Fall Down at the Tree
Recently, President Packer gave a wonderful talk about Lehi’s vision of the tree of life. (I love President Packer!) He counseled his listeners to “read [Lehi’s dream] carefully; then read it again.” (Isn’t it amazing how we can read scriptures over and over again and still learn new things? It’s one reason that I know the scriptures are true, because of their endless layers of meaning.)
I’ve read this dream countless times. But clearly President Packer has let us know that there is much to be gleaned from this account. I’d like to share two insights (not mine) that have recently helped me appreciate and learn more from Lehi’s dream.
Take, for example, one word that President Packer focuses on. It’s not what you might expect. The word is “after.”
One word in this dream or vision should have special meaning to you…. The word is after. It was after the people had found the tree that they became ashamed, and because of the mockery of the world they fell away.
And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. . . .
And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; [that was the test, and then Lehi said] but we heeded them not. [And that was the answer.] [1 Nephi 8:28, 33; emphasis and bracketed comments are his.]…
At your baptism and confirmation, you took hold of the iron rod. But you are never safe. It is after you have partaken of that fruit that your test will come.
We all know one message of Lehi’s dream: that listening to scoffing and doubting voices can lure us away from the tree of life, which represents the love of God, even our Savior. President Packer warns:
You who are young will see many things that will try your courage and test your faith. All of the mocking does not come from outside of the Church. Let me say that again: All of the mocking does not come from outside of the Church. Be careful that you do not fall into the category of mocking.
How can we keep ourselves from being lured away by mocking voices, or from joining those voices? How can we keep ourselves from being lost in paths that fall away from the tree? President Packer points out one key: we can “heed not” critical, contrary voices that we may hear.
Another key for safely staying at the tree can be found in the following verse:
But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree (1 Nephi 8:30).
We talk often of pressing forward, holding fast to the rod of iron, and partaking of the tree of life (all keys in and of themselves). But what else did these people do? They fell down. Since the tree can represent Christ, I’ve pictured these people falling down in a spirit of worship and reverence. But a sister in a Book of Mormon class taught me more: falling down can represent humility.
Of course! What does the great and spacious building represent? Pride. Nephi even tells us that some in that building are of the house of Israel, fighting against the apostles of God (see 1 Nephi 11:35). We as members of the Church are not immune from the allure of worldly wisdom. How can we keep ourselves from being pulled into that foundationless building? By being humble.
Humility brings us to our knees in prayer, constantly repenting and seeking God’s help and guidance, relying not on our wisdom but on God and His love and His Word. Only as we humbly acknowledge our nothingness can we stay firmly and safely planted on fertile, fruitful gospel ground. Myriad scriptures testify of this fact. Yes, humility is a key to spiritual safety.
President Packer has let us know that it is after we have tasted of the fruit of the tree through covenants that tests come. Lehi’s dream gives us much wisdom about what we can do to stay true, in spite of devilish mists and mocking voices. May we hold to the rod, “heed not” the voices–and fall down at the tree.
February 8th, 2007 13:45
Wow Michelle, I don’t think I can add anything to what you have said except amen and amen. Recent trials of late have shown me how true are the words that you have shared. Thank you for sharing the Spirit through your writing.
February 8th, 2007 13:46
I meant so say above too that I had an experience recently that goes along with what you are talking about here… it’s on my blog at www.bookwormmama.blogspot.com
February 8th, 2007 20:03
Thanks for this, Michelle. It has always made me nervous to hear people say, “I could NEVER fall away from the Church,” because I have seen people who seemed to have super-strong testimonies, fall away.
We as members of the Church are not immune from the allure of worldly wisdom. That is so true. It is so easy to be drawn into worldly prideful thoughts and attitudes. There is a reason why our leaders are constantly talking about the importance of humility. I certainly need frequent reminders!
February 8th, 2007 20:06
Stephanie, I’m so glad you gave us the link to your post about humility. That was a beautiful example of how we can be taught and enlightened by the Spirit if we are ready to listen. Thanks so much for sharing that experience on your blog!
February 9th, 2007 07:47
Michelle, that’s a very nice post. I’ve sometimes seen or heard people being critical of Boyd K. Packer, so it’s refreshing to hear someone come out and say without reservation “I love Bro. Packer.”
February 9th, 2007 08:05
Michelle, I really enjoyed reading this. I love to add new ways of looking at familiar scriptures. I especially like thinking about falling down at the tree as representing humility. All of the activities described work together to strengthen my testimony of Jesus Christ and my need for Him to help me in my life’s journey.
February 9th, 2007 09:34
Typical Michelle.
Thoughtful insights into great scripture quotes. A noble and faithful love of current church leaders. Practical advice for appying these things to our lives.
Typical Michelle. Very typical.
February 9th, 2007 10:24
Of course I mean typical Michelle in the best possible way
February 9th, 2007 11:09
Re #8: Of course you do, Eric. I think you summed up beautifully your impression of Michelle. That is my impression, too; and one of the reasons why I love to read her posts and comments on this and other blogs.
February 9th, 2007 11:50
Thanks for this article, Michelle! Those are good things to think about–”after” and “humble”. I love to learn what others have to say about some gospel topic or other (such as Lehi’s dream) because I always get at least a bit of new insight that helps my view of things expand. It gives me more to be aware of and to ponder. And so I appreciate you and Elder Packer both!!
February 9th, 2007 22:49
I’m finally getting a chance to respond to all of these comments. Thank you to everyone who has shared their thoughts here.
Stephanie, I appreciate also your link. It was a touching story you shared from your experience at church. I appreciate your willingness to open up and inspire us all to be less judgmental.
RoAnn, I know exactly what you mean. None of us is immune from the mists and the voices, especially if we don’t do what we are taught to stay spiritually safe. It takes effort and focus to do that!
Danithew, I know the kinds of comments to which you refer, and I suppose that is part of the reason I added that parenthetical!
Your comment communicates to me about your feelings in this regard, and I appreciate that.
Irene..isn’t it wonderful how the scriptures can never cease to give, and how they can teach us so much about our relationship with the Savior?
Eric, RoAnn, you made me smile. Just remember that I was sharing other people’s wonderful insights into these deeply meaningful scriptures!
Mary A., these two insights meant a lot to me…I’m grateful that they were meaningful to you, too.
I hope the student who shared that insight will have a chance to know what that meant to me. I have sent a copy of this to her teacher (who was the one who shared the insight). I suppose sometimes we may not know how something we say can ripple and touch someone else.
February 14th, 2007 14:55
Beautiful post, Michelle. Thank you.