“And I have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls.”

Lehi’s exhortation to his son(s) to come into Christ ends with this powerful and sobering declaration.

Can we really say likewise that our only object is eternal life for ourselves and others? Speaking personally, I know that I often have that desire, but I can’t say it is my soul desire. Sometimes, the desire to read about politics, or play a level in a video game, or simply do nothing is more powerful than my desire to do things that are eternally significant. I know that my desires are often on the things of the world even as I aspire for eternal things. Lehi’s words are a valuable reminder that we should set our hearts more fully on the things of eternity and less on the things of the world.