Mormonism: A BYU Student Reflects on the Tree of Life

In Lehi’s vision, on the path to the tree, there was an iron rod that was there to help you stay on the path to get to the tree. Besides the iron rod there were obstacles and distractions and other paths you could take which would lead you away from the tree. This is exactly how life is; it isn’t easy. We may know what the right choice but because of temptations it is not always easy. We can be blinded or get lost. Making right choices can take sacrifice and hard work, perseverance, and focus. One of the distractions Lehi saw in his vision was a large and spacious building. This building was filled with people who seemed to be having a good time and they were pointing fingers and mocking those that were holding on to the rod of iron, trying to get to the tree. For some reason this always reminds me of high school and peer pressure. Everyone wants to be in the cool crowd and be accepted. But reflecting back now, I realize that still goes on today. Now that I am older and married sometimes I wonder how I can “keep up with the Jones’?” Through the media and entertainment we can get caught up with all these material things and lose perspective of what really matters most in life.
I think it really comes down to each of us wanting to feel or be accepted, and instead of us trying to get our peers approval, we should first understand that we are and always will be accepted of God. We are his children and he is always there for us. Because he created us, our desire should want to be like our Savior and not like “The Jones’.” We should strive to be like Him for He is the only way to salvation. I know that if I can hold onto the rod of iron, by keeping the commandments, and having faith in God, I will be able to partake in the fruit of the Tree of Life.By Maliana T.

Read “Lehi’s Dream: Holding Fast to the Rod,” written by a Mormon apostle.