Laman and Lemuel are complainers. And they sure give Lehi, Nephi, and Sam a hard time for being righteous. Why do they continue to make poor choices even after seeing an angel? I think it is because they do not have testimonies. Nephi tells us that “they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them” (1 Nephi 2:12). That sounds like a lack of testimony to me. Sam, on the other hand, believes Nephi and we never hear about him murmuring.

In Chapters 3 and 4, we see what a strong testimony can do for you. Nephi has one, so it is no problem for him to go back to Jerusalem to get the brass plates. Sam doesn’t seem to have a problem with the trip either. But, Laman and Lemuel? More murmuring. After a few failed attempts at getting the brass plates, Laman and Lemuel decide to take it out on Nephi and Sam. An angel stops them, but as soon as the angel is gone they start murmuring again! That just goes to show you that just because you see an angel doesn’t mean you’re converted. The most powerful witness comes from the Holy Ghost.

When the last and final attempt to recover the plates is made, Nephi finds himself alone. He is told by the Spirit to do something pretty difficult–slay Laban. I imagine you would have to have a pretty solid testimony to follow such a prompting from the Spirit. Nephi has that testimony and is successful in completeing his mission.

Within the first few verses of chapter 1, Nephi tells us:

“And I know that the record which I make is true.”

Nephi testifies to us from the very beginning that because God is merciful he has provided a way for us all to be redeemed. Nephi even clearly tells us his purpose in writing his record in verse 20:

“I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.”

Do you believe Nephi? It may help you to not murmur.

---