2 Nephi 5:5-9

In these verses in Chapter 5 the Lord warns Nephi to take all those that would follow him and flee into the wilderness. They were to flee from the wickedness and evil of his brothers Laman and Lemuel.

There are times when it is necessary to physically flee from evil. Then there are times when we are not physically able to flee from wickedness. Here is a quote from Elder Richard G. Scott on how to protect ourselves:

"God has provided a way to live in this world and not be contaminated by the degrading pressures evil agents spread throughout it. You can live a virtuous, productive, righteous life by following the plan of protection created by your Father in Heaven: His plan of happiness. It is contained in the scriptures and in the inspired declarations of His prophets…

"Avoid worldly wickedness. Know that God is in control. In time, Satan will completely fail and be punished for his perverse evil. God has a specific plan for your life. He will reveal parts of that plan to you as you look for it with faith and consistent obedience. His Son has made you free – not from the consequences of your acts, but free to make choices. God's eternal purpose is for you to be successful in this mortal life. No matter how wicked the world becomes, you can earn that blessing. Seek and be attentive to the personal guidance given to you through the Holy Spirit. Continue to be worthy to receive it. Reach out to others who stumble and are perplexed, not certain of what path to follow" (Ensign, May, 2004, 100, 102).

I love how he says that the Lord created a plan of protection for us! Might I suggest that it could be summed up into one word: OBEDIENCE.
Over and over again in the scriptures we learn that those who are obedient are blessed and prospered, those who are disobedient are cut off from the Lord – they cut themselves off through their disobedience.

That is the lesson I'm striving to teach my students this year – Obedience brings freedom and blessings – Disobedience brings captivity and heartache. This is the lesson I'm striving to teach my children and my grandchildren through my example. I pray the Lord will bless me and strengthen me as I strive to be obedient!