Missouri Musings

I've decided to start recording some of the assignments I write for my religion class, because I'm learning so much by pondering and studying the scriptures in a way I have never done before.  I might eventually start recording them somewhere other than this blog.

Questions I was asked to ponder before giving responses:

• How can you use Nephi’s example of inquiring of the Lord to make inspiration and revelation a more important part of your life?
• In what ways did the Lord prepare for the Restoration of the gospel in this dispensation?
• How would you define the term “fiery darts of the adversary”? What specific fiery darts afflict your life?
• What do you need to do to better withstand the fiery darts that inhibit your spiritual growth?

 1.  In 1 Nephi 10:17, Nephi explains how he listened to all the words of his faithful Father.  After Nephi heard and pondered these words, he desired to have the Spirit teach him about the truthfulness of the vision his Father had seen.  Nephi didn't just rely on his Father's testimony; he wanted his own.  He chose to listen and ponder before pleading through prayer for his own answers.  He mentions in verse 19 that anyone who diligently seeks for answers through prayer can know the "mysteries of God."  Nephi's example reminds me to seek my own answers rather than relying on the words of others.  I tell my children often that the most wonderful aspect of the gospel is that they can know for themselves that it is true.  Not only CAN they have their own personal revelation about the mysteries of God, but they NEED to get their own answer.  If they never attain their own convictions about the gospel, they won't use it as a resource when they struggle through trials.  Although it's easy for me to teach my children this concept, I sometimes don't practice it in my own life.  I should never base my beliefs off the feelings of those around me, whether those feelings are positive or negative.

2.  I've spent quite a bit of time pondering about the need for the apostasy and restoration.  For centuries after Christ's death and the martyrdom of his apostles, the only people who had access to the scriptures were leaders of the churches.  The leaders feared that making the scriptures available to everyone would lead to misinterpretation and would forgo the need for a church organization.  Thus, Heavenly Father's first step in the restoration of the gospel would be to give everyone access to the scriptures.  

Heavenly Father’s next step in restoring the church would be to guide explorers to new lands.  Christopher Columbus set sail in 1492, guided by the influence of the Holy Ghost.  By the 1500’s, people were being infused with a desire for more knowledge.  Bible scholars were realizing the church had gone astray.  A reformation began with men like Martin Luther, who boldly declared their belief that the church had veered extensively from the days of Christ.  A scholar and leader named William Tyndale firmly believed everyone should have access to the scriptures, so he eventually set about translating them from Greek and Hebrew into English.  Most men who fought for change in the church were put to death.

Politics began to create changes in the way people gained knowledge.  King Henry Vlll allowed Bibles to be available in every church in England, so citizens devoured the words of deceased prophets, not only for the spiritual benefits but also for literacy, since most of them were still illiterate.  Religious persecution continued in England, leading many to search for new lands where they could freely practice their beliefs.  The pilgrims and other colonists sailed to the Far East to begin new lives.  The American continent was inhabited and Joseph Smith was born in the state of New York in 1805.  His family was fortunate to live in a free land where they could choose which religion to join and study the King James version of the Bible on their own.

Men were being directed by God during the centuries when the fullness of the gospel was not available on the earth.  It is easy to witness God’s hand in the lives of those who helped bring a restoration of the gospel in this dispensation.  In the October 2005 General Conference, Elder Hales gave these thoughts, and left us with a question to ponder;  “Before that sacred night in Bethlehem, the events of history and the words of the prophets of all dispensations prepared the way for the first coming of the Lord and His Atonement. Similarly, history and prophecy laid the groundwork for the Restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Do we have eyes to see that the events and prophecies of our time are preparing us for the Savior’s Second Coming?”

3 and 4.  In my opinion, the “fiery darts of the adversary” are visuals used to describe the accusations and criticisms that are often flung at those who choose to follow Christ rather than following the world.  Darts with sharp tips cause physical anguish, and fire engulfs objects in painful flames.  The same can be said for the spiritual fiery darts we often have to endure in this life.   If we allow the darts to stay lodged in us and don’t extinguish the flames that are thrust at us, we are in danger of being consumed.  If we do not have courage and conviction, we cannot shield ourselves with the armor of the word of God.  However, if we allow ourselves to be spiritually engulfed with the love of our Savior, we can fight off the painful words of those who do not respect our beliefs.  Elder Neal A. Maxwell once stated, “Real disciples [withstand] the fiery darts of the adversary by holding aloft the quenching shield of faith with one hand, while holding to the iron rod with the other. There should be no mistaking; it will take both hands!” (General Conference, April 1987)

When others do not approve of my righteous actions, I often feel fiery darts being slung at me by the words they say.  If I humbly hold onto my convictions, I can respectfully deflect their words.  Just recently I was confronted with an accusation when I told the director of a dance studio that my daughter will not be performing in any competitions that are held on Sundays.  It wasn’t easy to feel all the eyes on me and be told, “If your daughter wants to be a dancer, then she needs to commit herself FULLY.”  I was able to keep my composure and reply that my daughter’s commitment to live God’s commandments is more important than her desire to be a world-renowned dancer.  My words were not received well by the dance director, but I had another lady stop me in the parking lot to express how impressed she was that I could stand up for my beliefs.  She stated that although she doesn’t have share my beliefs, she was bothered by the attitude of the director.  I was glad I had stuck to my convictions in front of those who do not understand their Heavenly Father’s plan the way I do.