Helaman 12:1–6 teaches truths we must learn. If we fail to learn them, we put ourselves in jeopardy. Our memory can be unsteady, so we must have eyes to see and hearts to feel the blessings of God on a daily basis:
• He prospers His people.
• He increases their flocks and fields.
• He provides precious material things.
• He spares their lives.
• He delivers them out of the hands of their enemies.
• He softens the hearts of their enemies.
• He does all things for the welfare and happiness of His children.
Having received all of these blessings, we still harden our hearts and forget our God. Yea, we do trample under our feet the very God of Israel, our Savior Jesus Christ. Why do we do this? Is it not in many cases due to the ease of the way? It would seem that the Lord must continually chasten us in order for us to remember Him.
We become forgetful because we hearken to the words of the devil, are quick to do iniquity, slow to do good, and set our hearts upon the things of the world, thus being lifted up in pride. We are slow to remember our God, hearken to His counsels, and walk in wisdom’s path. We become less than the dust of the earth in that we do not obey our God who gave us all things (see Helaman 12:4–8). We must understand this unsteadiness so as to be prepared to resist the temptations we face, whether in prosperity or affliction. (Ed J. Pinegar)