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 →
“I Have Been Suffered” – Mosiah 2:12
According to Mormon, God "appointed" Benjamin to be king (Mosiah 2:4). But Benjamin himself doesn't say that. He doesn't call himself the king, and he doesn't say that he was chosen by God. What does he say? Three times, he refers to himself as, "I, whom ye call your king," (Mosiah 2:18, 19, 26), suggesting that... Continue Reading →
“Grievous to Be Borne” – Mosiah 2:14
The Apostle Paul taught an important principle in his epistle to the Romans: Disciples of Christ must strive to reduce the burdens other people must bear: We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (Romans 15:1) And in his epistle to the Galatians, he emphasizes... Continue Reading →
“There Was Nothing Short of These Things…” – Enos 1:23
"He's a hard worker, and he will follow the rules—as long as you remind him constantly and give him occasional severe warnings." That's not exactly a resounding endorsement, but it's pretty much the characterization of the Nephites provided by Enos and by his son Jarom. I love very long sentences with a punchline at the... Continue Reading →
Building a City (or a Company or a Family) – 2 Nephi 5
Today, I've been pondering what we can learn from Nephi and his people when they left a contentious situation, traveled in the wilderness, and established a new city. All of us have opportunities in our lives to start something new, such as a new organization, a new project, or a new family. What did Nephi and... Continue Reading →