2 Nephi 9 or SMILE!

Remembering that this scripture had such simple meaning to me as a youth made me smile, smile at my naivete. I used to read over this & the only thing I ever got from it was:
39 O, my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in transgressing against that Holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally–minded is death, and to be spiritually–minded is life eternal.--smile

(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:39)

Now, I read it and don't know where to start. Given, that phrase has all but changed me from a pessimistic, sarcastic person to someone with hope, who attempts (and usually can) see the good coming out of things. This change was no small feat. Speaking of point of view, I found another verse in this chapter that made me think:
20 O how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:20)

A wee bit of that new-fangled quantum physics here? Hmmm? Maybe not, but this is my blog & I can think whatever I want. My thoughts are not canonized. For future reference, the theory I'm speaking of is one that states that what you observe is what is real, since at the sub-atomic level, everything is the same.

However, there is also a warning with this scripture, and I think it's a good one, reminding us that we need to be listening to our God, however it is he speaks to us, and not assuming we know how things will come about based on our studies. God, or the world around us, does give us what we seek...just not always how we envisioned it happening. When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:28)

Another thing that jumped out at me was the high importance of baptism. Really, baptism by immerssion is not just a suggestion, or an old ritual, it is three things: a commandment, a covenant, and an ordinance. Many things God gives us are one or the other of these, but baptism by immerssion (as Christ was baptized, our perfect example) is really utmost. 23 And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:23)