Jephthah and Amalickiah both made rash promises, and both paid a tragic price. Jephthah lost his daughter; Amalickiah lost his life. No wonder the Savior would later counsel His disciples on both continents, "Swear not at all; ... but let your communication be Yea, yea; Nay, nay, for whatsoever cometh of more than these is evil."
Joshua’s Twin Admonitions
Two admonitions function as bookends to the book of Joshua: "Be strong and of a good courage," and "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve." The stripling warriors in the Book of Mormon demonstrate that these admonitions are complementary and mutually reinforcing.
Girt with Truth
Telling the truth isn’t always easy, but it beats the alternative. Paul taught that honesty is like a belt which holds our spiritual armor in place. God is perfectly truthful, and the Anti-Nephi-Lehies were distinguished by their honesty. Choose to be honest with yourself and others. Gird yourself with truth.
“Defend It”
Helaman's army recognized that some things are worth fighting for, even though their parents had made an oath of pacifism. Most of us rarely face physical threats, but we all have opportunities to defend the truth and the vulnerable.
“My Sons”
Helaman called the young men whom he led his "sons." He prioritized building strong relationships with them. President Henry B. Eyring observed that students may learn more from the character of the teacher than from the content of the lessons.
Valiant and True
The 2,000 stripling warriors were valiant—willing to face danger. But they were also true—conscientious in fulfilling their duty. That combination of attributes made them a powerful force, able to defend their country against a formidable enemy.
A Call from Arms
The Lamanites who were converted buried their weapons. This act of consecration is so remarkable that it appears many times in the Book of Mormon, including a final invitation from Mormon to us. President Nelson has also invited us to bury our weapons.
Truth and Soberness
Paul told Festus that his words were "of truth and soberness." Words of truth are in harmony with reality. Words of soberness are disciplined and serious. The sons of Helaman were "men of truth and soberness." Their courage was governed by reason.
Wisdom, Stature, Favor with God and Man
Luke's description of the growth of young Jesus provides a useful organizing principle for our goals and preparation throughout our lives. At the beginning of a new year, setting goals in these four domains—spiritual, social, physical, and intellectual—can help us find balance in our lives.
Strongholds
The Hebrew word mauz (מָעוֹז) means a place of safety or protection. In the King James Version of the Bible, it is usually translated "strength," sometimes "rock," "fortress" or "fort," and once, in the book of Nahum, it is translated "strong hold:" The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them... Continue Reading →