All Things For Our Benefit

I read this morning the words of Nephi. “...the Lord God worketh not in darkness. He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation” (2 Nephi 26:23-24).

First thing I felt confirmed again is He doesn’t work in darkness. He doesn’t lie. He is open and honest. He doesn’t cover things up. As we go to Him, He reveals truth to us. As we come unto Him we reveal the truth of our sins to Him and allow Him to take our burden of sin as we repent. Humility leads to honesty which leads to repentance. 

Secondly, all the things that He allows to happen to us and this world are for our benefit. We have started to see the fruits of allowing secret combinations to get above us, which Moroni prophesied of in Ether 8. It will get much worse before it gets better. It is important to remember that these natural consequences are consequences we chose for preaching and living as if “all is well in Zion.” But, there is redemption. These terrible things that will happen will help many turn to God. It will help many wake from their slumber and have the option to choose to continue to love Babylon or choose to leave her filthiness and come unto Zion. All things will turn for the good of those that love Him and keep His commandments. Loving Him and keeping His commandments require us to study the life and teachings of the Lord and do them. We have worshipped a passive Christ for too long. He is a mighty God, a speaker and doer of truth. He was bold in the face of false traditions and false doctrine. He was also kind and loving and surrounded Himself with children. It’s interesting to study the lives of the prophets in scripture to remind us of who the true servants of God are. 

The last reminder in these verses is He wants all to come unto Him and partake of salvation. Not all will come, but He has laid down His life and suffered the demands of justice for any that repent and allow His mercy to take full effect in their life. We have this day of grace to come unto Him. I hope I have the strength, courage and faith to fully come unto Him and be perfected in Him.

So, we can be of good cheer! These things that are happening have been prophesied of since the beginning of this world. We have the patterns of scripture to help us know how to proceed forward. We have specific teachings in scripture where other societies have allowed secret combinations to get above them and fully infiltrate every segment of their society. God shows us several options that He has led His people to do. 

I know Jesus lives. He is truth. He is light. He is the way. His ways and timing are best, always.