Alma’s words of counsel and testimony to his sons Helaman and Shiblon teach us important gospel principles. From his conversion experience, which he shared with both sons, we learn that God is always there for us and that salvation is available through Jesus Christ. (See Alma 36:5-23, Alma 38:6-8.) From Alma’s conscientiousness as he entrusts the plates to Helaman, we learn that God’s commandments are strict, and that we ought to be diligent in keeping them. From his admonition to Shiblon, we learn the importance of humility in conduct, teaching, and prayer.
Here are some other lessons I’ve learned from these chapters:
Outline
- Alma 36 – Alma teaches Helaman that God supports those who trust Him. As an example, he shares his own conversion story.
- Alma 37 – Alma gives Helaman the sacred records of their people with a charge to keep them safe.
- Alma 38 – Alma rejoices in Shiblon’s steadiness and faithfulness and counsels him to avoid pride.
Key Themes
- God will always be there for you.
- The Savior can not only heal us personally, but that He can also heal people we have harmed.
- Scripture can help us in multiple ways: enhancing our memory, helping us improve, and teaching us how to come unto Christ.
- The word of Christ will lead us safely on our journey just as the Liahona led the family of Lehi safely to their promised land
Connections
- Both Alma and Paul experienced sudden and miraculous conversions to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Peter told Simon that he was in the “gall of bitterness.” Alma used the same phrase to describe his state before being saved by Jesus Christ.
- Paul counseled church members in Galatia and Thessalonica not to be “weary in well doing.” Alma encouraged Helaman to teach their people the same principle.
Applications
- Think carefully about the consequences of your actions.
- Ask God for advice about the decisions you need to make today.
- Express confidence in the people you lead and teach.
- Discipline yourself, work hard, and be humble.
Recommended Posts
- What Is the Liahona?
- What Do We Know About the Jaredite Plates?
- How Can I “Use Boldess, but Not Overbearance?”
- What Does It Mean to “Bridle All Your Passions?”
Blog Posts: July 30-August 4
“The Easiness of the Way”
Sometimes, the best solution to a problem is the simplest one. Making small, incremental improvements consistently can be much more powerful than trying to fix everything at once. Alma said, “Do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way.”
He Has…and He Will
Remembering how God has helped us in the past can strengthen our faith that He will help us in the future. Alma reviewed with his son Helaman the ways that God had sustained and delivered him, and then testified, “He will still deliver me.”
“My Mind Caught Hold”
In Lehi’s dream, people “caught hold of…the rod of iron,” which led them to the tree. After an angel rebuked Alma, his mind “caught hold upon” the thought that Jesus could save him. We can figuratively catch hold of this truth in our moments of darkness
Exquisite
Alma described his pain and his joy using the same word: exquisite, which means “in the highest degree.” Lehi taught that we cannot feel joy if we feel no misery. Maybe our sorrows expand our hearts, making room for us to feel more joy.
Born to Know
Alma told Helaman and Shiblon that he could not have understood the gospel without being changed, born of God. God can not only give us knowledge, but He can also transform us and elevate our consciousness, so that we can understand what He is teaching us
Shiblon’s Challenge
Alma’s admonitions to Shiblon have a common denominator: Be more self-aware. Recognize when you are motivated by pride. Channel your energy in more positive directions. Be careful not to substitute other people’s perceptions for reality.
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