Alma 36-38: “Look to God and Live”

After leading the mission to the Zoramites, Alma returned to his home in Zarahemla. He was troubled about the spiritual health of his people, and he wanted his three sons to continue the work of the ministry. So, he met with each of them individually to give them a personal “charge” (Alma 35:15-16).

These individual meetings could be called “interviews,” “sermons,” or “lessons.” Mormon referred to them as “commandments.” He provided the following title for each: “The commandments of Alma to his son ______.”

This week, we will study the first two of these meetings. Next week we will study the third. Here are my summaries of the first two:

1. Alma Teaches Helaman – Alma 36-37
2. Alma Teaches Shiblon – Alma 38

Here are some blog posts about these chapters:

What can we learn from Alma’s example in teaching his children?

• Talk to your children, listen to your children, share spiritual experiences, and testify: How Can I Teach the Gospel More Effectively in My Home?
• Express confidence in your children and praise their positive attributes: I Trust that I Shall Have Great Joy in You – Alma 38:2
• Take the long view; don’t expect instant results: I Remembered Also to Have Heard My Father – Alma 36:17-19

What did Alma teach Helaman?

• You’ll make better decisions if you are aware of the consequences of your actions: If Thou Wilt of Thyself Be Destroyed – Alma 36:8-11
• Remember that Jesus calms storms—external and internal: My Soul Was Filled with Joy – Alma 36:18-21
• God will support us in our trials; He won’t always take away our trials: Alma 36:3 Whosoever Shall Put Their Trust in God
• It’s important to learn how to follow the Holy Ghost: What Is the Liahona?
• Governed by reason, not by emotion: What Does It Mean to Be Sober?
• A pattern for personal prayer: What Does It Mean to “Counsel with the Lord?”
• Three functions of the scriptures: They Have Enlarged the Memory of This People – Alma 37:8-10

What did Alma teach Shiblon?

• Avoid senseless busyness: What Does It Mean to “Refrain from Idleness?”
• You earn people’s trust through reliable behavior: Why Is Steadiness Important?
• Exercise restraint and self-discipline: What Does It Mean to Be “Temperate in All Things?”
• Be both assertive and collaborative: How Can I Be Bold Without Being Overbearing?
• Channel and govern your emotions: What Does It Mean to “Bridle All Your Passions?”