“We speak boldly to you because anything more subtle doesn’t seem to work. We speak boldly because Satan is a real being set on destroying you, and you face his influence at a younger and younger age. So we grab you by the lapels and shout as forcefully as we know how:
Hark! the sound of battle sounding loudly and clear;
Come join the ranks! Come join the ranks!” -Jeffrey R. Holland
3 Nephi 1:29 And there was also a cause of much sorrow among the Lamanites; for behold, they had many children who did grow up and began to wax strong in years, that they became for themselves, and were led away by some who were Zoramites, by their lyings and their flattering words, to join those Gadianton robbers.
30 And thus were the Lamanites afflicted also, and began to decrease as to their faith and righteousness, because of the wickedness of the rising generation.
One of the greatest trials of a righteous parent is to watch as Satan puts his fangs into our children. It’s been this way since the beginning of time. Lehi and Sariah are perfect examples of righteous parents who followed the Lord and taught their children by word and deed, yet their children still had their individual agency. The Book of Mormon is a story line of the battle between good and evil, the Nephites, and the Lamanites. It demonstrates that the true effects of our choices goes beyond our life alone, but reaches into endless generations. Laman and Lemuel, (Lehi and Sariah’s oldest two sons), were hard-hearted and rebellious, resulting in generations of blood-thirsty, God-destroying people. (Until a softening took place and conversion of Christ set in, then we see a new transformation begin all from the ability to choose between God and the world.) Then we have Nephi and Sam, the younger sons, whose posterity were the Nephites, the God-fearing, God-loving people. (Until riches and pride consumed them and they chose to turn away from the Lord.)
3 Nephi 1:22 And it came to pass that from this time forth there began to be lyings sent forth among the people, by Satan, to harden their hearts, to the intent that they might not believe in those signs and wonders which they had seen; but notwithstanding these lyings and deceivings the more part of the people did believe, and were converted unto the Lord.
All of this is because Satan doesn’t rest. He is forever waiting to pounce on us the second the opportunity arises. The hard part is it’s not like a shark attack where the prey instantly realizes they are in grave danger. No, Satan approaches calmly, as a friend, one who truly cares. He is sneaky and convinces us that there is an easier path. He purposely forgets to tell us that though the path appears easy, it is full of thorns, burs, and rattlesnakes. He forgets to warn us that the easier path doesn’t lead us to the tree of life, but to despair, anguish, and helplessness. He leaves out those details, as he gently guides us away from the light and safety of Christ.
3 Nephi 1:29 that they became for themselves, and were led away by some who were Zoramites, by their lyings and their flattering words, to join those Gadianton robbers.
That’s the name that can be appropriately use for anything that threatens our homes, our children, and ourselves. (GADIANTON ROBBERS) They are the team of demons whose master is Lucifer.
3 Nephi 1:27 And it came to pass that the ninety and third year did also pass away in peace, save it were for the Gadianton robbers, who dwelt upon the mountains, who did infest the land; for so strong were their holds and their secret places that the people could not overpower them; therefore they did commit many murders, and did do much slaughter among the people.
Their secret combination’s purpose is to lead us and our children to our demise, right over a cliff (to commit spiritual murders), which seems impossible to climb back up the sheer walls. The only way up is through choosing to grab the Savior’s hand. He is the only thing that saves a broken soul. And yet that hand is soft, kind, warm, and loving. It embraces without guile, or judgment. That hand has felt the fall of the cliff, it has climbed the impossible walls back. That hand is all knowing, all caring, all loving, all forgiving, all healing, all yours, it’s the hand of your older brother, Jesus, who is always there for you when you are ready to COME FOLLOW HIM!!
To the parents of children who have wandered off the strait and narrow path here are a couple of great motivational quotes:
“Once in a while, notwithstanding all the things you try to do, there is a rebellious child. But keep at it. Do not ever give up. You have never lost as long as you try”. Keep at it. -Gordon B. Hinckley
“Then he goes on to say: “Pray for your careless and disobedient children; hold on to them with your faith. Hope on, trust on, till you see the salvation of God.” You can pray for your children, love them, and reach out to them with confidence that Jesus reaches for them with you. When you keep trying, you are doing what Jesus does.” -Henry B. Eyring
-Sherri Jorgensen
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