How would it feel to be Moroni—living in hiding because all of your family and friends have died, constantly vigilant, knowing that your enemy will kill anyone that will not deny the Christ (Moroni 1:2-3)? As he wrote a history of the Jaredite people, he must have felt a particular kinship with Ether, the last of the Jaredite prophets, who “dwelt in the cavity of a rock” because the people “sought to kill him” (Ether 13:13-14, 18, 22).
What a vantage point to teach about faith! As Moroni and Ether teach us that “faith is things which are hoped for and not seen” (Ether 12:6), we can envision both men, centuries apart, engraving a record for future generations whom they can only see “with an eye of faith” (Ether 12:19).
Their words and their examples can inspire us to keep going, to keep fulfilling our missions in life, even when we don’t see the tangible outcomes in the short run.
Here are some additional lessons I’ve learned from these chapters:
Outline
Key Themes
- We can overcome feelings of inadequacy by knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for us.
- God shows us our weakness in order to help us improve.
- Hope is a characteristic of faith. It is also an outcome of faith.
- We can help build the New Jerusalem by promoting unity, holiness, and charity.
- A strong sense of community is essential for our collective prosperity and safety
Connections
- The apostle Paul listed numerous examples of faith in Hebrews 11. This list has been called the “Faith Hall of Fame.” Moroni provides a similar list, using examples from the Book of Mormon, in Ether 12.
- Enoch and Ether both prophesied that God’s people would build a New Jerusalem, even though they predated the first Jeruselam. (See Moses 7:62, Ether 13:4-6.) John the Revelator also prophesied about this New Jerusalem. (See Revelation 3:12, Revelation 21:2.)
- When the apostle Paul struggled with feelings of inadequacy, the Lord reassured him with these words: “My grace is sufficient” (2 Corinthians 12:9). When Moroni expressed similar concerns, the Lord responded with the same affirmation. (See Ether 12:26.)
Applications
- Speak up for what you know is right.
- Don’t be myopic. Think about the long-term consequences of your actions instead of focusing on the immediate desire for victory.
- Don’t procrastinate repentance. The earlier you choose to repent, the sooner you will begin to receive the blessings of the Lord.
- Spend time on the things that matter most, and avoid being distracted by things of lesser importance.
Recommended Posts
- Why Is It Important to Know That God’s Grace Is Sufficient?
- What Are Some Examples of Faith in the Book of Mormon?
- Pyrrhic Victories
Blog Posts: November 26-December 1
Faith Comes First
Moroni wasn’t impressed with Ether’s people. They refused to believe anything they couldn’t see. What’s admirable about that? Faith is admirable. It’s a choice to believe in an environment of uncertainty. It’s the patience to wait for promised blessings.
Strengthening the Foundation of Our Faith
Moroni, Alma, and Paul all indicate that faith involves hoping for something which you can’t see. Paul adds that faith is the foundation or evidence for that hope. We build faith by having more experiences with God and by doing things which require faith.
Gratitude and the Book of Ether
We learn the following from the book of Ether about gratitude: 1. Be grateful even in difficult circumstances. 2. Express gratitude promptly. 3. We make better decisions when we remember our blessings. 4. Remembering God’s blessings gives us confidence.
Ether’s Courage
Ether was unpopular because of the truths he shared. He had to hide in the cavity of a rock, and even after that, he went back to call the king to repentance. Integrity can be lonely, but we need to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s not popular.
Who Can Stand?
The Jaredites cried, “Who can stand before the army of Shiz.” God warned the ancient Israelites not to say things like that, because the answer is simple: He can. With God as an ally, no obstacle is insuperable and no person is invincible.
“He Began to Remember”
Coriantumr refused to respond to prophetic warnings from Ether for a long time. When he finally saw the wisdom in those warnings, it was too late to avoid the consequences of his unwise decisions. It is so much better to heed warnings and repent early!
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