Mosiah 26:1-6 -- On Sin and Deception

"Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers. They did not believe what had been said concerning the resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the coming of Christ. And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened. And they would not be baptized; neither would they join the church. And they were a separate people as to their faith, and remained so ever after, even in their carnal and sinful state; for they would not call upon the Lord their God. And now in the reign of Mosiah they were not half so numerous as the people of God; but because of the dissensions among the brethren they became more numerous. For it came to pass that they did deceive many with their flattering words, who were in the church, and did cause them to commit many sins; therefore it became expedient that those who committed sin, that were in the church, should be admonished by the church."
Mosiah 26:1-6


The idea that unbelief inhibits understanding is kind of strange without context, but thinking about how God enlightens every part of us, including our minds, I think makes it very clear. We need God and his spirit to assist us in understanding the mysteries of the universe, not just things that seem traditionally religious, but in all of God's creations. Our connection with God enhances our understanding and helps us to see how things fit together.

The other interesting thing here is the idea that unbelivers were actively decieving others, which makes it worse. Even if they really believed what they were saying, the effect on the community was incredibly negative, and you have to wonder how much of their ignorance was willful ignorance rather than just not understanding, and how much you have to blind yourself to not see the harm that you are causing.

Today, let's pray, and learn, and not ignore the truth, even if it scares us or means that we need to put forth some effort to get our lives straight. God is there, and he is open to talking to us, no matter how far we have walked away. Let's make people whole rather than tearing them apart.