so, let's read the book of mormon and discuss as we study our gospel doctrine lessons! i have learned while studying about lehi's vision that:
1 - iron rod leads to tree and fruit = word of God leads to His love and atonement of Christ.
2- mist of darkness (temptations) are put in our way so we will be blinded and not see the rod (scriptures), the tree( God's love), or the fruit (atonement/exaltation).
3 - satan doesn't want us to know that we are children of God, so the mist makes us depressed or compare ourselves/feel worthless. he doesn't want us to get married in the temple & have an eternal family, so the mist makes people think it's ok to have pre-marital or same sex relations. He doesn't want us to pay tithing or go to church or serve in callings, so the mist blinds us and we think, "I can't afford tithing", or I don't feel like going to church today, I need another day off! I don't want to have a calling, it's hard - I don't want to be Gospel Doctrine teacher! Are you kidding me?! (jk)
HE DOESN'T WANT US TO BE HAPPY! He wants us to be like him, and to let go of the rod & fall in the river of filthy water (the depths of hell), or get lost into strange, broad, forbidden paths.
So, press forward, CLINGING to the rod of iron. If we do that, we'll have the spirit with us, and God's love, be worthy of the atonement & BE HAPPY! Love you! Happy studying.
