Hold Fast to the Word of God

In the Book of Mormon we can read about a dream of a prophet of God named Lehi.  In the dream he saw the Tree of Life with beautiful and delicious fruit growing thereon.  The fruit represented the Love of God.  There was a rod of iron leading to the tree which represented the Word of God.  There were two groups of people who were able to obtain the fruit of the tree.  One group did "cling to the rod", while the other group did "hold fast to the rod".  The first group became ashamed after partaking of the fruit and fell away because of the mocking of unbelievers.  The second group remained at the tree and did not fall away.  I was taught recently that perhaps I can learn from these groups of people and how they treated the Word of God.  Clinging may connote the kind of attitude one would have toward a lifeline thrown out to a drowning individual.  It also connotes a feeling of fear or desperation when hope is weak.  We are admonished in the scriptures to develop an unshaken faith in Christ, to develop faith, hope, charity and love.  When faith in Christ is weak, our hope will be weak and we may be inclined "cling" to the Word of God fearfully. This type of attitude toward the Word of God will not encourage the growth of "unshaken faith in Christ" and when we are mocked and challenged for our faith, we will be in danger of falling away.  The idea of "holding fast" to the Word of God connotes standing firm because of a hope in Christ.  There is also a suggestion that one who holds fast will continue on the right path through trial and tribulation and strive to love God and all men, with gratitude for God's mercy.