Recognizing the boundaries of our knowledge is an important element of self-awareness and a prerequisite to wise decision-making. Nephi opens the Book of Mormon with a testimony of its truthfulness: I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge.1... Continue Reading →
“He That Will Hear My Voice” – Mosiah 26:21
In a September 1829 revelation, the Savior explained to Joseph Smith His relationship with us and with all of God's children. He said He would gather people like a hen gathers her chicks, "even as many as will hearken unto my voice" (Doctrine and Covenants 29:2). He said He is our advocate with the Father.... Continue Reading →
Do Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly
In the last general conference, Elder Dale G. Renlund encouraged us to follow this counsel from the prophet Micah in order to understand what more we can do to draw closer to God: What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?Micah 6:8 Alma gave a similar admonition to his... Continue Reading →
“They Were Also Admonished” – Mosiah 26:39
Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.Ecclesiastes 4:13 When Alma organized the church at the waters of Mormon, he ordained priests to teach the people. But these priests weren't given carte blanche, to speak on any topic they wanted. Alma instructed them... Continue Reading →
“No, Not One” – Moroni 10:25
Psalms 14 and 53 are nearly identical, and both paint a depressing picture of humankind. The author begins by pointing out the folly of denying the power of God: "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." Then, the author appears to attribute that folly to everyone: They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.Psalm... Continue Reading →
Three Ways the Savior Turns Our Weaknesses Into Strengths – Ether 12:27
When Moroni expressed his anxiety that his "weakness in writing" would cause some people to reject the Book of Mormon, the Savior responded with a reassuring promise: If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me;... Continue Reading →
“Lay Down Your Weapons of War” – Mormon 7:4
After describing the final battle in which his people were destroyed, Mormon writes a final testimony and admonition to the descendants of his enemies, the Lamanites. He had led his armies in battle against the Lamanites for nearly 60 years, but he had also spent significant time studying and summarizing the thousand-year history of his... Continue Reading →
“The Strength of the Lord” – Mormon 2:26
Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.Jeremiah 17:5 I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust... Continue Reading →
Alma’s Advice to Shiblon
I love the passages in the epistles of Paul where he offers rapid-fire advice: a series of pithy statements, any one of which would be worth a sermon, but which, taken together, describe the character of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Two examples of these passages are Romans 12:9-21 and 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22. Alma's charge to his... Continue Reading →
Sometimes… – Alma 32:13
Alma tells a group of poor Zoramites that it's a good thing they are excluded from the synagogues. Why? Because that unfair treatment has made them humble, and humility can prepare us to receive God's mercy (Alma 32:12-13). But Alma adds an important qualifier: "sometimes." Humility, particularly imposed humility, doesn't always lead to mercy and... Continue Reading →