The Book of Mormon teaches several principles which can help us navigate environments where people are making wrong choices. 1. We are all wicked. 2. Wickedness is not binary. 3. Wickedness need not be permanent. 4. As we become less wicked, God can entrust us with more responsibilities.
“I Judge Better Things of You”
After telling his listeners that a lack of miracles implies a lack of faith, Mormon adds, "I judge better things of you." God can help us see the good in others. We will be judged as we judge, so why wouldn't we look for the best in the people around us?
What Do You Delight In?
Mormon said his people "delighted in everything save that which is good." When we delight in something, we immerse ourselves in it and savor it. So what delights you, and how can you adjust your actions and attitudes to be more delighted by good things?
“Hid up unto the Lord” – Mormon 1:2, 4:23, 5:12
We don't know much about Ammaron, the caretaker of the Nephite records who selected Mormon as his successor. We know that he was the brother of Amos, and therefore a descendant of Alma, who organized the church at the waters of Mormon about 450 years earlier. And we know that he was "constrained by the... Continue Reading →
It Was Because the Armies of the Nephites Went Up – Mormon 4:4
4 And it was because the armies of the Nephites went up unto the Lamanites that they began to be smitten; for were it not for that, the Lamanites could have had no power over them. (Mormon 4:4) There's a recurring theme in the Book of Mormon: God will bless people who are defending themselves... Continue Reading →
It Is by the Wicked That the Wicked Are Punished – Mormon 4:5
5 But, behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed.(Mormon 4:5)Mormon teaches us an important principle in this verse about the way our Heavenly Father works.... Continue Reading →
It Was Because…the Nephites Went Up – Mormon 4:4
4 And it was because the armies of the Nephites went up unto the Lamanites that they began to be smitten; for were it not for that, the Lamanites could have had no power over them.(Mormon 4:4)Our motives determine our decisions. The Nephites wanted vengeance. This unrighteous motivation caused them to overreach, to initiate a... Continue Reading →