What would you do if you had indisputable evidence that someone was a prophet? Would you follow their guidance? Would you be like the five Nephites, who believed when they saw Nephi’s prophecy fulfilled, and who were subsequently converted in prison? (See Helaman 9:5, 39.) Would you be like many other Nephites, who were more interested in debating whether Nephi was a prophet or a god than in actually listening to him? (See Helaman 9:41, Helaman 10:1.) Or would you be like the people who “notwithstanding that great miracle which Nephi had done…did harden their hearts and did not hearken unto the words of the Lord” (Helaman 10:13), at least not until a famine endangered their lives. (See Helaman 11:7-8.)
Unfortunately, as Mormon points out, this story illustrates a sad reality of human nature: When things are going reasonably well, we tend to take credit for it and turn away from God. It is only when times get tough that we recognize our weakness and turn to Him for help. But we can overcome that tendency. We can intentionally remember Him, follow His guidance, and repent. If we do so, He will save us. (See Helaman 12:23.)
Here are some other lessons I’ve learned from these chapters:
Outline
- Helaman 7 – Nephi preaches to his neighbors from a tower.
- Helaman 8 – God gives great power to individuals, including Moses and Abraham.
- Helaman 9 – Nephi reveals the death of the chief judge and identifies his murderer.
- Helaman 10 – God gives Nephi the sealing power.
- Helaman 11 – Nephi initiates a famine, then ends it when the people repent.
- Helaman 12 – Editorial note: Mormon laments the unsteadiness and pride of man.
Key Themes
- When we sin, we turn away from God. Repentance consists in turning back toward Him.
- God can empower you to accomplish great things if you have faith in Him.
- Our testimony can rely on multiple types of evidence.
- Adversity can motivate us to turn our hearts to God.
- God will not only deliver us from our afflictions but will also support us in our afflictions.
Connections
- The ancient prophet Ezekiel pleaded with his people, “Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11). Nephi made the same plea to his people: “O repent ye, repent ye! Why will ye die? Turn ye, turn ye unto the Lord your God” (Helaman 7:17)
- God gave the prophet Elijah the power to seal the heavens. (See 1 Kings 17:1.) He gave the same power to Nephi, telling him that whatever he sealed on earth would be sealed in heaven. (See Helaman 10:5, 7; see also Matthew 16:19.)
Applications
- Don’t let your external circumstances, whether positive or negative, define you.
- Beware of arguments that become personal.
- Take time to ponder, to focus your mind on things of eternal importance.
- Resist the temptation to slow down or to give up when you have important work to do.
- Don’t take for granted the blessings you receive or take credit for them.
Recommended Posts
- What Is the Sealing Power?
- What Should I Do When I’m Worn Out?
- Mormon Laments the Foolishness of Man – Helaman 12
Blog posts: September 3-8
For Our Welfare and Happiness
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught that the first great truth of the gospel is that God loves us. Mormon testified that God does “all things for the welfare and happiness of his people.” It’s reassuring to know that God is actively working for our happiness.
Knowing “Of Myself”
Both Alma and Nephi testified that they had received knowledge directly from God which they could not have gained on their own. These testimonies encouraged their listeners to open their hearts and receive the knowledge that only God can give.
Home
Three lessons about our homes from the Book of Mormon: 1. We need a place of peace and security for ourselves and for our families. 2. We ought to invite other people into our homes. 3. Sometimes, we need to leave our homes and serve people where they are
On Seeing and Believing
The old adage “Seeing is believing” isn’t always true. We are very good at rationalizing away inconvenient facts. We need to follow the example of the five Nephites who ran to the judgment seat to test Nephi’s prophecy, and “when they saw they believed.”
Stronger and Stronger in Humility (or Pride)
Our spiritual fitness improves gradually through consistent effort. Church members in Helaman’s time grew “stronger and stronger in their humility” as they engaged in fasting and prayer. Later, they grew “stronger and stronger in pride” through negligence
The Sealing Power
Nephi taught that we should focus on eternal treasures, not temporary ones. God promised that whatever he sealed on earth would be sealed in heaven. God has made it possible for us to enter into permanent covenants with Him and with other people.
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