I Must Obey

Nephi was an amazing prophet and leader.  As a youth, he was faithful and obedient, courageous and steadfast.  He faced many challenges throughout his life, but always, always he followed the Lord, no matter how difficult.  Now we see him at the close of his life, standing as a witness this final time, bearing testimony and teaching his people.  If I could ever attempt to follow his example, I should first adopt his final saying:  I must obey.

I've memorized this verse from this 33rd chapter of 2nd Nephi because it personifies Nephi, and touches my soul on a deep level:  I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.

I love Nephi.  I want to be like him. 

Russell M. Nelson said:
“Nephi was a multifaceted genius. Endowed with great physical stature, he was a prophet, teacher, ruler, colonizer, builder, craftsman, scholar, writer, poet, military leader, and father of nations. Nephi had a sincere desire to know the mysteries of God. He became a special witness and trusted prophet of the Lord.

“Nephi lived an adventurous life and faced numerous difficulties. Some of the challenges he faced included fleeing Jerusalem, building a ship, crossing the waters to the promised land, colonizing, withstanding persecution, fulfilling family and leadership responsibilities, and keeping records. Toward the end of his inspiring life Nephi wrote his concluding testimony and bore witness of the doctrine of Christ, the power of the Holy Ghost, and the truthfulness of the words he had written. Appropriately, his final testimony closed with the words that could be known as his signature: ‘I must obey.’

“Few have spoken so profoundly in behalf of one generation to another. Indeed, Nephi’s life and mission were destined to bless us and all people of our day.” (Heroes from the Book of Mormon, p. 16)