Mosiah was done with the monarchy. He had heard the stories of suffering caused by King Noah. He had translated the Jaredite records, which contained countless stories of violence and instability as people sought to overthrow the king. And none of his own sons were willing to be king.
So he proposed to his people a new form of government, led by judges appointed “by the voice of the people” (Mosiah 29:25-26).
The people agreed, but their first chief judge, Alma, had a very difficult 8-year term. He had to preside over the murder trial of a charismatic teacher named Nehor, lead the army to overcome an insurrection led by a man named Amlici, and deal with increasing incivility among a population polarized between church members and unbelievers.
Finally, Alma, who was also the leader of the church, decided that the government role was too much. He resigned his position as chief judge in order to dedicate himself full-time to the ministry.
Here are some lessons I’ve learned from these chapters:
Outline
- Mosiah 29 – Mosiah proposes a new form of government, with judges chosen by the people.
- Alma 1 – Nehor, a popular religious teacher, kills Gideon and is sentenced to death.
- Alma 2 – Amlici leads an attempted insurrection and is defeated by Alma’s army
- Alma 3 – Amlici’s followers “curse” themselves, marking their foreheads red to distinguish themselves from the Nephites.
- Alma 4 – Alma resigns as chief judge to focus on his role as high priest
Key Themes
- God will fulfill all His promises, even while respecting the agency of His children.
- Our choice is not really whether to obey but whom we will obey.
- Adversity can remind us what is really important and motivate us to do better.
- The Lord is not pleased with social classes and economic inequality.
- Freedom of speech cannot be unlimited in an organized society.
Connections
- When the Israelites asked the prophet Samuel to appoint a king, God said, “Hearken unto the voice of the people” (1 Samuel 8:7-9). Many years later, King Mosiah abolished the monarchy, declaring that decisions ought to be made “by the voice of the people” (Mosiah 29:26).
- Jesus defended Mary’s choice of activity by saying that she had chosen “that good part” (Luke 10:41-42). Alma similarly chose to prioritize spiritual things over temporal ones when he resigned as chief judge.
Applications
- Counsel with the people you lead, instead of imposing decisions on them.
- It’s important to participate in the political process, hold our leaders to a high standard of integrity, and peacefully accept the outcomes of elections.
- Be generous and avoid being distracted by worldly measures of success.
- Prioritize your use of time and be careful not to overcommit.
Recommended Posts
- How Can I Manage Time More Effectively?
- What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Corruption?
- Lessons from Chapters About Government in the Book of Mormon
Blog Posts: June 4-9
Equal Rights, Shared Responsibilities
Mosiah wanted his people to have equal rights and privileges. They understood that rights and responsibilities are interconnected, and they accepted not only new freedoms but also increased accountability for their actions.
Obeying, Honoring, and Sustaining the Law
After King Mosiah’s death, the people were obligated to obey the law which they had accepted. In a democracy, we are governed by law, not by individuals. Disciples of Christ have a responsibility to not only obey but also honor and sustain the law.
Civility
When church members were being persecuted, they were urged not to reciprocate. As we interact with people who disagree with us, we can practice civility by being good listeners, framing our positions noncontentiously, and showing genuine love for others.
Every Man [and Woman]
After telling the tragic story of Amlici, Mormon shared two lessons: 1. Everyone who is cursed chooses that curse. 2. Everyone will ultimately be paid by the one they chose to follow. God empowers us to make choices and to be accountable for those choices
Awakened
After defeating the Amlicites, the Nephites were devastated and “awakened to a remembrance of their duty.” We can easily fall into a spiritual slumber if we are not careful. We need to engage regularly in activities which help us awake unto God.
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