Every Man [and Woman]

When King Mosiah introduced a new system of government to his people, shared accountability was a key principle. He wanted to remove inequality, so that “every man [and woman] may enjoy his [or her] rights and privileges alike” (Mosiah 29:32). Instead of one person (the king) trying to solve every problem, “the burden should come upon all the people, that every man [and woman] might bear his [or her] part” (Mosiah 29:34). In response, they “became exceedingly anxious that every man [and woman] should have an equal chance throughout all the land; yea, and every man [and woman] expressed a willingness to answer for his [or her] own sins” (Mosiah 29:38).

So it’s not surprising to see Mormon emphasizing individual accountability as he relates the events which followed. Less than five years into this new system of government, a man named Amlici tried to overthrow it and become king. (See Alma 2:1-10.) He was ultimately unsuccessful, but the insurrection he led resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people: men, women, and children. (See Alma 2:19, Alma 3:1-3.) After telling this tragic story, Mormon leaves us with two lessons:

1. “I would that ye should see that they brought upon themselves the curse; and even so doth every man that is cursed bring upon himself his own condemnation” (Alma 3:19, emphasis added). Mormon wants us to understand that the Amlicites voluntarily placed a mark on themselves which separated them from their brothers and sisters. More importantly, the decision to join this violent faction and the consequences of that decision belonged to each one of them personally. No one forced them to enlist in Amlici’s army.
2. “Every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey” (Alma 3:27, emphasis added). Speaking of their eternal rewards, Mormon pointed out that there is a direct connection between the decisions they made in this life (whom they listed to obey) and the “wages” which they would receive in the next life. They chose their loyalties, so they shouldn’t be surprised at the nature of the rewards.

Obviously, we are all subject to forces beyond our control. There isn’t always a direct connection between our decisions and their consequences, at least not in the short run. But Mormon wants us to internalize this principle of personal accountability and trust in our God-given agency, that because of His grace, we really are empowered to make choices, and we can therefore be accountable for the results of those decisions. (See 2 Nephi 2:27-29.)

Today, I will be grateful for the gifts of agency and accountability. I will take responsibility for my actions, believing that God will bless me as I strive to follow Him.