This week was focused on one of the most interesting lessons in the Book of Mormon to me. There are other parts in the Book of Mormon that are more spiritually uplifting and enlightening, but this particular lesson is also very enlightening. It's just through a different method of learning. Rather than studying a hero of the Book of Mormon to learn about goodness, the story of Korihor allows us to study the opposite to learn what is not good. In this way, we are able to more fully appreciate the goodness that is demonstrated.
Specifically, in class we chose to go through and compare the "doctrine" of Korihor to those of Sherem and Nehor. We discussed how Sherem and Korihor both teach that there is no Christ, while Nehor implies in his teaching that the coming of a Christ is still imminent. However, Sherem teaches that there is still a need for the Law of Moses regardless, and Nehor teaches that there is no law and that Christ will save us in our sins. One thing that struck me as we studied the different versions of antichrist "doctrine" presented was that Satan does not care about truth. He isn't trying to present one solid, consistent plan to teach his followers. Really, he does not care at all what happens to his followers. He is purely seeking to make the rest of us miserable by pulling us away from the one source of true doctrine: Jesus Christ. He wants us to turn from him and lose any faith or hope in his Atonement. In the end, Satan must know that his teachings will always fall apart from a lack of foundation. But, if he can pull any souls down with him, he will keep a facade of truth up for as long as possible.
Specifically, we are able to see what happens to those who follow Satan in Alma 30:60 following the miserable death of Korihor:
And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.
We need to always have our guard up when we are tempted to listen to the rationalizations and justifications of the devil. He is never, ever looking for our greatest happiness. In the end, his only goal is to see us broken and left alone. He will not stand with us. How often do we listen to Satan's whispers because it's easy or pleasing to the natural man, the way Korihor did? We need to recognize that there will only be one ending to that story. On the other hand, if you choose to listen to Jesus Christ and the promptings of his Spirit, there is joy promised to you. The decision to do so will not always be easy, but there is a promise that we will get down the road and some day look back and see that we made the right choice. In the meantime, we will always find support in Christ. He will strengthen us and always be there to carry us when we are weak. As long as we give ourselves to him in whatever way we can, he will be there with us.
I know as I read this, I feel a greater motivation to discern between what is the Spirit and what is not and make an even greater effort to follow inspiration given by the Lord. I don't want to leave my future in the hands of the being who wants only misery for me. I want to stand with Christ. One comment that my professor made this week about repentance and forgiving ourselves was "When Satan reminds you of your past, you remind him of his future." Eternal happiness is not in the cards for Satan, but it is for me and for you if we follow Christ. Forgiveness and freedom from sin can be ours. He loves us, and there is no greater power than that promise.
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