How Stupid Can Someone Be?

(Reference: 1 Nephi 17)

Nephi was told by the Lord to go on the mountain, and there he was instructed to build a ship.

So - he began to make tools.

He didn’t ask anyone to help - he just went to do what he believed he should do.

Laman and Lemuel came along, and saw him making tools.  They asked him what the tools were for.  

When Nephi told them, they responded this way:

Nephi’s a fool.  He think she can build a ship.  (Essentially - how stupid can you get?)

But wait.

Did Nephi ask them to decide if he was foolish or not?  Did Nephi ask for their suggestions/advice/input as to his decision?  Did Nephi’s decision to build a ship and make tools in any way impact Laman and Lemuel at that time?

No.

So - why did they choose to respond to what he was doing?

Couldn’t they have chosen to simply let him do it?  What would have been the big deal?  

So many times that happens in life.  We’re happily minding our own business and someone comes and notices us.  They then decide the “right-ness” or the “wrong-ness” of whatever it is we are doing.

Who cares?  And why?

Laman and Lemuel were literally looking at Nephi to find any excuse to call his actions wrong.  

Not a peaceful way to live.

So - when situations like that happen in your life, remember this story.  Nephi had a right to do whatever he thought was right.  You do too.  Don’t buy into the idea that you are foolish because someone else decides what you are doing is “wrong.”  Don’t lose your perspective because of someone else’s opinion.  Recognize that for what it is.  Move forward with confidence.

Don’t let anyone else’s doubts about “what stupid is” change YOU.