2 Nephi 5: Lessons for Peace

Nephi endured a lot. I don’t know if and when he thought he would be able to find peace, but even after settling the new land, his brother still sought to kill him, and he was only able to find peace once he left them. Unfortunately there was nothing left for him to do with his brothers and his only option was separation. But, it seems that the separation he made finally allowed him the peace that he needed. 2 Nephi 5 then has a few lessons for peace that I thought were also important to being a Father and husband

1) Walk away from conflict. I have found that when my children become irrational, upset, and beyond able to control their emotions any attempt to offer them advice, correction, or help is ineffective. At these points it is better for them to just be separate, much like Nephi found that he had to finally separate himself from his brothers.

2) Obedience to the commandments. Nephi continued to “observe to keep the judgments, and the statues, and the commandments of the Lord in all things”. A pattern of turning away from these things often occurs in moments of peace. Do not relax your relationship with the things of God when things are peaceful, maintain and continue to do the things which have brought you where you are.

3) Make a defense for your enemies. Perhaps not literally, but there are many spiritual enemies that will take advantage of times of peace. Always be mindful of your weaknesses and the danger that lurks not far behind any circumstance of peace. If we become relaxed and let our guard down, we can be spiritually weak.

4) Work. Idle hands are a devils workshop. In our world today we have continual increase of leisure time. What we do with it is important. Work can mean a number of things: practicing an instrument, sport, or talent, getting a job, doing house projects and chores, doing service. As children and parents let us often find ourselves working together.

5) The temple. Nephi built a temple. I don’t think I will ever be asked to build a temple. My duty will only be to attend. As we have times of peace, we should have more opportunity to attend the temple and be reminded of our covenants while seeking revelation. I know that I have received many promptings in the temple that have improved my family life.