Left to the wolves

     Since a Sunday School lesson discussing the journey of the pioneers I have been pondering an aspect that can have application to us today. There are many possibilities of course, but the one I'm thinking about concerns separating from the camp, being left to the wolves. Most often those crossing the plains did not separate themselves from the group on purpose. They recognized the safety in numbers. However, often single families or even small groups faced greater trials than they might have had when they lagged behind or headed out on their own.
     We humans are generally an independent lot. Our Father in Heaven gave us the agency to make choices for ourselves from before we were born in mortality. We tend to take that freedom and run with it. We often think we can manage on our own despite our lack of strength or knowledge. We'll "figure it out as we go" is a common theme. There is even a "righteous" justification because we are counseled to "be prepared" and to be "self-sufficient".  When it comes to survival in the world, otherwise known as Babylon, it's good to be able to remain independent. On the other hand, God has told us never to rely on the "arm of flesh" when making choices and preparations for our eternal life. In 2 Nephi 28:31 we are told, " Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts be given by the power of the Holy Ghost." And in Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Also, 2 Nephi 9:28, "O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not." There is safety in numbers, not that we need to align ourselves with what's popular in the world. It's just really helpful and more secure to not simply wander off on our own, seeking our own version of spirituality. If there is anything true, no one single person of us is going to find it by following our own thinking. Joseph Smith followed the admonition in the Bible to ask of God because he recognized his lack of wisdom in determining what church to join, who to listen to. God is not going to make a grand appearance to every single one of His children who has a question. That would be unwise management. Plus, we are reminded to build up and act on faith. Each one of us has at least the  "light of Christ", also known as conscience, to give us an idea of what is right. If we are humble, willing to be obedient, and have a desire to follow what is right, God will let us know. But since we are stubborn about our own ideas and weak in succumbing to temptation, it really is in our best interest to join with like-minded children of God. Going to church and fully participating in meetings, sharing the words of prophets and our own experiences will help us to find and stay on the right path. There is way more opposition in the world than we can handle on our own. The Savior will leave the 90 and 9 to seek after His lost sheep and has asked that each of His followers do the same. However, if we are the sheep that wandered off on our own, He will not force us to go with Him and neither will His under-shepherds. If we don't want to be prey to wolves, it's best to stay with the flock and follow the Good Shepherd.