Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi declares God's standard regarding racism, sexism, and other types of unrighteous discrimination: He inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the... Continue Reading →
What Should I Do About Economic Inequality?
Earlier this week, I wrote about how wearing "costly apparel" can distract us from caring for the poor and the needy. Yesterday, we discussed the Lord's expectation that we be responsive to the needs of the people around us. The Book of Mormon also talks about these principles on a larger scale: social classes, wealth... Continue Reading →
How Do I Know If I’m Worthy to Take the Sacrament?
Immediately after introducing the sacrament during His visit to the American continent, the Savior gave a warning to the twelve disciples whom He had chosen: they should be careful not to allow people to participate in this sacred ordinance unworthily. Ye shall not suffer any one knowingly to partake of my flesh and blood unworthily,... Continue Reading →
They Had All Things in Common – 4 Nephi 1:2-3
2 And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another. 3 And they had all things... Continue Reading →
They Had Become Exceedingly Rich – 4 Nephi 1:23-26
23 And now I, Mormon, would that ye should know that the people had multiplied, insomuch that they were spread upon all the face of the land, and that they had become exceedingly rich, because of their prosperity in Christ.24 And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to be among them... Continue Reading →
There Was No Contention in All the Land – 4 Nephi 1:15-18
15 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.16 And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be... Continue Reading →
“Partakers of the Heavenly Gift” – 4 Nephi 1:2-3
2 And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another.3 And they had all things common... Continue Reading →
According to the Multitude of the Promises – 4 Nephi 1:11
11 And they were married, and given in marriage, and were blessed according to the multitude of the promises which the Lord had made unto them.(4 Nephi 1:11)The Savior's ministry to the ancient inhabitants of America changed the people who interacted with Him forever. Later in this chapter, Mormon tells us that there was no... Continue Reading →
Vain Like Unto Their Brethren – 4 Nephi 1:42-44
42 And it came to pass that the wicked part of the people began again to build up the secret oaths and combinations of Gadianton.43 And also the people who were called the people of Nephi began to be proud in their hearts, because of their exceeding riches, and become vain like unto their brethren,... Continue Reading →
Costly Apparel – 4 Nephi 1:24-25
24 And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the fine things of the world.25 And from that time forth they did have their goods and... Continue Reading →