Moroni thought he was done. He had already written his final testimony twice (Mormon 9:30-37, Ether 12:38-41), and he apparently considered his father’s book complete after summarizing the history of the Jaredites in the book of Ether.
But the Lord had other plans. Some time after completing the record, Moroni returned and reported, “I have not as yet perished. … Wherefore, I write a few more things” (Moroni 1:1, 4).
How grateful we are for those “few more things!” They include a description of how Jesus gave his disciples priesthood authority (Moroni 2), how those disciples ordained other priests and teachers (Moroni 3), how the sacrament was administered (Moroni 4, Moroni 5), and how the church was governed (Moroni 6).
What’s the lesson for us? When you think you’re done, you might not be. Just because you’ve achieved a significant goal doesn’t mean that you’ve done all that God wants you to do. Keep your eyes open and be prepared for your next opportunity to serve. It may be new, or it could be a continuation of your prior service. Either way, we can follow Moroni’s example of letting God’s will prevail over our own expectations and plans.
Here are some other lessons I’ve learned from these chapters:
Outline
Key Themes
- There ought to be things that we value more than life itself.
- Priesthood authority is bestowed by the laying on of hands.
- Callings and priesthood offices bring order into the church, our families, and our lives.
- The sacrament prayers consist of a petition, a statement of purpose, and a set of promises.
- Church members strengthen and sustain one another in their efforts to become true disciples of Jesus Christ.
Connections
- In his epistle to the Romans, Paul used the phrase “gifts and callings” to indicate that God has given all of us talents and skills, and He has missions for all of us to fulfill. (See Romans 11:29.) Similarly, Moroni indicated that priests in ancient America were ordained “according to the gifts and callings of God unto men” (Moroni 3:4).
- Paul counseled church members in Corinth to include a variety of activities in their worship services. (See 1 Corinthians 14:26.) Moroni likewise listed songs, sermons, lessons, and prayers as activities performed in the church, all under the direction of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 6:9.)
Applications
- When time unexpectedly becomes available, spend it wisely.
- Remember people’s names, and use them properly and respectfully.
- Look for the ways you can use your unique gifts to bless and serve other people.
- Partake of the sacrament conscientiously.
- Qualify for the ongoing companionship of the Holy Ghost by continuously fulfilling the requirements for baptism.
Recommended Posts
- What Does It Mean to Be Ordained?
- What Are “Gifts and Callings of God?”
- Where Did the Sacrament Prayers Come From?
- What Can We Learn from the Differences Between the Sacrament Prayers?
- Why Is It Important for Us to Gather with Other Believers?
- Why Is Jesus Called “the Author and the Finisher of Our Faith?”
Blog Posts: December 3-8
“I…Will Not Deny the Christ”
Mormon and Moroni warned us not to deny the Christ. Moroni refused to deny Jesus, even though that refusal placed his life in danger. We can also avoid denying Christ by receiving his power and gifts, forgiving others, and honoring His representatives.
Laying On of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost
Jesus gave His disciples power to give the Holy Ghost. Moroni clarifies that this was to be done by the laying on of hands, which was also the practice inJerusalem. How amazing that God trusts His children with power to give this divine gift to others!
Repentance and Remission of Sins
Moroni tells us that priests were charged with preaching “repentance and remission of sins.” Repentance is an invitation; remission of sins is an assurance. Because of Jesus, we can let our old selves go. We don’t have to be burdened by our sins any more.
“O God…”
The expression “O God” is characteristic of the Old Testament, and particularly the book of Psalms. The few times it appears in the Book of Mormon, it conveys a special earnestness. So, it’s fitting that the sacrament prayers would begin with those words.
“That They May Do It in Remembrance”
The sacrament gives us the opportunity to practice focusing our minds on what matters most. The prayers teach us what we should think about during that time: the Savior’s atoning sacrifice and our own commitment to the basic duties of discipleship.
Meeting Together Oft
Jesus instructed church members to meet together oft. Moroni explained that church members followed that practice. They seemed less concerned about the logistics of those meetings and more about strengthening relationships through frequent interactions.
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