A few personal insights . . .

In researching the meanings of "burden" and "yoke" as used in the scriptures, I came across a couple of interesting things worthy of sharing. The first is a footnote to Isaiah 5:18: "They are tied to their sins like beasts to their burdens."

This visualization struck me with great force about more fully applying the atonement to my daily life.



My second search results for the meanings of "burden" and "yoke" as used in the scriptures, has more to do with us as individuals relieving the burdens of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones. It comes from The First Epistle of Paul The Apostle to Timothy, chapter 5 verse 16: "If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed."

I need to be a better person.

Foundation of Eternal Marriage

“There is more to a foundation of eternal marriage than a pretty face or an attractive figure. There is more to consider than popularity or charisma. As you seek an eternal companion, look for someone who is developing the essential attributes that bring happiness: a deep love of the Lord and of His commandments, a determination to live them, one that is kindly understanding, forgiving of others, and willing to give of self, with the desire to have a family crowned with beautiful children and a commitment to teach them the principles of truth in the home."

- Richard G. Scott, “Receive the Temple Blessings,” Ensign, May 1999, 25

Discovering New Levels of Faith

"With each new challenge I make a choice. I choose to grow my cynicism or grow my faith. Time and again I am forced to choose. I am trying to consistently choose faith. As I do, my faith becomes stronger and richer. I see His goodness in places that used to seem tragic. In fact, my greatest leaps of faith have come on the darkest days."

- H. Wallace Goddard, "Discovering New Levels of Faith," meridianmagazine.com

“Continually Holding Fast” to the Rod of Iron

Father Lehi saw several groups of people pressing forward along the strait and narrow path, seeking to obtain the tree and its fruit. The members of each group had entered onto the path through the gate of repentance and baptism by water and had received the gift of the Holy Ghost (see 2 Nephi 31:17–20). The tree of life is the central feature in the dream and is identified in 1 Nephi 11 as a representation of Jesus Christ. The fruit on the tree is a symbol for the blessings of the Savior’s Atonement. Interestingly, the major theme of the Book of Mormon, inviting all to come unto Christ, is central in Lehi’s vision. Of particular interest is the rod of iron that led to the tree (see 1 Nephi 8:19). The rod of iron is the word of God.

In 1 Nephi 8, verses 21 through 23, we learn about a group of people who pressed forward and commenced in the path that led to the tree of life. However, as the people encountered the mist of darkness, which represents the temptations of the devil (see 1 Nephi 12:17), they lost their way, they wandered off, and they were lost.

It is important to note that no mention is made about the rod of iron in these verses. Those who ignore or treat lightly the word of God do not have access to that divine compass which points the way to the Savior. Consider that this group obtained the path and pressed forward, exhibiting a measure of faith in Christ and spiritual conviction, but they were diverted by the temptations of the devil and were lost.

In verses 24 through 28 of chapter 8 we read about a second group of people who obtained the strait and narrow path that led to the tree of life. This group pressed forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree. However, as this second group of people was mocked by the occupants of the great and spacious building, they were ashamed and fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. Please notice that this group is described as clinging to the rod of iron.

It is significant that the second group pressed forward with faith and commitment. They also had the added blessing of the rod of iron, and they were clinging to it! However, as they were confronted with persecution and adversity, they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. Even with faith, commitment, and the word of God, this group was lost—perhaps because they only periodically read or studied or searched the scriptures. Clinging to the rod of iron suggests to me only occasional “bursts” of study or irregular dipping rather than consistent, ongoing immersion in the word of God.

In verse 30 we read about a third group of people who pressed forward continually holding fast to the rod of iron until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree. The key phrase in this verse is “continually holding fast” to the rod of iron.

The third group also pressed forward with faith and conviction; however, there is no indication that they wandered off, fell into forbidden paths, or were lost. Perhaps this third group of people consistently read and studied and searched the words of Christ. Perhaps it was the constant flow of living water that saved the third group from perishing. This is the group you and I should strive to join.

“What meaneth the rod of iron which our father saw, that led to the tree?

“And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction” (1 Nephi 15:23–24; italics added).

- David A. Bednar, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "A Reservoir of Living Water,"

CES Fireside for Young Adults • February 4, 2007 • Brigham Young University

Metaphor for Life?

“I just wanted to be home, but I had no idea how to get there. Without thinking about it, I started to sing the words from one of my favorite Primary songs: ‘Heavenly Father, are you really there?’ My shaking and tears subsided, even though the storm did not. I prayed to find a familiar road and to be protected as I drove. I started to sing again, and as I sang, I knew the Lord would lead me home. When I locked my door behind me, safe at last, I sank to my knees. The shaking was back, and I sobbed a prayer of gratitude.”

- Janessa Cloward, “Through the Storm,” New Era, August 2009, 44