I’ve been thinking a lot about Nephi, wondering how someone could be so seemingly perfect. After all, 1st Nephi is filled with examples of his apparent flawlessness, and it makes me honestly wonder just how far I fall short. Being like Nephi feels like an unattainable goal, especially when I identify more with Laman and Lemuel. I don’t think I would react well if my dad suddenly announced we were moving across the world, leaving everything behind – let alone wealth! But not Nephi.
However, reading 2 Nephi 4 gave me a glimmer of hope. It sounds eerily familiar when he says: “17 O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. 18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me. 19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins.” This could almost be about me! Ugh, it truly stinks! I feel terrible about my choices and actions sometimes, like I’m constantly bombarded by temptations and mistakes that pull me down. Even when I try to find joy, the weight of my wrongdoings makes me feel guilty.
But then, within the same chapter, he offers a key: “19 I know in whom I have trusted. 20 My God hath been my support;…” 28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.”
Interestingly, I stumbled upon a similar sentiment while doomscrolling Reddit today. Someone commented, “Just be your self, your best self.” It hit me: I’m not Nephi. While he’s a great example and a prophet, he’s not me. Comparing myself to him does nothing but harm. Instead, I need to focus on being the best version of myself, allowing the Lord to shine through me in my own unique way. I can work towards emulating the good in Nephi without losing sight of who I am.
Remember, “comparison is the thief of joy.” In our journey of self-improvement, it’s all too easy to look at someone else’s life and feel inadequate. We see their successes, their strengths, and their achievements, and we measure our worth against them. But this comparison is not only unfair; it’s fundamentally flawed. Each of us is on a unique path, with different trials, blessings, and timelines. What works for one may not work for another, and what is meant for someone else may not be what’s meant for us. Just as Nephi had his own set of challenges and victories, so do we. And just as he found strength in the Lord, so can we, in our own circumstances and in our own way.
In closing, it’s crucial to remember that our worth is not determined by how closely we resemble someone else’s journey, not even Nephi’s. Our worth is intrinsic, given by God, and realized through our efforts to become our best selves. This doesn’t mean striving for perfection based on someone else’s life but embracing our individuality and using it to reflect God’s love in our unique way. By focusing on our personal relationship with Jesus and understanding our own worth, we can find joy in our journey, irrespective of how it compares to others. So, let’s awake our souls to the joy of becoming who we are meant to be, rejoicing in the Lord’s support every step of the way.
Living the Good News 