Principle: In the premortal world, all of God's children had the opportunity to progress, including Jehovah who surpassed the composite capacities and achievements of all Heavenly Father's children.
Read: 1 Nephi 8:16 - 1 Nephi 8:38
Verses 23 and 26 introduce a few of the obstacles encountered on the strait and narrow path. There is opposition in all things, both in this life and in the premortal world. God allows obstacles in our lives so that as Abraham teaches, we may "prove" that we will do "all things the Lord" shall command (Abraham 3:24-25). In what ways is there a connection between obstacles and personal improvement?
Joseph Smith taught, "God himself, finding he was in the midst of spirits and glory, because he was more intelligent, saw proper to institute laws whereby the rest could have a privilege to advance like himself. The relationship we have with God places us in a situation to advance in knowledge. He has power to institute laws to instruct the weaker intelligences, that they may be exalted with himself" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 210).
What does Lehi and Joseph Smith teach you about God's desire for you?
Read Doctrine and Covenants 138:55-56 and look for how you were prepared to fulfill Heavenly Father's desire for you. In what ways can the understanding of God's desire and your preparation impact your daily decisions?
Neal A. Maxwell shared "In intelligence and performance, [Jesus Christ] far surpasses the individual and the composite capacities and achievements of all who have lived, live now, and will yet live! (See Abr. 3:19)" (Neal A. Maxwell, "O, Divine Redeemer," Ensign, Nov. 1981, 8). Bruce R. McConkie also related, "Being subject to law, and having their agency, all the spirits of men, while yet in the Eternal Presence, developed aptitudes, talents, capacities, and abilities of every sort, kind, and degree. During the long expanse of life which then was, an infinite variety of talents and abilities came into being. ... The Lord endowed us all with agency; He gave us laws that would enable us to advance and progress and become like Him; and He counseled and exhorted us to pursue the course leading to glory and exaltation. He Himself was the embodiment and personification of all good things. Every desirable characteristic and trait dwelt in Him in its eternal fullness. All of His obedient children started to become like Him in one way or another. There was as great a variety and degree of talent and ability among us there as there is among us here. Some excelled in one way, other in another. The Firstborn excelled all of us in all things" (Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah, 4 vols. [1979-81], 1:23).
What do these two apostles teach us about Jehovah's unique attributes in the premortal world?
