Jethro counseled Moses to share the burden of leadership, warning him that he was burning himself out. Mosiah explained the same principle to his people: don't expect the leader to do all the work. The bad news is the leader can't do it all; the good news is they don't have to.
Abinadi, Authority, and the Image of God
King Noah maintained authority by cultivating inequality through displays of power. Abinadi threatened that order by proclaiming that God himself would come to earth and live among humanity. Noah's son Limhi later explained Abinadi's death by connecting this claim with the doctrine that humanity was created in God’s image.
Rendering Unto Caesar
Jesus taught that devotion to God does not exempt us from civic duty. His statement about paying tribute to Caesar affirms that His disciples honor both divine and earthly obligations. Scripture and prophetic counsel reinforce this principle: we follow the law, supporting the governments that protect our rights, even as we advocate for needed changes.
Three Traits for Trustworthy Leadership
God expects stewards to demonstrate three qualities: faithfulness, justice, and wisdom. Doctrine & Covenants 51 teaches that principle, echoing the Savior's words in Matthew 24. King Mosiah emphasized that the same traits qualify civic leaders. We should strive to incorporate these qualities in our stewardships, and we should uphold leaders who do the same.
Every Man [and Woman]
After telling the tragic story of Amlici, Mormon shared two lessons: 1. Everyone who is cursed chooses that curse. 2. Everyone will ultimately be paid by the one they chose to follow. God empowers us to make choices and to be accountable for those choices
Equal Rights, Shared Responsibilities
Mosiah wanted his people to have equal rights and privileges. They understood that rights and responsibilities are interconnected, and they accepted not only new freedoms but also increased accountability for their actions.
Being Wise
We often think of wisdom as something we gain over time, but Jacob urges us to "be wise," implying that we can make better use of the wisdom we have already gained. We do this by slowing down and by thinking about the potential consequences of our actions
Mercy
1. God is merciful. 2. He extends "arms of mercy" toward us. 3. The Savior's bowels are filled with mercy because of what He suffered. 4. He earned the right to offer us mercy. We claim that mercy by repenting. 5. Mercy is central to God's plan for us.
“Exact No More…”
John the Baptist answered the same question asked by three groups of people: "What shall we do." All three of his answers are based on the same underlying principle, a principle which King Benjamin also exemplified and taught: Don't take more than you should. Discipline yourself to not abuse the power you have.
“To Cast in Their Voices”
I voted yesterday. On Sunday, I told my children that voting is almost a spiritual experience for me. It is an honor to gather with fellow citizens to participate in such an important process—the foundation of a democratic system of government. I feel a form of reverence as I engage in a process by which... Continue Reading →