Ammon was overwhelmed by joy when he and his brothers were reunited with Alma. We need to govern our emotions but not stifle them. Some emotions are meant to be felt fully, without reservations or bashfulness. God is pleased when we feel pure joy.
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.
Abide in Your Calling
Paul urged the Corinthian saints to stay focused on their current callings and not to be distracted by opportunities that aren't currently theirs. It can be hard to maintain our focus, but we will find joy in doing what we have been called to do right now
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.
The Spirit Is Willing
When Peter and the other apostles disappointed Jesus, He acknowledged their good desires. "The spirit is willing," He said, "but the flesh is weak." We can follow His example by giving people credit for their positive desires even when they disappoint us.
“Is It I?”
There is a human tendency to see faults in others and to ignore or rationalize away our own faults. To overcome this tendency, we need to ask introspective questions like: Is it I? What lack I yet? What is keeping me from progressing?
“Is Your Eye Evil Because I Am Good?”
In the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, the people who had worked all day were angry because those who worked far less were paid the same. Their employer questioned their envy: Why should you feel bad when something good happens to someone else?
Rise to the Call
Callings can be challenging. They can stretch us in unexpected ways. They can make us uncomfortable or anxious. They can also reveal latent talents, spark new relationships, and expand our perspectives. Moses was hesitant to accept the call to free his people from bondage. "Who am I?" he asked the Lord (Exodus 3:11). Enoch protested... Continue Reading →
Sweet Is the Work
Based on: Psalm 92 Core message: Simplifying our service will increase our happiness. Related Book of Mormon passage: Alma 29:9
Cyrus
About a hundred years before the Babylonian Captivity, Isaiah described how it would end. He named a specific individual who would send the people back to Jerusalem and support them in rebuilding the temple: Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb...That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to... Continue Reading →