2 Nephi - Chapter 31

I love that Jesus asks nothing of us that He is not willing to do Himself.  It is significant that these specific doctrines are taught by Nephi to his people.  These doctrines overlaid on the Law of Moses show that pre-meridian people were not limited to the fundamental law, if and when they are willing to live the higher law.  Clearly, the higher law that Jesus introduced in Palestine was thoroughly introduced prior to that time with select and selected people.

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ."

I love this counsel.  I will always be grateful for the discovery that the greatest problem I had in overcoming my addictive behaviors was that I was trying to hide my self and my problem for God.  Now if I was accused of this I would have said my accuser was silly.  Anyone knows you can really hide from God.  Still we do it all the time.  That was the first thing Adam and Eve did after their transgression and it is commonly what we all do when we sin.  Being willing to openly approach God with our problems, however embarrasing, is utterly vital to putting them aside. I will always appreciate a story Sister Cheiko Okasaki told about a dream a lady had in which Jesus came for a visit.  Her house was unkempt and dinner yet to be prepared.  When Jesus arrived she asked him to sit in the tidy living room while she cleaned the kitchen and fixed the meal.  Jesus sought to come help, but she resisted.  She didn't want Him to see her mess.  When He eventually prevailed she found that He was wonderful company and wonderfully helpful and capable in helping her clean and prepare.  So it is with me.  I too commonly try to keep God in the tidy parts of my life, instead of inviting Him in to help clean up the mess.  Keeping God in the tidy parts of my life is what I think Nephi was saying when he asks us not to act and hypocrisy or deception before God.  I know He can only clean up my life so far as I let Him in to do so.