Two Paths, Two Choices

3 Nephi Chapters 5-6 are rich with missionary work, true repentance and ultimate conversion. Sadly, however as the people begin to be righteous and to prosper in chapter 6, we read, "And now there was nothing in all the land to hinder the people from prospering continually, except they should fall into transgression" (3 Nephi 6:5). And fall into transgression they did... within a year, some people began to be prideful because of their wealth "even unto great persecutions" (3 Nephi 6:10). Eventually, the church was broken up because of riches and class distinctions, except for "a few of the Lamanites who were converted to the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord" (3 Nephi 6:14).

And then in verse 15, we find out the reasons for the iniquities and problems,

"Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this -- Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world."

And this, friends, is the clencher: "Now they did not sin ignorantly, for they KNEW the will of God concerning them, for it had been brought unto them; therefore they did willfully rebel against God" (3 Nephi 6:18). They knew that they were going against God's will for them. How many of us do the same?



We have a choice to make: we can either allow constant advertisement of Satan's temptations to influence us and follow down that path of iniquity (which ultimately leads to unhappiness), or we can follow the soft-spoken voice of our Heavenly Father and Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Satan wraps his empty promises in a huge package with lots of bows and ribbons. Satan's package is empty: He wants us to spend eternity in misery with him. Satan seeks to take away our agency and choice.

While on the other hand, Heavenly Father will NEVER take away our choices. His package appears to be subtle and humble, but it contains the greatest gift of all: the opportunity of eternal life spent with our Father in Heaven and our family and friends.

So, which path will YOU follow? There are only two choices.