Doctrine and Covenants 107 reveals that Adam's posterity received the priesthood at widely different ages. We are all on different spiritual timelines. There is no prescribed time to find God. Some find Him early, some later. We can all afford to be patient and hopeful, supporting one another through every phase of our journey.
A More Exceeding and Eternal Weight of Glory
God's promised rewards are both greater (more exceeding) and longer-lasting (eternal) than our current sufferings. While it's hard to maintain perspective during difficult experiences, we can remember the faith of Ammon and his brothers, who found extraordinary joy after enduring significant suffering.
Avoiding Deception
We can avoid being deceived by (1) obtaining and remembering accurate information, (2) being vigilant but not paranoid, and (3) drawing closer to God, who can enlighten our minds and help us see more clearly.
Targets of Rage
Anger is a primal emotion. It seeks a target, but it begins with pain. The stories of Lamoni's father and the unbelieving Lamanites illustrate that the target of our anger can change. It is better to calm our anger rather than act on it.
Lamoni and Religious Freedom
King Lamoni declared to his people that they were free to worship God "according to their desires." Our commitment to religious liberty is more than a legal position. It is also a declaration of intent to treat people of different beliefs with respect.
Pray to Show
Ammon's unselfish requests impressed Lamoni's father. He was astonished at the love Ammon demonstrated toward his son, and he invited Ammon to visit him. God can also help us uplift and inspire others by showing them that God loves them.
His Hands Were Steady
Not long after the children of Israel escaped from the Egyptian army through the Red Sea, they confronted a new enemy. In a place called Rephidim, they were attacked by the Amalekites. God told Moses to stand on the top of a hill and hold up his rod—the same rod that he had held over... Continue Reading →
“Another Way” – Alma 22:4
When Aaron visited the father of King Lamoni, who was "king over all the land" (Alma 20:8), the king was initially disappointed. He had invited Aaron's brother Ammon to visit him and to teach him the gospel (Alma 20:27). He was willing to speak with Aaron, but he asked why Ammon had not come with... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be a Better Missionary?
One of my daughters returned home last week from serving as a full-time missionary in Brazil. As we have heard about her experiences and seen first-hand her enthusiasm to continue sharing the gospel with others, I've asked myself this question: What can I do to be a better missionary? To answer this question, I've thought... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be More Patient with Myself?
The Book of Mormon makes it clear that patience is an attribute of Jesus Christ and that His disciples should also strive to develop that attribute. It speaks about being patient in sufferings, in tribulations, in persecutions, and in afflictions (Alma 1:25, Alma 17:11, Alma 20:29, Alma 26:27-28, Alma 31:31, Alma 34:41, Alma 60:26). Patience... Continue Reading →