2 Nephi 3-5: "We Lived after the Manner of Happiness" (February 12-18)

Paul Anderson

February 12

In Nephi's first book, he seems pretty perfect. He consistently obeys, he faces difficult challenges with faith and optimism, he seeks and receives help from God, and he provides correction to other family members as needed, including his own father.

But near the beginning of his second book, we start to see another side of this prophet. After his father's death, as his conflict with his older brothers grows, he laments his inability to make things better. "Why should my heart weep?" he asks. "Why should I yield to sin?... Why am I angry because of my enemy?" (2 Nephi 4:26-27).

Fortunately, these feelings of remorse and sorrow did not lead to demobilizing despair. He did have to make some painful adjustments, including relocating to a more peaceful environment with those who were willing to join him. Together, they built a new home and established new patterns which enabled them to live "after the manner of happiness" (2 Nephi 5:27).

Here are some highlights from these chapters, with links to relevant blog posts:

Outline

2 Nephi 3 - Lehi teaches his son Joseph about two other men named Joseph: one of the sons of Jacob (who lived about a thousand years earlier) and the prophet Joseph Smith (who would live several thousand years later).
2 Nephi 4 - Lehi blesses his grandsons and his son Sam; Nephi laments his sins and weaknesses but expresses confidence in God.
2 Nephi 5 - Nephi separates himself from his brothers and settles in a new location with those who are willing to follow him.

Key Themes

We make better decisions with a long-term perspective. Think about your ancestors and descendants as you set goals and choose your activities.
Repentance includes awareness of our failings and trust that God can help us change. Acknowledge your sins and weaknesses, but don't try to fix them alone.
We can achieve happiness and success when we build on a foundation of true principles. Focus on meeting essential needs, managing risks, creating a stable infrastructure, and establishing meaningful roles and responsibilities.

Connections

Lehi explained that just as God gave Moses a spokesman—his brother Aaron—to help him free Israel, He would also give Joseph Smith a helper—Oliver Cowdery—to help translate the Book of Mormon.
Nephi's psalm contains many phrases which also appear in the book of Psalms.
The children of Israel built the tabernacle, and later the temple, following a pattern given by the Lord. Nephi and his people later built a temple "after the manner of the temple of Solomon" (2 Nephi 5:16).

Applications

Fulfill your callings in spite of your weaknesses. God will bless you as He blessed Joseph Smith: He will provide fellow-laborers to complement your strengths, and as you work, He will help you grow and improve.
Overcome negative emotions and choose joy. Happiness doesn't always come easily, but it should be our goal.
Work hard, and set high standards of excellence. Productivity is a key to happiness, which is why Nephi encouraged his people to be "industrious."