Joseph earned the complete trust of Potiphar and later of the prison keeper. Ammon similarly earned the trust of King Lamoni. We build trust and strengthen relationships by repeatedly making and keeping commitments until others know we are reliable. Covenants allow us to strengthen our relationship with God by building trust with Him.
“They Granted Unto Those Robbers…Lands” – 3 Nephi 6:3
Trust is always a leap of faith. When the Gadianton robbers were defeated, those who promised to stop fighting the Nephites were not only set free, they were also given the resources to build a better life. Enduring peace begins with generous trust.
That Space Between Naïveté and Paranoia
Zeniff trusted people, and the king of the Lamanites exploited that trust. His grandson Limhi was far more cautious. We need to find a balance: set appropriate boundaries and mitigate risks, but remember that trust is the lifeblood of relationships.
“Whatsoever God Hath Said Unto Thee, Do.”
It takes faith to act on revelation we have received. It also takes faith to act on revelation received by someone else. When Jacob told Leah and Rachel that an angel had instructed them to move, they responded favorably. As difficult as it might have been to leave their home, they responded, "Whatsoever God hath... Continue Reading →
Going to Egypt
I've been reflecting today on Abraham's time in Egypt. God led him to the land of Canaan and promised that his descendants would live there, but shortly after, Abraham and his family moved to Egypt, seeking relief from a severe famine. (See Genesis 12:6-10, Abraham 2:18-21.) Abraham's grandson Jacob moved to Egypt years later, again... Continue Reading →
Slippery – Helaman 13:31-36
Samuel the Lamanite warned the Nephites in Zarahemla that the time would come when they would have a hard time holding on to their possessions: The time cometh that [the Lord] curseth your riches, that they become slippery, that ye cannot hold them; and in the days of your poverty ye cannot retain them....And then shall... Continue Reading →
“Those Who Put Their Trust in Him” – Helaman 12:1
As he begins his lament about the unsteadiness and inconstancy of human beings, Mormon reiterates a core gospel principle: God is steady. God is constant. We can always rely on Him. Here is how Mormon put it: The Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him. Helaman 12:1 Some form... Continue Reading →
Why Is Steadiness Important?
Alma praised his son Shiblon for his "steadiness and...faithfulness" (Alma 38:2). He later urged another of his sons, Corianton, to observe Shiblon's "steadiness..., his faithfulness, and his diligence in keeping the commandments of God," and to follow his example (Alma 39:1). Alma had experienced firsthand the prosperity that a group of people can enjoy when... Continue Reading →
I Will Wait upon the Lord – 2 Nephi 18:17
17 And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. (2 Nephi 18:17, Isaiah 8:17) Sometimes it's hard to see God's hand in our lives. We may feel abandoned and forgotten when things aren't going well, and especially when there are dark... Continue Reading →
Tribes – 3 Nephi 7:2
2 And the people were divided one against another; and they did separate one from another into tribes, every man according to his family and his kindred and friends; and thus they did destroy the government of the land. 3 And every tribe did appoint a chief or a leader over them; and thus they... Continue Reading →