Teaching Repentance

In his short book, Enos records his experience in the wilderness where he, knowing he was alone, spent the day and night in prayer. The experience he had there and his subsequent actions teach us at least four lessons. I am sure there are others, but here is what I found in my reading of this little book.

1. His father had taught him to pray in a way that he knew the Lord both nourished and admonished. He was anxious to receive the joy of the saints and eternal life.

2. When he received the understanding of his own redemption, he desired the welfare of the Nephites and then the Lamanites. He was informed that they would receive the visitation of the Lord according to their diligence in keeping his commandments.

3. He went among the Nephites and with those of the Nephites who would, he went among the Lamanites. To him it seemed the work among the Lamanites was in vain as they had deteriorated to such a degenerate nation that they were beyond hearing. Among the Nephites however, there arose many prophets, but the people were, for the most part, "stiffnecked".

4. The constant diligence in their teaching repentance was what kept the people from speedy destruction.

The purpose of constant reminders of the place of repentance and the promises of God have a significant place in our lives. Without our personal diligence, our families and the Church would fall into utter destruction. More importantly, we would miss the joy of the Lord.