We can overcome significant roadblocks, resistance, and even personal failures when we know that we are building something important. Joseph Smith asked, "Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" Mormon likewise taught that Captain Moroni's armies prevailes because they were "inspired by a better cause."
What Do You Delight In?
Mormon said his people "delighted in everything save that which is good." When we delight in something, we immerse ourselves in it and savor it. So what delights you, and how can you adjust your actions and attitudes to be more delighted by good things?
Fasting unto God
Have you ever done something that seemed altruistic, but you later realized it was actually pretty self-serving? Maybe you gave a compliment which indirectly made you look good. Or you gave a gift which allowed the recipient to serve you. After the Babylonian captivity, the Lord spoke to the people of Jerusalem through the prophet... Continue Reading →
A Better Cause
The first time that we hear about Captain Moroni is when he leads the Nephite armies to victory against Zerahemnah's Lamanite army. As the narrator, Mormon makes it a point to contrast the motivations of these two armies: [Zerahemnah's] designs were to stir up the Lamanites to anger against the Nephites; this he did that he might usurp great... Continue Reading →
What Is Priestcraft?
Is it okay to do the right things for the wrong reasons? Near the end of his writings, Nephi issues a serious warning: We must not participate in priestcraft. Here is his description of what that means: Behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they... Continue Reading →
If All Men Had Been…Like Unto Moroni – Alma 48:11-13, 17
11 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;12 Yea, a man whose heart did... Continue Reading →
A Better Cause – Alma 43:45-47
45 Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church.46 And they were doing that which they felt was... Continue Reading →
Like Dragons Did They Fight – Mosiah 20:11
11 And it came to pass that the people of Limhi began to drive the Lamanites before them; yet they were not half so numerous as the Lamanites. But they fought for their lives, and for their wives, and for their children; therefore they exerted themselves and like dragons did they fight.(Mosiah 20:11)When your motives... Continue Reading →
It Was Because…the Nephites Went Up – Mormon 4:4
4 And it was because the armies of the Nephites went up unto the Lamanites that they began to be smitten; for were it not for that, the Lamanites could have had no power over them.(Mormon 4:4)Our motives determine our decisions. The Nephites wanted vengeance. This unrighteous motivation caused them to overreach, to initiate a... Continue Reading →
They Have Their Reward – 3 Nephi 13:1-4
1 Verily, verily, I say that I would that ye should do alms unto the poor; but take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father who is in heaven.2 Therefore, when ye shall do your alms do not sound a... Continue Reading →