I wrote earlier this week about the importance of acting "as for years"—treating your home, your job, and your other responsibilities as if you would have them forever, and investing for the long term. I quoted Brigham Young saying that he would continue to spend money to improve his home until the very last day... Continue Reading →
“They Separated Themselves” – Alma 17:13, 17
Within the infinite work of the Lord, we each have a finite work to do. Our efforts complement one another, enabling us to collectively reach many more of Heavenly Father's children than any of us would have been able to do alone. When the sons of Mosiah and their colleagues arrived in the land of... Continue Reading →
Declare Repentance
Both John Whitmer and his brother Peter asked God many times what they could do which would be of the greatest worth. His response to both of them was the same: The thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with... Continue Reading →
“Fellow-Servants” (Alma 17:29)
What inspires you to serve? For me, it is often seeing other people serve. Several years ago, I met a young couple in Chennai, India. They were running a school for young children who lived in a leprosy colony. After talking with them for a short time, I was struck by how happy they were.... Continue Reading →
Shepherds
King David declared, "The Lord is my shepherd" (Psalm 23:1). Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11), and He enlisted the help of His disciples in watching over His sheep. After His death and resurrection, three times in a row, He directed His senior apostle, Peter, "Feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17). Who are... Continue Reading →
“They Never Would Shed Blood More” – Alma 53:11
The Lamanites who were converted by the preaching of Ammon and his brothers had previously been "a hardened people," quick to engage in violence (Alma 17:14). After their conversion, as a symbol of their changed hearts, they buried their weapons "deep in the earth" (Alma 24:17). And this they did, it being in their view... Continue Reading →
“And Thus We See…”
Periodically, as Mormon relates the history of his people, he interrupts the narrative to share a lesson he hopes we're learning. He often begins these editorial notes with the phrase, "and thus we see." Many of these editorial notes appear during the Lamanite mission of the sons of Mosiah. Here are some of them: "And... Continue Reading →
Burying My Weapons
The Anti-Nephi-Lehies, who were converted to the gospel by the preaching of the sons of Mosiah, decided as a group to renounce violence. Encouraged by their king, they buried their weapons as a symbol of their commitment to live differently (Alma 24:6-19). The buried weapons had a very literal consequence for them shortly afterward. They... Continue Reading →
“Assuredly It Was Great” – Alma 17:14
The sons of King Mosiah began their mission with two powerful assets: desire and assurance. They wanted more than anything to share the gospel with the Lamanites, whom they considered to be their brothers, not their enemies (Mosiah 28:1-3, Alma 17:9). God had promised their father that they would be protected and successful (Mosiah 28:7).... Continue Reading →
“They Had Given Themselves to Much Prayer and Fasting” – Alma 17:3
It's easy to think of fasting as an event. It has a defined beginning—when we stop eating—and a defined end—when we start eating again. Many of us also mark the beginning and the end of the fast with a prayer. But in describing the spiritual growth experienced by the sons of Mosiah during their fourteen-year... Continue Reading →