Giving Chances

If you're familiar with The Book of Mormon, you are likely familiar with the story about Lehi asking Nephi to return to Jerusalem from the wilderness to obtain his family's genealogy from Laban, a distant relative.  Nephi's response to his father's request was indeed exemplary:

"I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."  1 Nephi 3:7

There is always much to learn from this scripture, such as the importance of willing obedience, and faith in the Lord's reasonableness, compassion, and power to do and provide all things.  I have read this verse countless times, and thought of it even more, grateful for the steady reminder of how I should be.

I have always focused my heart on Nephi's while reading this chapter of The Book of Mormon, but as I read this chapter yesterday, my attention was drawn for the first time to some of the messages conveyed by verse 5:

"And now, thy brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing which I have required of them; but behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord."

Lehi asked Laman and Lemuel first.  There is so much talk in these chapters about Nephi being made a ruler and teacher over his brothers, that I think I have overlooked some of the instances in which Lehi gave Laman and Lemuel opportunities to step up and make right choices.  This is one of them.  Lehi knew that Nephi and Sam were willing and obedient - he could have gone straight to them.  Instead, though, he asked Laman and Lemuel first.  He gave them a chance to obey.  They didn't take it, but he offered it.  Yes, it is always easier to go with the sure bet; but, we should never forego an opportunity to allow someone to surprise us with their desire to obey, to contribute, to love.  Perhaps we'll get the response Lehi got (a hearty "no" delivered with vigilant protest), but on the off chance someone wants today to be the day they turn back to the Lord, isn't it worth giving them a chance?  I vote yes.