Number 2

This is one if my favorite numbers. It's main meaning is that of opposites or opposing forces. Opposition in all things. One image that comes to mind is the scales of justice. Two sides to it, never more. There needs to be a balance between the two sides of mercy and justice. Actually with the scales of justice we hope it is tipped more on the side of mercy than having a complete balance. Though we do know that the demands of justice need to be met. Good thing Christ met those demands. Sounds weird to say that we need a balance between good and evil though. I don't think I need a balance of evil. We don't need to do a bad thing for every good thing we do. So the scales of justice only work as a symbol to a certain extent. But I believe we do need a balance of happiness and misery. The story of Adam and Eve gives us that same idea. The Book of Mormon clarifies the story quite a bit. It says Adam had no joy for he knew no misery. There must be a contrast so we have something to compare it to. 2 Nephi chapter 2 is a fantastic chapter to read about the law of opposition in all things.

Some symbols come to mind when I'm thinking of the number 2. I enjoy the duality if some symbols.  Two opposing meanings to 1 object or image. Here's a few examples:

A tree. Tree of life vs tree of knowledge of good and evil

The swastika. A symbol for good fortune. This is why Hitler chose it. But now it brings feelings of hatred and anger to mind when seen.

The serpent. Satan in the garden of Eden, and Christ risen as the brazen serpent by Moses.

I'm sure there are plenty others, but those are the ones that come to mind. Another one I just thought of is the inverted 5 pointed star. Many view it as a satanic symbol, but it is anciently a symbol for Christ, the Morning Star.

I am curious about why it has to be 2? Why is opposition 2, not 3? Or more? It's choose God or satan, good or evil. Why not Good, evil, or mediocrity? Or God, satan, or man? It really does come down to one of 2 choices. Not one of 3 or 4. You either choose to be with God or against Him.

It makes it simpler. Not so many choices to choose from. It's like going to buy a car and your choices are a red one or a yellow one. That's it. All cars are the same, just pick your color. 

So really, we just need to pick our side. Who do we choose to follow? And yes it's a choice. We choose to follow satan or we choose to follow God. It hit me pretty hard when I read it in a book called "The Compound Effect" that everything we do is a choice. Sitting and watching tv instead of doing work or attending to our family duties is a choice. You made the choice to sit and do nothing. You are where you are in life because of choices.

Let's, if we haven't yet, sit down and consciously choose who we are going to follow. Once that decision is made, all other choices to follow will be easier to make. 

Remember when you read the scriptures that they don't always say the number 2 when they are using it as a symbol. You can see it in the way they right, for example "man is free to choose liberty and eternal life...or to choose captivity and death." No mention of the number two but it is implied in the available choices.

There needs to be an opposition to all things. This is an eternal and unchangong law. Which in turn makes the number 2 a very powerful number.