This verse gives us a key to understanding some of the differences between Nephi and his two older brothers: Nephi sought the Lord early and earnestly and found him; Laman and Lemuel would not so much as begin the spiritual odyssey (see 1 Nephi 15:8-9). Nephi could view things (good and bad, blessings and trials) from an elevated perspective; Laman and Lemuel continued to refuse the vantage point of higher ground.
“Great Desires to Know of the Mysteries of God”
Those who are in tune with the Spirit of the Lord seek to gain the mind of the Lord and to know all that God will have them to know. Such persons delight in things of righteousness and thrill in the acquisition of new truths; they hunger and thirst after righteousness.
Abraham speaks of himself as a “follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge” (Abraham 1:2). His ambitions and aspirations in this vein should be the pattern for all those counted worthy of rising up and calling him father.
Modern revelation affirms that the obtaining of the mysteries of God is a joyous cause which brings joyous results. Christ explained that “unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water springing up unto everlasting life” (D&C 63:23).
Further: “If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal” (D&C 42:61: italics added; cf. 76:5-10). The Lord, who well knows each person’s “bearing capacity,” wisely gives tender tutorials, timely and timeless truths which are individually suited and intimately appropriate.