Jeremiah highlighted the faithfulness of the Rechabites to the practices established by their ancestor Jonadab. In contrast, the converted Lamanites had to set aside the traditions of their fathers when they accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can cherish the best of our inherited culture while participating fully in the culture of Christ.
The Fear of the Lord Had Come Upon Them
Fear isn't always a bad thing. King Benjamin taught his people to always remember God's greatness and their nothingness. Enos worked to keep his people "in the fear of the Lord." When coupled with trust, that fear transforms from despair into confidence, because God responds with mercy and grace.
Samson
Samson squandered his gifts with brash and vindictive decisions. Even his final, God-given burst of strength was destructive. The Book of Mormon provides similar stories with alternate endings: Alma and Amulek emerging from a wrecked prison, Nephi and Lehi converting their captors. Samson's tragedy comes into sharper relief when we see what might have been.
Wholesome Recreational Activities
Character is revealed by what we do in our free time. The Book of Mormon and modern prophets warn against idleness and teach that happiness and fulfillment come as we fill our leisure time with wholesome recreational activities.
How to Endure Well
God told Joseph Smith that if he endured well, he would be exalted. Enduring well includes (1) doing what we can within our constraints, (2) learning from the experience, (3) continuing to fulfill our duties and move toward eternal goals, (4) trusting God's timetable, and (5) being patient.
Being More Careful
Lyman Sherman wanted to understand his duty better. The Lord's response was for him to "be more careful" in fulfilling the things he had already promised to do. None of us is perfect, but we can choose to be more careful and thoughtful as we participate in the activities of discipleship.
Convinced of Our Ungodly Deeds
The Greek word "elegcho" has no exact English equivalent. It means to bring a fault to light, awakening an internal desire to correct it. When the Savior told John Murdock that He comes to "convince" us of our ungodly deeds, He meant that He will show us our faults so that we want to repent.
“Defend It”
Helaman's army recognized that some things are worth fighting for, even though their parents had made an oath of pacifism. Most of us rarely face physical threats, but we all have opportunities to defend the truth and the vulnerable.
War and Peace
Some principles for dealing with conflict from the Book of Mormon: 1. Disciples of Christ promote peace. 2. We have a duty as citizens to uphold the law. 3. Some things are worth fighting for. 4. Comfort and bless those who are harmed by conflict.
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.