Rejoicing at children walking in truth

While reading my scriptures the other day, I came across 2 Ne 2:30. Normally, it’s pretty easy to overlook the last verse in a chapter, especially when one’s goal during scripture reading is to finish a chapter.

I was reading just the one verse this time, so was trying to focus on what was in the words.

I have spoken these few words unto you all, my sons, in the last days of my probation; and I have chosen the good part, according to the words of the prophet. And I have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls.

The part that stuck out to me was the last sentence. In fact, it reminded me of three scriptures:

2 Ne 25:26

We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

3 Jn 1:4

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

It’s pretty obvious that the thread tying these scriptures together is a parent’s concern for the spiritual welfare of his children.

The third scripture that comes to mind is 1 Ne. 3:8, which follows Nephi’s well-known “I will go and do” response to his father’s telling him he needs to go to Jerusalem with his brothers to get the brass plates.

When my father had heard these words he was exceedingly glad, for he knew that I had been blessed of the Lord.

This scripture sums up, in my opinion, what is being said in the other three. I’m not sure many people really understand, however, why Lehi is so glad at hearing Nephi’s response.

Let’s look at 1 Ne 2:16.

I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers.

What I find interesting about this verse is that it shows how Nephi wasn’t always the stalwart person members of the church picture him as. Prior to this point in his history, it appears, he didn’t believe all his father said. His heart was hard. To some degree at least.

In fact, one could argue, based on what Nephi said, that had he not prayed, he may have ended up like his brothers.

For someone as religious as Lehi was, Nephi’s response was a great relief. It gave him hope that at least one of his sons might follow in his footsteps after all.