“Therefore Repent”

Mormon’s final message to the Lamanites has a two-part structure. First, he lists for them a number of things he wants them to know:

“Know ye…”

1. “…that ye are of the house of Israel.”
2. “…that ye must come unto repentance, or ye cannot be saved.”
3. “…that ye must lay down your weapons of war, and delight no more in the shedding of blood, and take them not again, save it be that God shall command you.”
4. “…that ye must come to the knowledge of your fathers, and repent of all your sins and iniquities, and believe in Jesus Christ” (Mormon 7:2-5).

He goes on to teach them about the resurrection and the redemption which Jesus Christ has made available to them. After reviewing all of these important truths which he wants them to know, Mormon extends an invitation to act:

Therefore repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus, and lay hold upon the gospel of Christ,

Mormon 7:8

The paradigm is simple: knowledge leads to action. In an earlier message to the Gentiles, Mormon follows a similar pattern:

Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power, and at his great command the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll?

Therefore, repent ye, and humble yourselves before him,

Mormon 5:23-24

I’ve been thinking today of similar patterns of knowing and doing in my life: truths I know which naturally lead to action. Here are a few:

• I know that strong family relationships bring joy. Therefore, I will reach out to family members and spend time with them.
• I know that I am more productive and happy when I am physically healthy. Therefore, I will exercise regularly.
• I know that good books enlighten my mind. Therefore, I will read.
• I know that God can help me do His work well. Therefore, I will fulfill my callings with confidence.

Of course, the most important knowing-doing pair is the one Mormon emphasized in the passages above:

• I know that the Savior has made it possible for me to change. Therefore, I will choose to do better and be better every day.

Today, I will remember that knowledge leads naturally to action. As I remember the most important truths I know, I will find ways to convert those truths into practical actions I can take immediately.