Two similar lines from the scriptures really struck me this week. They are both happening at the same time (one in the Americas and one in Israel), and both are about teenagers. In the Book of Mormon, the Nephites are turning to complete wickedness before Christ comes, even though they can see many miracles and signs from heaven. 3 Nephi 1:29 says that the people turned to wickedness because the rising generation (dang teenagers!) "became for themselves."
In the New Testament (in a parable), Christ tells about the other teen. He had left home, with his inheritance, after coming of age. He spends it all in riotous living and then, after living without food among the pigs, decides to go home. Jesus says tells us the reason he wanted to return home: he returned back to the faith and to his family because he “came to himself” (Luke 15:17).
He "Came to Himself" vs. They "Became for Themselves" . . .
In the New Testament (in a parable), Christ tells about the other teen. He had left home, with his inheritance, after coming of age. He spends it all in riotous living and then, after living without food among the pigs, decides to go home. Jesus says tells us the reason he wanted to return home: he returned back to the faith and to his family because he “came to himself” (Luke 15:17).
He "Came to Himself" vs. They "Became for Themselves" . . .
How can those two little words (to and for) lead to such different outcomes?! The prodigal son coming to himself lead to a change of heart and complete repentance, while the rising generation becoming for themselves lead them to wilfully rebel against God (3 Nephi 6:18).
This week I want to ponder to myself a little more and take time for myself a little less!
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