Throughout the Book of Mormon, people who are responsible, disciplined, and serious are referred to as "sober." Nephi and Jacob both tell us that they taught the gospel with soberness (1 Nephi 18:10, Jacob 6:5). Jacob explains that God expected him to "magnify [his] office with soberness" (Jacob 2:2). King Benjamin urged his people to... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to “Counsel with the Lord?”
Every time we pray, we face a paradox. On the one hand, we know that God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). We are imperfect mortals with limited perspective attempting to communicate with a Being who knows infinitely more than we do. On the other hand, He has commanded us to pray to... Continue Reading →
What Is the Urim and Thummim?
Shortly after the Lord confounded the language of people at the tower of Babel and scattered them "upon the face of all the earth" (Genesis 11:9), a group of people led by a man named Jared and his brother traveled to the American continent. As they prepared to board barges to cross the sea, the... Continue Reading →
What is the Relationship Between Faith and Humility?
faith - Complete trust or confidence in someone or something humility - The quality of having a modest or low view of one's importance (Oxford Dictionary) Are the attributes of faith and humility in conflict with each other, or is there at least some tension between them? Faith motivates courageous action. Humility restrains us from... Continue Reading →
They Have Enlarged the Memory of This People – Alma 37:8-10
8 And now, it has hitherto been wisdom in God that these things should be preserved; for behold, they have enlarged the memory of this people, yea, and convinced many of the error of their ways, and brought them to the knowledge of their God unto the salvation of their souls. 9 Yea, I say... Continue Reading →
Not Without a Shadow – Alma 37:43-45
43 And now, my son, I would that ye should understand that these things are not without a shadow; for as our fathers were slothful to give heed to this compass (now these things were temporal) they did not prosper; even so it is with things which are spiritual. 44 For behold, it is as... Continue Reading →
Never Be Weary of Good Works – Alma 37:34
34 Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.(Alma 37:34)There's a simple formula in this verse for happiness.Don't ever get tired of doing good. Be humble. What a great combination! There are always good things to do. If we can... Continue Reading →
Therefore, I Shall Forbear – Alma 37:11-12
11 Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me; therefore I shall forbear.12 And it may suffice if I only say they are preserved for a wise purpose, which purpose is known unto God; for he doth counsel in wisdom over all his works, and his paths are straight, and his course... Continue Reading →
God Has Entrusted You with These Things – Alma 37:14-16
14 And now remember, my son, that God has entrusted you with these things, which are sacred, which he has kept sacred, and also which he will keep and preserve for a wise purpose in him, that he may show forth his power unto future generations.15 And now behold, I tell you by the spirit... Continue Reading →