Are we increasing other people's burdens or lightening them? That's a pretty good heuristic for many of the decisions we make. Jacob and his family thrived in Egypt, with the support of his son Joseph, who was governor over the land, second only to Pharaoh. (See Genesis 41:40-41.) But a few generations later, a new... Continue Reading →
Sequential Creation
God created the earth in stages. That's how He described the process to Abraham and to Moses. Here is His description of the process, as given in Genesis 1, Moses 2, and Abraham 4: Stage (Day)Task(s)Scripture References1Create lightDivide light from darknessGenesis 1:3-5Moses 2:3-5Abraham 4:3-52Create an expanse or firmament (the atmosphere) Divide waters on the ground... Continue Reading →
“Build Up Cities”
When the Lord warned Nephi to flee from his brothers, he did not go alone. He took with him everyone who "believed in the warnings and the revelations of God" (1 Nephi 5:5-6). They traveled many days in the wilderness and chose a place to settle, where they constructed buildings, planted crops, and established a new community.... Continue Reading →
Be a Light
Jesus said, "Ye are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). To His disciples on the American continent, He phrased it as an imperative: "I give unto you to be the light of this people" (3 Nephi 12:14). God had previously given a similar message to the prophet Isaiah: I will also give thee for... Continue Reading →
Gifts and Callings – Moroni 3:4
Near the end of the Book of Mormon, Moroni describes how priesthood authority was given. After explaining the process, he adds two significant points: It was done "according to the gifts and callings of God unto men."It was done "by the power of the Holy Ghost" (Moroni 3:4). When Joseph Smith was instructed to establish... Continue Reading →
The Jaredite Generations
Thirty generations in fifteen chapters: in the Book of Ether, Moroni provides a sweeping history of the rise and fall of a civilization. At first glance, the book appears to be the story of the Jaredite people from the perspective of their kings. But upon closer consideration, it becomes clear that the narrative follows a... Continue Reading →
“Perceiving Their Intent” – Alma 43:48
Captain Moroni was a successful military leader partly because of his emotional intelligence. He made it a point to observe the "intent" of the enemy and the "intent" of his own troops. For example: As Moroni knew the intention of the Lamanites, that it was their intention to destroy their brethren, or to subject them... Continue Reading →
Finding Our Amuleks
After being forced to leave the city of Ammonihah, Alma saw an angel who commanded him to go back. The angel didn't explain how things would be different this time, just that he should return and preach to the people of Ammonihah again. In response, he returned "speedily" (Alma 8:8-18). Arriving at the city, Alma... Continue Reading →
Regulate – Mosiah 26:37
To "regulate" something is to govern it using rules (Merriam-Webster). The word comes from the Latin word regula, which refers to two kinds of rule: Literal: a straight piece of wood, used as a guide to draw a straight line Metaphorical: a standard of behavior, used as a standard to ensure consistent conduct While serving... Continue Reading →
“That I Might Rid My Garments of Your Blood” – Mosiah 2:27-28
Blood on our clothing is a metaphor for unresolved sins at the Final Judgment. Alma asked the people of Zarahemla, "How will any of you feel, if ye shall stand before the bar of God, having your garments stained with blood and all manner of filthiness?" (Alma 5:22). He urged them to turn to the... Continue Reading →