Of course, the prayer of Enos is significant. The determination he had in persistently seeking an answer from God, and that faith he had in believing the answers when they came represent important lessons in communicating with our Father in Heaven. The fact that his guilt was swept away is moving for those that have experienced the miracle of Christ's power, and the mercy of his forgiveness. His beneficence is demonstrated in how he immediately prayed for the salvation of his people, the Nephites. It is notable to realize that he spent effort on behalf of the Lamanites, who continually sought to kill his people. It is important that he hoped for the welfare of the records of his people, so that, in time, the Lamanites might have knowledge of and peace through Jesus Christ.
Having had what he described as "rest" (Enos 1:17), he went to his people to persuade them to believe in Christ. After having a spiritual experience as he had, where he obtained peace, confidence, and joy... one might imagine the means by which he taught his people would be expressed in a similar tone. It would not be unreasonable to think he would emphasize the love and mercy of God to all those who would come to him.
Instead, he records the following:
"And there was nothing save it was exceeding harshness, preaching and prophesying of wars, and contentions, and destructions, and continually reminding them of death, and the duration of eternity, and the judgments and the power of God, and all these things—stirring them up continually to keep them in the fear of the Lord. I say there was nothing short of these things, and exceedingly great plainness of speech, would keep them from going down speedily to destruction." (Enos 1:23)
Certainly there are few things that inspire feelings of peace, love, and harmony more than threatening of "wars, and contentions, and destructions, and continually reminding them of death, and the duration of eternity..." (Sarcasm... in case that was unclear.)
To the saints in the latter days... this may seem odd. When I attend conference and hear the words of modern day apostles and prophets, I come away with the idea that they do not use the same approach Enos did. In fact, it is frequently that these men plead with us to be a little bit better, to try a little harder, and to be a little kinder. While the call to repentance is not absent from their messages, it is always accompanied by descriptions of the love and mercy of the Son of God.
Perhaps even adding to the contrast is the fact that in the latter days, there are numerous prophecies that indicate the increased danger and destruction that will prevail in the last days. Consider these examples:
- "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (2 Timothy 3:1-7)
- "And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." (Revelation 13:6-7)
- "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." (Matthew 24:7-12)
With great perils in the last days, more so than in any other time, it can seem confusing as to why the strategy of Enos is not employed more frequently. Why do we hear so little about the threats of "wars, and contentions, and destructions?" Why are we not continually reminded of death and the duration of eternity?
I suggest that we are given these reminders, but indirectly. We are asked to read the scriptures. We are asked to study the Bible and the Book of Mormon. We are taught that the messages of these ancient prophets (especially those in the Book of Mormon) are specifically intended for us in modern times.
It becomes everyone who reads these scriptures not to skim over the short books or the minor prophets. There are messages in many of them (both the Bible and the Book of Mormon) that warn us of the dangers that come from not heeding the counsel of the Lord. There are promises and examples that demonstrate the power and peace available to those that do follow him. These messages blend well with the teachings of modern prophets and apostles that remind us of the great love that Christ has for us... such that it becomes easy to see that God is actively trying not only to grant us incredible blessings, but also that he is trying to save us from terrible harm.
Perhaps being aware of what awful destruction awaits those that fend for themselves rather than come to Christ can provide a feeling of peace and confidence.
The famous Confederate General Stonewall Jackson is quoted as saying this:
"Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me. Captain, that is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave." (The Oxford Dictionary of Civil War Quotations, 2006)
