Teaching by analogy/story

1 Nephi 8 is a parable about life. Lehi is shown a vision of the tree of life as well as the many obstacles and temptations that exist. These items all represent other things that exist in real life. Essentially, Lehi was shown a play by God that helped him better understand life and the decisions that his children would make.

This is very interesting that God would choose to show a story/parable to teach about life and the decisions people make. He was able to boil down decisions into very clear outcomes. He also captured many of the reasons people don't make good decisions. It's an incredible way to show how life works.

I think the placement of this parable helps to show an important way to teach. We can help people understand by telling applicable stories that teaches principles or puts things in context. Most everyone's life fits into the tree of life story and it can give us something to shoot for while also let us know that there are temptations and obstacles.

I hope you enjoy this parable as it appears quite helpful in giving us perspective on life.