The Book of Mormon contains many sermons. Some were delivered to hostile audiences, some to congregations of believers, and some to audiences of one. The interesting point to me is that the sermons to very small audiences, generally a father talking to one of his children, are not materially different from the sermons delivered to... Continue Reading →
What Are Secret Combinations?
I wrote yesterday that responding to guilt appropriately is essential for our eternal happiness. Anything which encourages us to ignore our feelings of guilt is harmful to us in the long run. As Alma warned his son Corianton, "Ye cannot hide your crimes from God; and except ye repent they will stand as a testimony against... Continue Reading →
What Should I Do When I Feel Guilty?
Today, I spent some time looking at the passages in the Book of Mormon that talk about guilt. Here is what I learned: There is a human tendency to suppress feelings of guilt. We know intuitively when we have done something wrong, but because feelings of guilt are unpleasant, we often ignore or deny them... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be a Better Father?
Today is Father's Day, and I'm thinking about what I can do to be a better father. Here are ten principles the Book of Mormon teaches about being an effective father: 1. Give your children assignments, and trust that they can complete them. Behold I have dreamed a dream, in the which the Lord hath... Continue Reading →
Ye Cannot Hide Your Crimes from God – Alma 39:7-8
7 And now, my son, I would to God that ye had not been guilty of so great a crime. I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good. 8 But behold, ye cannot hide your crimes from God; and except ye repent they will... Continue Reading →
Cross Yourself in All These Things – Alma 39:9-10
9 Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross yourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and cross yourself... Continue Reading →
Acknowledge Your Faults – Alma 39:12-13
12 And now the Spirit of the Lord doth say unto me: Command thy children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many people to destruction; therefore I command you, my son, in the fear of God, that ye refrain from your iniquities; 13 That ye turn to the Lord with all... Continue Reading →
Cross Yourself in All These Things – Alma 39:9
9 Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross yourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and cross yourself... Continue Reading →
Alma 39:4 This Was No Excuse For Thee, My Son
4 Yea, she did steal away the hearts of many; but this was no excuse for thee, my son. Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted.(Alma 39:4)Excuses are damaging to us precisely because they obstruct repentance at its origin. The first step of repentance is recognition. It is impossible for us... Continue Reading →