Sunday School 15 - Enos to Mormon

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One thing that Enos teaches us is conversion doesn't come because your dad is prophet. The callings of parents do not change the children. We as parents need to strengthen our children. Enos was a kid first and the son of a prophet second. All of the prayers and fasting and church going hadn't changed him. That had to come from within. Enos was strengthen by a godly parents.

I, as a parent, while studying realized that I cannot convert my children to the Gospel no matter how much I try. Their conversion must come from within. All I can do is show how happy I am in the Gospel; show them that reading, fasting, and praying makes me happy. Children learn through mimicry. All I can do is take them to the water (Spirit) I cannot make them drink. 

Once Enos was converted in his prayers he reached out to God in prayer. The Atonement had taken root and had begun to grow within his heart. It is curious that he prayed for himself, his friends and family, countrymen, then his enemies. He prayed for everyone. Is there a time or thought were you prayed that if your country must go then request God that your record would remain? 

Martha Jane Knowlton quoted Joseph Smith as saying of the Saints...

"They will wake up the Nations of the whole Earth Eeven this Nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to peices and tumbling to the ground and when the constitution is upon the brink of ruin this people will be the Staff up[on] which the Nation shall lean and they shall bear away the constitution away from the <very> verge of destruction."

 I don't know all things or the velitity of the statement but, the point is is, Enos who didn't know how long his country was going to be still asked that the Gospel, no matter how crazy the world got, would survive, because he begged for it. 

Enos wrestle his desires and needs in prayer. Ever stayed on your knees pouring out your desires in both times of plenty and times of lean? I know give thanks in times of plenty because I could not express in five minutes my gratitude. Well I have also poured my heart out when I suffered and I have learned as Jesus did, if I must go through a hard time, I plead for strength to endure it. When my friends go through the same I plead for them too.

Mormon abridged the history of Lehi and later as told to using the words of Lehi, found the small plates of Nephi and then added them to the gold plates. He didn't see why their was a need for it. Book of Nephi (a personal record) and Lehi (an abridged record) were both included because the screw ups of man were not strong enought to thwart the plans of God - God was in their details and He is in your details. Point is 116 pages were lost but the story told still. Your story is being told too. Be faithful in your record.

When I look at my life there is a difference between Nathan (me) the convert vs. my dad. Do you think that your story is different than your children, of course. My father was converted in a time of war and I was converted in a time of peace. My dad searched for God without a constant companion, I have Him daily. Enos and Jacob's stories are different but perfect for them in their experiences. 

Coorsion and persuasion are two very different things. One takes freedom and the other gives freedom. We cannot chase sheep to the field that is gree and inviting. The same is said for our children. Lead and guide them. Walk beside them and help them find the way. Teach them all that they must do to live with Him some day. Jacob did it and sparked something inside Enos. Be patient for the wondered and diligent for the eager and your fields will be filled with the children that called you teacher.

Have a great week. Remember the Lord is in the details. Do your best like everything is relying on you and lean on the Lord because He is eager to assist. Again, have a great week.