record of our testimonies as Mormon did when he wrote, "I am called Mormon, being called after the land of Mormon,
the land in which Alma did establish the church among the people, yea, the
first church which was established among them after their transgression. Behold,
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to
declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." (3 Nephi 5:12-13). If such a record of our own testimony does not exist, then now is the perfect time to create it; whether written or recorded in some other way your testimony will contribute value to the unknown people that may find it in the future.
Tragically just a short time after the people were granted a great liberation some began forgetting the reason for their prosperity. Again some forgot upon who they rely for their salvation, because they neglected the effort it requires to remain humble. Pride took root in their hearts. This pride continues today: are not many of us also "distinguished by ranks, according to [our] riches and [our] chances for learning" (3 Nephi 6:12). Despite this disparity there are also those among us who are truly converted to Jesus Christ. Can it also be said of us that, "they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and
steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments
of the Lord." (3 Nephi 6:14). It is through our diligence that we can be safe from the many traps and snares that allow pride to take over. The internet and media present many opportunities to either magnify and participate in the narcissism that consumes many, distinguishing ourselves "by ranks". Or we can use these opportunities to spread truth. We can also be counted among those "inspired from heaven, standing among the people".
We can learn another lesson from the great divide that came between the wicked and the righteous. When a society ceases to strive together, to work toward a common goal, people with similar ideals will cling together into groups. A society that is "divided one against another" cannot survive. Because of this divide they managed to completely destroy their own government. Though many parts of our government and society are divided and experiencing much tribulation I am hopeful that we will be spared from descending into the same level of chaos that overcame the Nephites. Though it may feel that we are close at times, if we can continue to strive together despite our differences we can, at least, preserve our own government.