Words matter.
Korihor not only confused people by preaching false doctrines, he also motivated them to commit sinful actions. (See Alma 30:18.) Appropriately, his career came to an end when he was struck dumb and could no longer speak. (See Alma 30:49-50.)
When Alma learned that the Zoramites were becoming radicalized and feared that they would form an alliance with the Lamanites, he chose to combat this trend by assembling a team of missionaries and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. In his experience, “the preaching of the word…had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than…anything else, which had happened unto them,” so he decided to “try the virtue of the word of God” (Alma 31:5).
When we disagree with other people, we need to remember that words can have a powerful influence for good or evil. Like Alma, we can trust in the power of true principles to motivate positive behaviors which lead people closer to God.
Here are some other lessons I’ve learned from these chapters:
Outline
- Alma 30 – A charismatic preacher named Korihor denies the existence of spiritual things and accuses church leaders of oppressing church members. He challenges Alma to show him a sign and is stricken dumb.
- Alma 31 – Alma assembles a team to preach to the Zoramites. They are horrified at the heartless and arrogant prayer the Zoramites offer on a tower in the synagogue called the Rameumptom. In response, Alma offers a humble and heartfelt prayer for their efforts.
Key Themes
- If we reject valid methods of gaining knowledge, then we restrict our ability to learn.
- All things bear record of God, and spending time with His creations brings us closer to Him.
- The devil has no loyalty to us, and he won’t reward our loyalty.
- When people are misguided, it is better to teach them than to attack them.
- Effective prayers are humble and personal expressions of love and faith.
Connections
- Mormon explained that the Nephites’ commitment to freedom of speech was based on a passage from the Old Testament: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24:15). (See Alma 30:7-9.)
- The Savior’s parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, which contrasts an arrogant prayer with a humble one (Luke 18:10-13), mirrors the descriptions of the Zoramites’ prayer and Alma’s prayer in Alma 31.
Applications
- As a leader, seek to persuade rather than compel, and use your authority to benefit the people you lead.
- Be careful what you say, because you may come to believe the things you teach.
- Pray for the success of other people, not only for your own success.
Recommended Posts
- Korihor and the Closing of the Nephite Mind
- How Can I Tell When Authority Is Being Used Improperly?
- What Lessons Can We Learn from the Prayer on the Rameumptom?
Blog Posts: July 16-21
Anti-Christ, Anti-Repentance
Korihor was “Anti-Christ” because he denied the existence of Christ. He also denied the reality of sin, but he actually knew better. He later said, “I always knew that there was a God.” Deception is contrary to our nature. Our Father is a God of truth.
Strictness
God’s commandments are strict. Korihor thought this meant that we lack freedom. But God’s strictness is not an attempt to subvert our agency. It is a vote of confidence in us, a vision of what we can become, with His help.
A Lying Spirit
The prophet Micaiah told Ahab that his false prophets were filled with a lying spirit. Alma used the same phrase to describe Korihor. Many people choose to say whatever benefits them personally. We should listen to people who are willing to tell the truth
Swords and Words
The Zoramites used words that demean and divide. Alma used words and uplift and unite. He knew that outreach and persuasion are more effective than combativeness and confrontation. Our words should recognize the value of others and bring them together.
Take No Thought
Jesus taught that we should avoid distractions and focus on the things that matter most. He promised that God will help us meet our needs if we focus on doing His work. Alma and his colleagues did just that, and “the Lord provided for them”
Prayers and Pride
Alma lamented the memorized prayer of the Zoramites, which was an expression of pride. We can make our prayers more humble by thinking of others, acknowledging our weakness, recognizing context, focusing on service, and being receptive to guidance.
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