The book of Moroni consists of a series of appendices followed by a final set of exhortations. As I’ve studied this book in December, I’ve had the following insights:
1. Discipleship is about being, not just doing.
Moroni’s father, Mormon, says that we can’t even give a good gift without being good. (See Moroni 7:10.) For Mormon, being good means having real intent. Insincere prayers and gifts fail to change us because we insulate ourselves from the Savior’s transformative power. But as we pour our souls into acts of kindness and worship of God, we open our hearts to receive His grace which enables us to actually become good.
That’s why Mormon identified meekness and lowliness of heart as the foundation for other virtues, like faith, hope, and charity. Meekness clears a lot of clutter out of our lives, because we’re focused on accomplishing things instead of trying to look like we’re accomplishing things.
2. We need to be good receivers.
Near the beginning of his book, Moroni declares, “I…will not deny the Christ” (Moroni 1:3). In his final chapter, he urges us to “deny not the power” nor “the gifts of God” (Moroni 10:7-8).
We receive God’s power and gifts when we are willing to ask for help and when we recognize and are grateful for the help He sends. As Moroni assures us, we can be sanctified only by receiving God’s grace and denying not His power. (See Moroni 10:33.)
3. The sacrament enables us to practice focusing on what matters most.
Even though the ordinance of the sacrament is so brief, it’s easy for our minds to wander. We can use that sacred time to turn our thoughts to God, to recognize and be grateful for His hand in our lives, and to particularly remember the blessings we have received because of the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The opening words of the sacrament prayers can help us focus our minds. In contrast to the word “Oh,” which signals surprise, the word “O” indicates rather formally whom you are addressing. The expression “O God” appears frequently in the book of Psalms. When it appears in the Book of Mormon, it indicates a prayer of special intensity or earnestness. When we remember that context, we can respond with more intentional and heartfelt participation in the ordinance.
4. God can help us identify and accentuate positive traits in others.
Mormon explained to a congregation that a lack of miracles may indicate a paucity of faith. But he quickly added, “I judge better things of you, for I judge that ye have faith in Christ because of your meekness” (Moroni 7:39). We can follow his example by seeking God’s help to recognize and accentuate positive attributes and accomplishments in others.
5. The gospel fills us with joy, and we can share it with enthusiasm.
Moroni paraphrased two passages of Isaiah to emphasize the joy which the gospel of Jesus Christ brings into our lives. When we recognize what the Savior has done for us, we will engage more fully with life and set aside harmful things. We will plan for a hopeful future and act as though that future is already in our grasp. As a result, He will help us overcome every obstacle, and He will fulfill every promise He has made to us.
That’s why Isaiah urged us to shout the message of the gospel from the mountaintops. That’s also why the shepherds who heard good tidings of great joy from an angel “made known abroad” what they had heard and seen. (See Luke 2:17-18.)
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