When teaching the gospel to an investigator, it is common for the teaching missionaries to warn the investigator of impending temptations and trials the closer they come to the truth. “Satan will have you,” we warn.
While on my mission, one of the major stumbling blocks encountered was the story of Nephi dispatching Laban with his own sword. Sometimes the investigator would return the Book of Mormon with a brief, but firm explanation that such a story was inappropriate for scripture, while others would place the book on the porch with a short message.
Note that this challenge preceded any “alleged” temptation by Satan.
Consider the implication if the story of Laban was intentionally placed in the beginning of the Book of Mormon for a specific purpose. What if that purpose was to challenge the investigator to prove herewith, if he/she would do whatsoever the Lord commands them? (Abraham 3:25)
The story is strictly set into a mid-eastern culture and completely appropriate for that time frame and setting. However, to an American or European mind, it is troubling. Thus the concept of “faith” now plays an even greater part in the conversion process.
We give Satan far too much credit for people choosing not to follow God. Sometimes it is God that creates a challenge to test his people’s faith and obedience. It is our pride and lack of awareness that fosters the idea to blame Satan. It’s a way to feel justified for behaving badly.
What happens when you pray for more patience? Have you ever been brave enough to try that experiment? Universally people who have supplicated the Lord for greater patience are given an increased dosage of challenges.
If the prayer is to God the Father, then God the Father answers the prayers with a perfect plan to increase your level of patience if you do you part.
There is no need to credit the adversary for something he did not do.
The first time I heard one of the brethren say that we “give Satan far too much credit” my heart leaped because of the confirmation of the spirit that he, Satan has far less influence than we realize. Satan is a knucklehead and his influence in our lives is minimal to the extent that we allow. We are in control of how and when he interferes in our life. Thank you for introducing this principle and the thought that the Laban experience was placed in the beginning with divine design.
How do we distinguish if it is a challenge is from God or a temptation from Satan?
Are God’s challenges temptations?
If God plays a role in testing and trying us with opposition, then what role does Satan play in the opposition?
Temptations are often situations that we self-initiate. For example, if a person struggles with alcohol, driving home past all the old bars, or hanging around with friends who continue to drink, is a temptation. That is neither Satan nor God, it is self-induced. Temptations are initiated by Satan somewhat like pop-up pornography or situations that are outside of personal control. Remember, God will never allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to withstand the pull, so long as we are living righteously. But if we are not obeying the commandments, that promise is null and void.
Challenges are situations that extend us beyond our comfort zone and give us the opportunity to change. Boring church meetings are challenges. We can complain about them or we can do something about them. Bishops and leaders who exercise unrighteous dominion and offend us are challenges. We can let their actions pull us down or we can rise to the challenge and overcome the behavior of a weak leader. Satan does not influence our leaders to be jerks or insensitive, that’s a personality issue and a proper challenge.