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.
“It Is Not in Me”: Joseph’s Humility
Joseph didn't take credit for his gift of dream interpretation. Instead, he gave credit to God. Ammon did the same when King Lamoni marveled at his power. When we give credit to God, we remind ourselves and others of the source of our gifts.
The Heaven and the Earth
Faith in God can begin with a sense of wonder at His creations. Nephi, Benjamin, Ammon and Aaron, Jesus, and Moroni all emphasized the Creation as a basis for belief in God.
The Endowment
An endowment is a special gift intended to sustain someone or something in perpetuity. In 1834, the Lord promised church members that they would be able to accomplish more after receiving an endowment of knowledge and power in His temple. This blessing is available to all of us in temples today.
“Hold Your Peace”
The phrase "hold your peace" means to remain silent and calm. The Lord instructed Joseph and Hyrum Smith to hold their peace in 1829. A number of people in the Book of Mormon remained silent for long periods of time. We can often communicate more effectively and feel less anxious by slowing down and not rushing to speak.
Anti-Christ, Anti-Repentance
Korihor was "Anti-Christ" because he denied the existence of Christ. He also denied the reality of sin, but he actually knew better. He later said, "I always knew that there was a God." Deception is contrary to our nature. Our Father is a God of truth.
“Aaron Hath Told Me”
The world rewards cynicism, but the Lord rewards trust. Lamoni's wife believed the words of Ammon with no other evidence. Lamoni's father prayed, "O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God." We invite His power into our lives when we trust Him.
The Plan of Salvation
God has a fabulous plan for us. Book of Mormon prophets call it by various titles, including the plan of happiness, the plan of redemption, and the plan of salvation. As Patrick Kearon observed, these titles remind us that God intends to save us.
Mercy
1. God is merciful. 2. He extends "arms of mercy" toward us. 3. The Savior's bowels are filled with mercy because of what He suffered. 4. He earned the right to offer us mercy. We claim that mercy by repenting. 5. Mercy is central to God's plan for us.
I Am a Man
It is impossible to be objective about ourselves, but we ought to try. Throughout the scriptures, prophets remind themselves and others that they are human. Alma, Nephi, Ammon, and Peter all used some version of the phrase "I am a man" to emphasize this.