1 Nephi 8

As I continued my reading of Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life, I had several thoughts that came to mind that I would like to share. The first being of some of those that had commencedon the path to the tree of life -

"...there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:23)

I noticed that with these that did not hold fast to the iron rod did "wander" off. At the same time there were those who made it to the tree and then having witnessed those that did mock them -

"...after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:25)

It was these that did not wander off but instead -

"...they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:28)

Notice the contrast of those that wandered off and those that was able to approach the tree supposedly with a testimony and knowledge. In this case it would knowing rebellion.

We have been taught that we -

"...must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:20)

In regards to "feasting" upon the word of Christ. This "feasting" is not every once in a while. It seems we must nourish ourselves several times a day whether we feast or not. In Lehi' vision we are told that those that are blessed with the fruit of the tree were they that -

"...did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:30)

Which rod is the word of God. So our feasting must be continual.

The last point that came to mind were those that were in -

"...a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.
27 And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:26 - 27)

I work in construction industry. I am more than a ware that a building in the air will eventually fall without a sure foundation. But as I pondered these individuals in the building, I couldn't help but think that there are many of us that at times in our life might have checked into this building even for a short time whenever we mock, point our fingers, or speak gossip of others. I guess you could say we could easily bounce from the path to the building in an instance based upon our thoughts and actions.