Contention in our Souls

In Mosiah 2, King Benjamin tells us that contention is bad for the soul (v.32).  We obey the evil spirit when we contend amongst ourselves.  He then pronounces a wo unto all who listeth to obey that spirit because if he were to die in his sins, he would drink damnation to his soul.  Why?  A person who is obeying the wrong spirit does not repent of his sins.  Contention seems to connote turmoil within oneself, not having arrived at Christ's peace, continuously rebelling against good, determined to hold on to old ways, unwilling to cast off false traditions - all of this after being made aware that a change needs to be made.  This is what is meant by the phrase in verse 33, "...having transgressed the law of God contrary to his own knowledge". Contention is a state of mind opposite to a state of peace and rest.

Why does transgressing the law of God contrary to our own knowledge cause us to drink damnation to our souls?  We stop progressing in this life.  If we have a knowledge that forgiving will free our souls and continue to hold a grudge, we are contending within ourselves against our own knowledge of the right thing to do.

As we withdraw from the Spirit of the Lord we are no longer guided in wisdom's paths which is the only way to be blessed, prospered and preserved (v. 36).  Whether we like it or not, we are in open rebellion against God (v.37).

Ultimately, if a person continues down this road until he dies,  dying an enemy to God, he awakens in the afterlife with a lively sense of his own guilt.  His breast is filled with guilt, pain and anguish, and this is like an unquenchable fire (v.38). Why?  Because the demands of divine justice awakens his soul.  He knew the right path but chose not to take it.  Justice claims him and mercy has no power.

Unresolved contention in our lives ultimately ends with us being in a unhappy state.  We never took advantage of the atonement, letting go of everything that is part of an unhappy, contentious, rebellious state of mind.  Coming unto Christ brings peace and rest to our souls.  Anything contrary to this in our lives indicates that we haven't cast our burdens upon the Lord.