Traditions of our Fathers

I am reading Helaman 15:1-8. I am intrigued with the message in the Book of Mormon about the traditions of the fathers bringing so many down into sin. I am thinking and asking myself what are the traditions I do because that is the way I was raised and are those traditions in agreement with the laws and principles of the gospel? I really like D&C 93:39. If we are serious about discipleship then we will take a look inward and outward and see what traditions are not drawing us closer to Christ.

I have a lot of traditions that I have that I have developed over the years. Not all are drawing me nearer to God and I seek for the humility and patience to change, to fully repent. I am grateful for my Lord, Jesus Christ, who allows me to change. Helaman 15:7 reminds me that as I change these traditions and replace them with righteousness, my heart will change.

Two Thoughts from Lehi's Dream

1. The first thought goes along with Elder Bednar's comments about those "clinging" (1 Nephi 8:24) versus those "continually holding fast" (1 Nephi 8:30) to the rod of iron. Those who cling in random spurts don't remain true and happy. Those who continue in the faith, constant and sure, do remain happy and in the cause of truth continually.

There is another group too. These are those that "commenced in the path" but never grabbed hold of the iron rod. They eventually wander off in the mists of darkness. Sometimes it is easy to go through the motions w/o really grabbing hold of the words of the prophets and following their counsel. We may be doing what many saints do but without feeling or purpose. This may be described as living the letter without living the Spirit of the laws and principles of the gospel.

2. Second thought. It is interesting in 1 Nephi 11:35, the group that is fighting against the 12 apostles of the Lamb is the house of Israel. That is very interesting. I believe that pertains to many that are looking for truth and many that are members of the church that because of their lack of faith and commitment to the gospel actually drag others down with them. The house of Israel is only on the Lord's side if they keep His great commandments and "live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God" (D&C 84:44).

Hard Hearts, Symptom and Curses

Symptoms and Curses of a Hard Heart:

1. His word taken away (Hel. 13:8).

2. He will withdraw his Spirit from them (Hel. 13:8).

3. He will suffer them no longer and turn the hearts of their brethren against them (Hel. 13:8).

a. Be careful with this one. Job and Joseph Smith had horrible things happen to them where others said they were being cursed by God.

4. He will visit them w/ sword, famine, and pestilence (Hel. 13:9).

5. Those of the fourth generation shall visit your destruction (Hel. 13:10).

a. It is interesting that when the parents or a youth decide not to live the gospel because they harden their heart, then the spouse and children suffer too. Eventually the fourth generation is completely destroyed. In our day the second generation is completely cut off from the word and the ordinances of the gospel and are completely lost. The fourth generation degenerates into complete corruption and eventual destruction.

b. If we repent, the curse is taken from us (Hel. 13:11). This would be a child that sees the errors of the traditions of his/her fathers and turns to the Lord. The curse is then lifted and the repentant person receives all the blessings that have been taken away (Hel. 13:11).

6. Treasures hidden in the earth shall be lost (Hel. 13:18).

a. Notice that in this same verse, if a righteous man hides up treasures to the Lord, he will not lose them (Hel. 13:18).

b. I would assume that those that save up for retirement to use their funds to serve the Lord, then the Lord will bless them in these endeavors. Those that seek to spend their retirement in the luxuries and riches of the world may find their treasures are becoming slippery.

7. Others will mock those that are giving counsel from Heavenly Father (1 Nephi 1:19).