At Ease in Zion
As I was reading the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 28, verse 24 caught my attention in particular. It says, “Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!”
In a prior verse (v 21) Nephi describes how the devil will “…pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well–and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.”
These verses really stuck out to me as I read because I think the times that I am most at danger and at my weakest are not when things are tough, but when they are well. And I think it is because I become “at ease” in my own “zion”. I relax and become casual about the gospel. It’s nothing big, of course. Just small things - just little “cheats” you might say.
In a prior verse (v 21) Nephi describes how the devil will “…pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well–and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.”
These verses really stuck out to me as I read because I think the times that I am most at danger and at my weakest are not when things are tough, but when they are well. And I think it is because I become “at ease” in my own “zion”. I relax and become casual about the gospel. It’s nothing big, of course. Just small things - just little “cheats” you might say.
It might be just reading my scriptures less or with less intent. It might be taking my role as the priesthood holder in my family too lightly and not exercising that responsibility to bless and lead my family. It might be that I am more casual about my meetings at church and let them become primarily social constructs for me instead of valuable opportunities for connection with the Spirit and instruction. It could be that I pray more routinely instead of with purpose and focus. It could be that I become more relaxed in the type of media content I watch (cause I’m ok and strong, right?!). Or it could be that I allow myself to make small criticisms and complaints against a leader.
There are a lot of little cheats we make that are honestly a lazy and dishonest and insincere approach to the gospel. We certainly do often take the gospel too lightly and treat it with a degree of casualness that puts us in danger. I know I do far too often.
I am not saying that we have to be more “serious” and severe in our spirits or demeanor. Taking something serious and doing it with full purpose of heart does not have to be dreadful. In fact, I believe that when we really live the gospel with full purpose of heart and do our best effort, that we find an almost reckless joy - a growing faith and hope that seems almost unrealistic. But it’s not - it’s true joy and happiness.
I look forward to trying better to be less “at ease” and to DO well in zion rather than say all IS well.
have a great day! Love ya.
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