Among one of the more famous stories told in the Book of Mormon is the story of Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life. If you are unfamiliar with the story, click here. In the story there are various groups of people, I am going to go through what are the attributes of those in each group and you can try and find out where YOU are in his vision.
Some of the symbols in this vision are the Tree of Life which the fruit thereon is a representation of the love of God. The mist of darkness is the evils and temptations of the world that keep us from seeing the end goal of reaching the tree. The straight and narrow path is the way leading to the tree and the iron rod follows that path and is the guide for those who wish to stay on the path. The iron rod is representative of the word of God.
The First group of people Lehi talks about are those who were clinging to the iron rod and made their way through the mist of darkness and came and partook of the fruit of the tree. BUT after they partook of the fruit they became ashamed due to the scorning, scoffing, and mocking coming from the people in the great and spacious building. They then fell away into forbidden paths of darkness. These are the people who have tasted God's love, but due to either persecution, trial, embarrassment, or whatever it may be, they turned away from the love they felt. They compromised their joy for what is either popular or appealing.
The second group are the people in the great and spacious building. They were dressed exceedingly fine and mocked, laughed at, and scorned those trying to make their way to the tree of life and also those who did. They are the people who in any way tried to hinder the the people from partaking of the fruit and really hindering the work and glory of God. (Moses 1:39) These are the people in our time who mock those who try and come closer to God. Those who, in any way, hinder others spiritual progression. They are also those who hold up for themselves the treasures of the world and value those more than the things of God. They can also be those who condemn, condescend, or drag down those who are trying to live a good life, but isn't acceptable to this group.
The next group are those who took hold of the rod and pressed forward, holding fast to the rod. Once they reached their goal, the tree, they fell down at the foot of it and partook of the fruit that had fallen down. They disregarded the people over in the great and spacious building and enjoyed the fruit that was desirable above all other fruit. These are the faithful and valiant, the ones who don't care what others say, they do what they know is right. They don't compromise for anything less. They are the honorable and commendable. The one's who are always focused on the eternal perspective.
Another group of people are those who are lost in the mist of darkness. Some of them may be trying to cross the river to get to the great and spacious building, but can't find their way there. Others are just lost not knowing where to go or how to get back on the path. These people are the ones who have fallen off the path, they either desire riches and wealth, or are lost in sin and transgression, so much so that coming back to the path is daunting and seemingly impossible.They need the help of those holding to the rod! They need to know there is a way back to the path.
I am sure reading this you can identify with some of these people. Even some members of the Church can find themselves in places like the great and spacious building. Sometimes we drag others down or demean them to make ourselves feel more righteous. That is not where we should be! When Lehi was righteous and partaking of the fruit, he desired for others to have that same blessing. He didn't try to hog the fruit all to himself and withhold it from those who may have wandered off the path and then returned.
I would encourage all of you to figure out which group YOU are in and then to do what it takes to get to where you need to be. For many of you, you know what you have to do, if you don't, click the chat with missionaries link on the right side of the page. So let's all hold to the rod and follow the word of God, he will lead us to where we need to go ALWAYS.
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