Contributing to a greater cause is fulfilling, but it requires us to set aside our ego, be modest in our expectations, and recognize the contributions of others. Alma was so committed to bring others to Christ that he wrote, "O that I were an angel!" He wanted to "speak with the trump of God, with... 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 →
What Can I Do to Feel More Joy?
When Ammon and his three brothers were reunited with their good friend Alma after fourteen years of separation, they were all filled with joy. Ammon, however, had an unusually dramatic reaction to this meeting: He was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell...to the... Continue Reading →
What Are the Roles of Persuasion and Punishment in Motivating Good Behavior?
This is the third of three posts in response to a question I received last week. The first post discussed God's love for us. The second discussed why God would "inflict" things on us. Today's post discusses the roles of persuasion and of punishment from God's perspective. The questioner wants to understand why a loving... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Abraham?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Lehi's sons risk their lives in order to obtain a set of brass plates which contains, among other things, the five books of Moses. A central character in those books is the prophet Abraham. Even though he had lived nearly 2,000 years earlier, his influence is felt... Continue Reading →
What Should I Do When I Feel Inadequate?
Nephi wrote poignantly about his failure to live up to his own expectations. "O wretched man that I am!" he said. "I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me" (2 Nephi 4:17-18). He tried to overcome his failings by willpower alone, but in the end, it was... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Complacency?
The word "complacent" doesn't appear in the Book of Mormon, but warnings against complacency are pervasive: "Arise from the Dust" Near the end of his life, Lehi pleads with his sons to "arise from the dust...and be men." He tells them to "shake off [their] chains," "put on the armor of righteousness," and "come forth... Continue Reading →
Was It a Sin for Alma to Wish He Were an Angel?
There is an unusual chapter in the Book of Mormon in which Alma reflects on his missionary experiences. Mormon quotes this passage (Alma 29) without introduction, and it is only from the text itself that we can tell it was written by Alma the Younger. For seventeen verses, Alma shares his deepest feelings, including his misgivings... Continue Reading →
Alma Desires to Speak with the Voice of an Angel – Alma 29
Setting Alma the Younger was overjoyed to be reunited with the sons of Mosiah, who he hadn't seen for fourteen years (Alma 17:1-4, Alma 27:16-19). These four friends had been with Alma when an angel appeared and called him to repentance (Mosiah 27:8-12). All five of them had changed their lives as a result of... Continue Reading →
The Success of My Brethren – Alma 29:14-16
14 But I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to the land of Nephi. 15 Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have brought forth much fruit; and how great shall be their reward! 16 Now, when... Continue Reading →
