When Mosiah abolished the monarchy, he cited two principles the Lord had referenced in conjunction with kings in the Old Testament: equality and self-government. The Lord's opposition to monarchy is implicit but not clearly stated in the Old Testament. The Book of Mormon makes that opposition much more clear.
The Lord Looketh on the Heart
How do you choose a king? God led Samuel first to Saul, whose self-consciousness seemed like humility and who received "another heart" and prophesied. When Saul failed to lead with integrity, God selected a new king, David, explaining to Samuel that people focus on physical appearance, but He looks on the heart.
Jethro and Mosiah on Collaborative Leadership
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.