After telling the tragic story of Amlici, Mormon shared two lessons: 1. Everyone who is cursed chooses that curse. 2. Everyone will ultimately be paid by the one they chose to follow. God empowers us to make choices and to be accountable for those choices
Civility
When church members were being persecuted, they were urged not to reciprocate. As we interact with people who disagree with us, we can practice civility by being good listeners, framing our positions noncontentiously, and showing genuine love for others.
King-men
Why would a person vote to eliminate their own freedom? I've been intrigued the past couple of weeks by the children of Israel, who insisted on having a king, even after the prophet Samuel warned them of the terrible consequences of this decision: Their children would suffer, they would lose control over their possessions, and... Continue Reading →
The Voice of the People
When the prophet Samuel was old, he tried to appoint his sons to succeed him as leaders over Israel. But the Israelites were not willing to follow his sons, and they requested that he appoint a king. Samuel was troubled. He didn't think it wise to give one person that much power, and he thought... Continue Reading →
King-Men and Freedom of Speech
Words matter. Words have an impact, for good or for evil. Jesus said, "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account thereof in the day of judgment" (Matthew 12:36). And Alma warned the people of Ammonihah, some of whom were guilty of deceiving others, "Our words will condemn us" (Alma 12:24).... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach about Elections?
Shortly before his death, in about the year 91 B.C., King Mosiah announced to his people that he would have no successor. None of his sons wanted to be king, and he had been horrified to hear about the suffering caused by an unrighteous king named Noah. To prevent such a situation arising again, Mosiah... Continue Reading →
“Having Prayed Mightily” – Alma 2:28
As a Nephite army led by Alma struggled to defend their country against an insurgency led by a man named Amlici, they were alarmed to discover that the insurgents had joined forces with their enemies, and that the combined army was marching toward their capital city. They were terribly outnumbered, but they had an important... Continue Reading →
“Every Man According to His Mind” – Alma 2:5
Lehi taught his sons that they were free to make choices—including choices which would reduce that freedom. He urged them to choose liberty, not captivity (2 Nephi 2:26-29). About five years after King Mosiah abolished the monarchy and established a government "by the voice of the people" (Mosiah 29:26), a man named Amlici tried to... Continue Reading →
How Can I Recognize the Hand of the Lord in My Life?
After warning the people of Jerusalem of their imminent destruction, Lehi was commanded by the Lord to take his family out of the city into the wilderness (1 Nephi 2:1-2). He had to defend this decision many times as the family undertook a difficult journey across the land and the sea to a promised land... Continue Reading →
How Does the Lord Strengthen Us?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi affirms that God will take care of the people who strive to obey Him. Nephi listed three ways that God does this: "He doth nourish them" - helps them maintain their physical and spiritual health "and strengthen them" - empowers them to do things they couldn't... Continue Reading →