Choice

I took my time the past few days with 2 Nephi 2 in the Book of Mormon. I really love the doctrine and how it is explained in that chapter. It is truly remarkable. And while it is the chapter that talks about “opposition in all things”, I really feel the theme of the chapter is Choice. It is that we are free to choose.

I found verses 16-18 of interest, especially. in 16 is says, 

“Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by one or the other.”

I thought quite a bit about this verse and the truth it explains. It’s not just that opposites exist, it is that they are in “opposition”. Opposite can be static - it can simply exist. However, opposite is not the word used in this chapter. It is opposition. Opposition requires action, force. It literally means “resistance or dissent, expressed in action or argument” (google.com) This makes a lot of sense, and it is even mirrored in nature everywhere.

It is so important to recognize this because it means that evil, in opposition to good, does not just stand there waiting for us to come to it. It actually works to oppose good. To think we are neutrally standing through this on-going war for our thoughts and soul, is naive. Evil and good are constantly in opposition, at war, per se for us, and there is no way we can stand by and be neutral to it.

In verse 17, in talking about the devil, it says, “…wherefore, he became a devil, having sought that which was evil before god.”

Then, in verse 18 it states that, “…because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind.” 

The word, “sought” is very important. Not only did the devil seek evil, but then seeks to bring its consequence upon all of us. This is not some passive yang to a ying that looks good in some symbol. It is an act of aggression.

Sometimes we do not see the subtle, small enticings of evil as acts of aggression. And from our “safe” position in the good, it feels harmless. But the devil is always reaching as far as he can across that line and trying to make contact - to make just simple, “flaxen chord” attachments to us. he wants us to never lose contact with evil.

It is indeed opposition, and the only way to remain safe is to likewise to be in opposition to evil. If we are free to choose, then we must, forcefully and purposefully seek out good, equal to the seeking the devil did after evil.

the way we live our lives must be a “protest” of that which is evil - not just in what we say, but in the way we act and live. We must be in opposition to it.

A great thing to remember today.

Love ya. Have a great day!