This week's Come Follow Me study.
I checked both rsc.byu.edu and josephsmithpapers.org for a source connected to today's topic and found a suitable article from the BYU Religious Studies Center. This article discusses the account of King Asa, highlighting how his early reliance on the Lord brought deliverance from a vast army, but his later failure to trust in God led to seeking help from a different king and consulting physicians rather than the Lord. The author emphasizes the importance of consistently turning to the Lord throughout our lives, not just in moments of perceived crisis, and how pride can prevent us from continually relying on Him. We learn that while the Lord offers help and deliverance, our choice to humbly seek Him is crucial for receiving His blessings.
URL: https://rsc.byu.edu/book-mormon-old-testament-connections/god-delivereth-his-saints-revelations-old-testament-doctrine-salvation
What specific parallels can be drawn between Asa's initial faith and subsequent wavering, and our own tendencies to trust the Lord in large crises but rely on ourselves in smaller, daily challenges?
How might remembering King Asa's full story help you actively seek to humble yourself and attribute your successes to the Lord's grace today, resisting any temptation toward pride or self-reliance, as you intended this morning?I checked rsc.byu.edu and josephsmithpapers.org. The Joseph Smith Papers primarily focuses on documents related to Joseph Smith and early Church history, which is less directly applicable to the Old Testament chapters of 2 Chronicles 14–20, 26, and 30. The BYU Religious Studies Center, however, has several relevant articles. I chose an article that directly addresses the themes of seeking the Lord, trust, humility, and pride as seen in the reigns of kings like Asa and Uzziah within the assigned Come Follow Me block.
The selected article, "On Bended Rules: Reflections on 2 Chronicles 14–20; 26; 30" from the BYU Religious Studies Center, explores instances in 2 Chronicles where rules were "bent" with different outcomes, highlighting the contrast between prideful self-aggrandizement and humble devotion. It specifically discusses King Uzziah's initial righteousness and success, followed by his downfall due to pride when he attempted to perform priestly duties not authorized for him. The article emphasizes that while the Lord marvelously helped Uzziah when he was faithful, pride ultimately led to his destruction, underscoring the importance of humility and sincere devotion to God.
URL: https://rsc.byu.edu/book-mormon-old-testament-connections/on-bended-rules-reflections-2-chronicles-14-20-26-30
The article suggests that God distinguishes between pride that seeks self-aggrandizement and humility that fosters a holy relationship. How can we consistently discern our true motivations and ensure that our actions, even seemingly righteous ones, stem from genuine humility rather than subtle pride, especially when we experience success or strength?
Considering your morning intention to "actively seek to humble myself and attribute my successes to the Lord's grace, resisting any temptation toward pride or self-reliance," how does King Uzziah's experience—where his strength eventually led to pride and destruction—offer a specific warning or encouragement for your efforts today?