Mosiah 29-Alma 4: “They Were Steadfast and Immovable” (May 25-31)

The first eight years of the reign of the judges were a difficult time for the people of Nephi and for their leader, Alma the Younger. He had been ordained a high priest by his father, Alma, who had established churches throughout the land. He also had the distinction of serving as the first chief judge under the new system of government established by King Mosiah (Mosiah 29).

During this time, he encountered a challenge to the church in the form of a man named Nehor (Alma 1). He also encountered a challenge to the government in the form of a man named Amlici (Alma 2, 3). But even more worrisome were the trends he saw among the people: contention and inequality arising from pride. In order to combat these trends, he ultimately resigned his position as chief judge and dedicated himself full-time to the role of high priest (Alma 4).

Here are some blog posts relating to these chapters:

Principles of Effective Government

• Counseling with others: By the Voice of the People – Mosiah 29:26
• Participating in the political process: That Every Man Might Bear His Part – Mosiah 29:33-34
• Being the voice of reason: Let Us Be Wise – Mosiah 29:8-10
• Holding our leaders accountable: What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Impeachment? and What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Corruption?

Nehor

• Clothing and pride: What’s Wrong with “Costly Apparel?”
• Keeping on the covenant path: They Were Steadfast and Immovable – Alma 1:25
• Ministering with priesthood power: The Preacher Was No Better Than the Hearer – Alma 1:26

Amlici

• The importance of civility: Amlici Did Stir up Those Who Were in His Favor – Alma 2:7-10
• Making our voices heard: Much Dispute and Wonderful Contentions – Alma 2:2-5
• Choosing your “spiritual employer:” Every Man Receiveth Wages – Alma 3:26-27
• Leaning toward righteousness: Whom He Listeth to Obey – Alma 3:26-27
• Intent vs. impact: They Brought Upon Themselves the Curse – Alma 3:18-19

Pride and contention

• Overcoming complacency: To Stir Them Up in Remembrance of Their Duty – Alma 4:19
• Overcoming discouragement: Nevertheless, the Spirit of the Lord Did Not Fail Him – Alma 4:15
• Letting success go to your head: Lifted Up in the Pride of Their Eyes – Alma 4:6-9
• Delegation: And This He Did That He Himself Might Go Forth – Alma 4:18-19
• The dangers of prosperity: Alma 4:12-13 He Saw Great Inequality Among the People