Trusting Not In The Arm of The Flesh

In a world torn by conflicting voices and a heavy reliance on science, it has become increasingly easier to ignore scriptural injunctions and rely on one's own judgment. Religion is seen as somewhat antiquated, and many who do profess to be religious insist that the scriptures are not to be taken literally and deny personal revelation. Those who have read and believed the words in the scriptures know that these refusals are folly.

In the psalm of Nephi, he bemoans his fallen state and then rejoices that he can rely on the Lord. He refuses to "put [his] trust in the arm of the flesh" (2 Ne 4:34). What exactly does this mean? Nephi himself elaborates in the same verse: "Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm." This injunction would be familiar to those who were familiar with the Old Testament prophecies.

The arm is used as a symbol of power and is often used in the context of the Lord raising his arm against Israel's enemies (Isa. 48:14, 52:10; Ps. 89:10). Many scriptures also tell of the Lord's arm delivering the people of Israel from the Egyptians (Deut. 7:19, 2 Kgs 17:36, Jer 32:21). The wicked who use their power to oppress people are spoken of having their arms broken as a symbol of their downfall (Ps. 10:15, Job 38:15). Nephi clearly had these images in mind when he wrote his psalm.

The word flesh is most often used in the Old Testament to refer to meat; however, another scriptural notion of the word is that of mortality. As the Lord tells Noah that he will flood the earth, he refers to mankind and life in general in this sense (Gen. 6:13,17). As Moses reviews the Ten Commandments, he asks "Who is there of all flesh that hath heard the voice of the living God . . . ?" (Deut 5:26). Isaiah and Jeremiah, however, use flesh more than any other Old Testament author, describing both the state of mortality in general and the notion of mankind. Since Nephi has been most influenced by the writings of these prophets, especially, Isaiah, it is sensible to assume that his use of the word carries the same connotation.

Thus, to "trust in the arm of the flesh" means to trust in the power of mortality, the opposite being trusting in the arm of the Lord (see 2 Ne 4:34). To trust in the power of God can mean several things. It means standing as a witness for timeless truths that do not change despite the world's transforming notion of morals. It means being obedient to the Lord, having faith that the blessings he promises in the scriptures will come as a result. It means clinging to faith, even during trials, and not wavering despite the world's quickness to change philosophies.

Some Latter Day Saint examples of not relying on the wisdom of the world include tithing, keeping the Word of Wisdom, and keeping the law of chastity. While the world counsels to accumulate wealth and live luxuriously, Latter Day Saints are counseled to give one tenth of their income to the Church, keep a year's supply of food, and live modestly. The world points to the career as the most important thing in life, while Latter Day Saints recognize the family as holding that prime position. The world preaches instant gratification, pointing to high-producing drugs and sexual promiscuity as ways to happiness. Latter Day Saints choose not to tamper with these things and instead focus on worthwhile service and eternal marriages as sources of joy.

These examples are not limited solely to Latter Day Saints, and in fact are supported by scriptural accounts. When Daniel was brought to the court of Nebuchadnezzar, he refused to eat the king's meat and instead stood by what he knew to be right (Daniel 1:8). Joseph was asked by Potiphar's wife to sleep with her, and he refused (Gen 39:7-13). The wisdom of the world may have suggested that he do it, but he knew that it would be wrong to commit such a sin against God. Each of these men trusted in God, and although the situation looked somewhat bleak at the outset (see Dan 1:10, Gen 39:19-20), they were blessed as a result (Dan 1:15, 17-20; Gen 39:21-23).

Trusting the Lord also means taking sometimes unpopular stands on controversial issues. Since the Lord has taught through ancient and modern prophets that homosexuality is wrong, the Church keeps that stand. It also stands against abortion and the lasciviousness that has become more and more prominent in the entertainment industry. The world calls the Latter Day Saints old-fashioned and prude, but they know that they are standing for timeless morals and not just a passing phase.

For the early Christians, this meant allowing Gentiles into their church and treating them as equals. It was "unlawful for a . . . Jew to keep company or come unto one of another nation" (Acts 10:28). Peter saw, though, that the Gentiles were also to become part of the early Christian church. He stood by that principle, despite the people contending with him as a result. Now, nearly two thousand years after the Savior's crucifixion, Christianity can be found almost exclusively in the Gentile nations.

Faith is the most powerful example of relying on the Lord rather than on the world. In the views of science, it is absolutely illogical to believe in a Supreme Being or life after death, or to believe in the power of prayer or of laying on hands. None of these can be scientifically proven, and yet millions know they exist through faith. Nephi had the faith to follow the Lord, as opposed to his brothers who trusted more in the arm of the flesh. The brother of Jared had no secular reason to believe that the Lord would teach him how to build ships or to change the rocks so they would give off light, but he received those blessings because of his faith.

The most precious reason to follow God and "trust not in the arm of the flesh" is to gain eternal life. The world counsels to "eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die," wrongly supposing that there is nothing after this life or that God will let a bit of sin slide past (2 Ne 28:7). It supposes that great material wealth is necessary for status and happiness. This is a "false and vain and foolish doctrine," and those who subscribe to it will find themselves in trouble when they reach the final judgment. Those who put their trust in God, however, know that it is a far better way to follow the commandments, for those who do will "be lifted up at the last day" (Mosiah 23:22).

While trusting in the power of men may seem like the easy way out, scriptural records have shown that this assumption is erroneous. By trusting in God's power, Daniel, Joseph, Nephi, and others were blessed beyond measure. If Latter-Day Saints remember this and choose to follow God instead of being tossed about by every passing philosophy, they too may enjoy the blessings foretold by the prophets end eventually gain the ultimate blessing: that of eternal life.

This paper was written 13 October 2000 by Beth Siler. Please do not use without permission.

Back to Prose
Back to Writer's Corner
Back to Beth's Haven