In 4 Nephi we read of a people, highly blessed in every way. In verse 23 we see that these people had "multiplied, insomuch that they were spread upon all the face of the land, and that they had become exceedingly rich, because of their prosperity in Christ."
Clearly, they knew nothing of the modern theory of "survival of the fittest." Yet, they fostered the idea that their tremendous ability to multiply, spread, and prosper was due to their own strength and prowess, perhaps to their own intelligence, labors, or inate, superior abilities. They gradually lost sight of their need for the Lord in their lives.
As they elevated themselves in their own eyes, they demoted their brethren. No longer did they share and share alike. Gone were the days of happiness and unity. Those godly behaviors were replaced by pride, the wearing of costly apparel and jewels, divisions of all kinds, and denying truths of the gospel they had once embraced.
Mormon saw the results of the seeds planted by this generation. He saw the decline and destruction of an entire nation.
So much for survival of the 'fittest.'
It makes me wonder, what is the truest measure of fitness to live and thrive?
Do you have any thoughts about what qualities are essential to a worthy, worthwhile life--a life worth its weight in gold?
1 comment:
True -- interesting. The biological theory of survival of the fittest rests on definitely different characteristics than the spiritual "fitness" required for our spiritual lives to thrive. The things that seem important on some levels aren't important when seen from a spiritual perspective, and vice versa.
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