The Precepts of Men: 2 Nephi 28-30

It is easy to become bogged down beneath the expectations of the world--"one should match this ideal body image, style, GPA, fitness level, etc." It is easy because Satan is trying to sink us with these suffocating worldly standards. It is easy for us to forget that none of these things actually matter. However, we are warned that "wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men" (2 Nephi 28:26) rather than focusing on the Lord's expectations for us. What other people hold as important on this earth (money, fame, appearance) doesn't matter even a bit. What matters is how we serve the Lord and each other, and the degree to which we strive to follow Him.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "Sometimes we feel discouraged because we are not 'more' of something—more spiritual, respected, intelligent, healthy, rich, friendly, or capable...I learned in my life that we don’t need to be 'more' of anything to start to become the person God intended us to become. God will take you as you are at this very moment and begin to work with you. All you need is a willing heart, a desire to believe, and trust in the Lord."

 Sometimes we feel inadequate; oftentimes we feel that we are not enough, invisible, or set aside due to our failure to measure up. However, "I the Lord have not forgotten my people" (2 Nephi 29:5). There is no ruler stuck to a wall showing how holy so-and-so is versus you. Life is not a race, nor a competition. If anything, it is a team sport--all of us versus one person only: Satan. The Lord is our coach and he never leaves the sidelines. He is watching you, wanting to give you advice as you go through the hardships of your life. You needn't be the star player to qualify for His help or His attention or His love. You need only be sincerely desiring and trying to live in His way.

 Eventually, He promises that "my people...shall be gathered home" (2 Nephi 29:14). I know that no matter a person's weight, features, temporal success, possessions, et cetera, God focuses only on the things that are truly important. Focus your life on Him and His gospel and the self-conscious considerations will fall away and you will receive eternal blessings greater than any worldly promise.

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