1st Nephi 1

As is my usual routine, I read a couple chapters from the Book of Mormon on the bus today.  Usually I read in the morning, but this raises a dilemma:  Do I read in the morning, a good way to start my day and give me a scriptural boost for the day BUT not be able to remember my thoughts when I come home and post a blog entry -- or --  Do I read on the way home, miss having the booster in the morning BUT be able to remember what my impressions are when it comes time to blog?  I have a feeling I'll be working this out for awhile.

My thoughts from 1st Nephi Chapter 1:

Goodly parents:  Nephi recognizes not only the favorable upbringing he has had, probably including coming from a well-to-do family.  Does good upbringing equal a good / righteous person?  In some cases it happens that way, but I don't think it is a predominant factor.  Look at Abraham for instance:  His father was some kind of wacko who held to the religious beliefs of the Chaldeans (I think).  He was going to allow them to sacrifice Abram, for crying out loud.  On the other end of the example spectrum, what about Laman and Lemuel?

Nephi was taught "in learning of my father"; he had "a great knowledge" of goodness and mysteries of God; He made his record "according to his knowledge".  God has always favored knowledge and  learning.  Truth and knowledge go hand in hand.  To restate:  Never stop learning, and never cease connecting knowledge with truth.

Even this early on in the Book of Mormon we see the pattern of revelation and testimony.  Lehi is given a revelation and then commanded to testify to the people of the great city of Jerusalem.  Watch throughout the Book of Mormon, you'll see this pattern.  If God sees fit to reveal something to you, it is accompanied by the obligation to share it with, and for the benefit of, others (unless He specifically tells you not to).  In Lehi's case, as with many other prophets, he was mocked and hated by those who didn't want to hear that their actions were sinful.  Sound familiar in today's context?   Just try speaking out about being obedient to God's commands (Gay Marriage?)....

Don