Tree of Life: On the Path but not Holding onto the Rod

Recently Elder Bednar has pointed out that there were two types of people holding onto the rod of iron. One was clinging (1 Nephi 8:24). These fell away when they were ashamed because of those mocking and scoffing at them. He suggests that clinging represents a desperate attempt to come to God every so often. I think it might suggest that when times are tough these turn to the word. The other group is found continually holding fast to the word of God (1 Nephi 8:30). These continue to partake of the fruit because they continually rely upon God and obey His great commandments in good and bad times. Always looking to and obeying "every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God" (D&C 84:44).

One other significant thing stuck out to me as I read about this dream. There were many that started in the path that was by the rod of iron but then wandered off (1 Nephi 8:19-23). I believe it is significant that there is no mention that they ever grab the iron rod. They are in the path next to the rod of iron but never grab hold of the iron rod. In other words, they are going through the motions of discipleship but not fully grasping "[living] by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God" (D&C 84:44). We must ask ourselves if we are just going to church, mutual, seminary, etc. and participating in "Mormon culture" or if we are fully engaged in seeking to learn the commandments and live them more fully by studying the word of God. If we aren't learning and living the word of God then we are bound to drift off the path and wander off and become lost (1 Nephi 8:23).

I think you'll like this short video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzjvE0ehnEI&feature=youtube_gdata_player