Today I have a stronger testimony of the scriptures.
The other day I went out on a bike ride on the Queen Creek wash. Near the end of my ride, my front tire slipped off of the pavement onto the loose gravel, this resulted in momentary instability that needed a quick correction. Instinctively, I knew that I needed to get my front tire back on solid ground to avoid crashing my bike. I did a smooth pivot of the tire to grip the outer edge of the pavement and immediately I found myself in full control of the bike once again.
The gospel parallel that is apparent in this story was not lost on me. I thought to myself about what it means to be on solid ground, and how there is safety in staying on spiritual solid ground. Should we make mistakes, a quick course correction is necessary. By doing so, we will be able to avoid many of the pitfalls in this life. It's no wonder why the Savior refers to Himself as the Rock, for he that buildeth upon this rock (Jesus Christ) will never fall.
When the lost tribes were carried away captive, they became spiritually lost over time. They had forgotten their covenants, their religious customs, they had forgotten their God, and in essence, they had become lost to the covenant path. They had forgotten who they were and who they were meant to be. On the other hand, after Lehi's family had left Jerusalem, they went back for the brass plates, and they obtained them in a manner that was right with God because it is better that "one man perish than a whole nation dwindle in unbelief". Because they went back for the scriptures, they did not become spiritually lost. Large numbers of Lehi's family stayed on solid ground, and we have their account as contained in the Book of Mormon. Today, in these latter days, we are able to read the words from the Book of Mormon and stay safely on solid spiritual ground--for it truly is another testament of Christ.
As we press forward, holding to the iron rod, we can remember who we are. We are God's covenant people. We were saved for these latter days. We championed for Christ in the beginning and we surely were reserved for such a time as this, to come forth in the latter days when much of the world is covered in chaos, confusion, and such wickedness that has never been known before. Our Heavenly Father trusted us to come forth in this dispensation to continue in the cause for Christ. Think of that! Our potential is limitless. We each have the veil drawn across eyes, but with the power of the Holy Ghost as our constant companion we can catch glimpses of our potential and we over time we can truly know who we are and who we are meant to become.
Now is the time to rise to the challenge of our day. I stand with Nephi that you and I will give heed to the word of God, and that we will remember to keep His commandments in all things. I stand with Moroni, for I also know that by the power of the Holy Ghost we can know the truth of all things. I stand with President Nelson, may we soldier on in the cause of gathering Israel. And finally, I stand with my Savior. I stood with Him in the beginning, I stand with Him now, and I will stand with Him forever more, for He truly is the Rock of my salvation and on the foundation of Christ and His word, I can do all things. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
