Like a child

When I was a teacher I taught the system of the body as part of science, and one part of that chapter was about the effects of chemicals and substances (drugs, alcohol) on the body's systems.  This was fourth grade, so the students all readily agreed that smoking, drinking, and drugs were very silly things to do, since they can really cause damage to your body, and who in the world would want to do that to themselves?

"You will," I told them.  "There will be a time, when you're teenagers, that the opinion of your friends is more important to you than what damage you might do to your body.  I just hope that when you're older and you have different people telling you to do different things, that you'll remember and pay more attention to those that really love you, like your parents and your teacher."  The kids all thought I was silly for thinking that they could be so easily swayed.

But they were, of course. The discovery by our own experience of what leads to sorrow and what leads to happiness is why we're here. We learn a lot by passing through sorrow, and teenage years are a time of vast, er, experience and learning.

Reading 3 Nephi 9 today, I saw two verses that stuck out.  "wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent; for the devil laugheth, and his angels rejoice, because of the slain of the fair sons and daughters of my people" (v 2); and "Whoso arepenteth and cometh unto me bas a clittle child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God" (v 22).

I thought back to my teaching days.  As a little child (say, fourth grade) we are shocked at the idea that we'd make obviously wrong choices for the sake of popularity with those that don't have our own best interests at heart.  We'd be offended if the devil laughed in joy at our foolishness, and turn from such behavior back to the safety and security of our family.

That shock goes away as we get older, and the trick is to get it back.  To regain the attitude of a little child, one of offense at Satan's laughter at us, and returning to the safety and security of Him who loves us unconditionally.  Many people don't try to get it back, thinking that their own "independence" or something means they shouldn't listen to those they listened to as children.  Instead, they listen to and follow new influences, even when those people laugh and rejoice at our folly and failures.

Seen that way, being like a little child is actually much wiser.  We never give up our independence by following the advice of those that love us most, namely the Savior.  Rather, we're using that independence (agency) to get lasting happiness.