In the next life, we will either be received into a state of peace and joy called paradise, or we will be cast out into a state of sorrow and pain. To enter that state of paradise, we must be changed by the grace of God.
Faith and Unforced Humility
Alma taught the Zoramites that it's better to humble yourself than to be compelled to be humble. He also said that choosing to have faith is better than waiting for knowledge. Spiritual growth depends upon personal initiative. We grow by exercising agency
You Can Do This!
Alma taught the humble Zoramites how to turn to God, and he expressed faith in their ability to do so with God's help. "All this can ye do if ye will," he said. Modern church leaders have expressed the same sentiment: You can do this!
Poor in Heart
Mormon characterized a group of people who were receptive to Alma's teaching as "poor in heart" because of temporal poverty. We don't have to be poor to be humble, but we can be grateful when challenging circumstances make us receptive to God's grace.
Looking Forward with An Eye of Faith
Alma invited the people of Zarahemla to "look forward with the eye of faith" to the resurrection and the Final Judgment. First, we visualize. Then, we act. Finally, with God's help, we see with our eyes what we had previously seen with "the eye of faith."
Where Is He?
What did the wise men know? They knew they had seen a star, which indicated that the Messiah had been born. They didn't know exactly where to find him. But they were willing to exercise faith, acting on the knowledge they had and trusting God to send more
Her Perfect Work
"Let patience have her perfect work," says James. When you go through a trial, remember that it will end when its purpose is accomplished. Let the trial do its job, proving you and stretching you as part of God's plan for your happiness.
More Blessed
There are many things we can do which will be a blessing for us and for others. We should do them. Sometimes, there is an opportunity to stretch ourselves even more, in ways that will bring us even more happiness. We should take advantage of those too.
“They…Stopped Their Ears”
When Stephen told the Sanhedrin that he saw Jesus standing on the right hand of God, "they cried with a loud voice, and stopped their ears." It can be difficult to hear messages that require us to change, but if we refuse to listen, we fail to progress.
Knowing and Doing
Some things we can learn by observation, but others are learned only by personal experience. Jesus taught, "If any man will do [God's] will, he shall know of the doctrine." Discipleship requires practice. We learn by doing.