Korihor had a persuasive argument against the church: Members consistently obeyed church leaders; therefore, church leaders must be exercising inappropriate authority over the members. In Korihor's defiant words: I do not teach this people to bind themselves down under the foolish ordinances and performances which are laid down by ancient priests, to usurp power and... Continue Reading →
How Can I Delegate More Effectively?
After leading his family away from their home in Jerusalem, Lehi sent his four sons back on a dangerous mission. They knew it would be difficult, and more than one of them complained about the assignment. But Lehi handled the situation well: He provided context for the request. "I have dreamed a dream, in the which... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be a More Effective Leader?
We are all leaders, whether we have a formal position of authority or not. We all have the opportunity to influence others and to inspire them to positive action. Here are some principles of effective leadership I have learned from the Book of Mormon: "I trust there remaineth an effectual struggle to be made." Great... Continue Reading →
What Was the Title of Liberty?
Captain Moroni was appalled at the listless response of his people to a serious threat to their freedom. A year earlier, he had led the Nephite armies to victory over an enormous invading army. His forces had been victorious because they were "inspired by a better cause" than their enemies (Alma 43:45): To support their... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Taxes?
The Book of Mormon speaks about the tax policies of five leaders. Two of them worked to minimize taxes on their people, while the other three imposed exorbitant taxes on their people, with predictably catastrophic results. King Benjamin reported to his people at the end of his life that he had labored with his own... Continue Reading →
Why Is Jesus Called “the Good Shepherd?”
Jesus provides gentle and dedicated leadership. He leads by invitation, not by compulsion, and He invites us to follow His example, becoming shepherds of other people.
To Stir Them Up in Remembrance of Their Duty – Alma 4:19
19 And this he did that he himself might go forth among his people, or among the people of Nephi, that he might preach the word of God unto them, to stir them up in remembrance of their duty, and that he might pull down, by the word of God, all the pride and craftiness... Continue Reading →
I…Did Cause My People to Be Industrious – 2 Nephi 5:15-17
15 And I did teach my people to build buildings, and to work in all manner of wood, and of iron, and of copper, and of brass, and of steel, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious ores, which were in great abundance. 16 And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I... Continue Reading →
Having Great Hopes and Much Desire – Alma 7:1-3
1 Behold my beloved brethren, seeing that I have been permitted to come unto you, therefore I attempt to address you in my language; yea, by my own mouth, seeing that it is the first time that I have spoken unto you by the words of my mouth, I having been wholly confined to the... Continue Reading →
Lessons from Chapters About Government in the Book of Mormon
During the month of May, I studied chapters in the Book of Mormon which discuss governments: the characteristics of good governments, the characteristics of good leaders, what we can do to contribute to good governments, and how to avoid activities which damage governments. I focused on the following stories: Nephi, Zeniff, and Jared establish new... Continue Reading →