Prosperity

Having God’s favor. I, the Lord, yea, I have spoken; yea, I have called him to declare; I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous (1 Nephi 6:3) or he’ll succeed in his mission (1 Nephi 6:3 CE). This declaration is a warning to Nephi’s brothers that God called Nephi, and He is with him. It was God whose providential hand has been present throughout Nephi’s actions. He was with him in returning to retrieve the brass plates. He helped Nephi overcome Laban. He was with Nephi as he received revelation, in leading the return to get Ishmael’s family to join with them, and in giving the prophetic testimony of Christ. God revealed to Nephi the warning of future events in the lives of his and all future generations. God chose Nephi and both brought him and would make his way prosperous. In this context, the prosperous nature of Nephi’s life did not mean wealth. It meant his life would be filled with God’s favor. Knowledge of the mysteries was the real prosperity Nephi enjoyed, which came through great difficulties and challenges. All would do well to seek such prosperity for themselves. Having God’s favor and experiencing “prosperity” from God does not mean worldly success. Those who experience the greatest prosperity from God are those who usually suffer terribly in mortality. Hardly a great prophet in any dispensation has been given much worldly success. Comfort and peace elude the most chosen of His children because they gain deep understanding through their personal tribulations. It is obtained in no other way. Joseph’s wisest written reflections were made while in a Missouri dungeon. “We learn (and that is what we should value most) through the things we suffer. In that respect we are all like Christ.”¹

Nephi explained in his opening statement how his life had prospered: I Nephi was born to excellent parents. As a consequence, my father taught me from all his knowledge. I’ve experienced many hardships during my life, while at the same time I’ve been greatly blessed by the Lord. I gained great understanding of God’s goodness and mysteries. Therefore I’m making a record of the important events in my life (1 Nephi 1:1 CE). The Lord’s definition of wealth has never included worldly goods. Seek not for riches, but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich (JSH 13:5). Mankind tends to view it otherwise and, therefore, trades the riches of eternity for the things which rust and are moth-eaten here.²