Alma 51 A Plea for Unity

 

The happy times among the Nephites were interrupted by a group of people who wanted to change the law to have a king rather than a chief judge rule the people.  The people voted to keep the country self-governed.  The “kingmen” as they called themselves refused to defend their country.  In their weakened state, the Nephites were invaded by the Lamanites and many cities were captured.  The “freemen” headed by Moroni were determined to reclaim their cities.  One brave warrior, Teancum, was able to kill the king of the Lamanites, Amalickiah, by sneaking into his tent and driving a javelin through his heart. 

When we argue among ourselves, we become vulnerable to our adversaries.  Unity is a precious state of being for families, communities, states, and nations.  We can see in our country a growing divide between those who want to redistribute the wealth and those who want to allow for free enterprise.  At their extremes, both of these ways of thinking are destructive.  Surely, there must be a balance of government run programs and the need for free markets to determine our courses.  There must be a willingness to listen, communicate freely, look diligently for best practices, and strive for unity.  Certainly, we need women and men of courage and skill to represent us in our political systems.

Please God, let us be united in our families.  Let us talk to each other in loving and kind tones.  If we feel our needs are not getting met, we must look within ourselves (and to God) for more strength while communicating our needs in a gentle tone of encouragement not demands.  When something our spouse is doing bugs us, we must first remove the beam from our own eye before we criticize the speck in their eye.  The best way to change others is to change ourselves.  The excuse, “That’s the way I am,” just does not cut it.  We have the power to change.  The 3^rd Article of Faith states: “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be changed (saved) by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”  I make a plea for unity in our family.  Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me.

Alma 50 Never Stop Making Preparations

Yesterday, Monday, October 29^th, a devastating hurricane named “Sandy” came on shore near New York City.  The storm surge was 13 feet, far above anything the city had ever experienced before.  The New York University Hospital’s back-up generator failed.  Twenty babies in ICU, many on respirators, had to be evacuated along with all the other patients in the hospital.  Each baby was cradled in the arms of a doctor while a nurse administered air through a mechanical device.  They walked each baby down nine flights of stairs to awaiting vehicles and accompanied them to other hospitals.  This is only one story of many that we will hear about the heroism of the people affected by this storm. 

In Alma 50, Mormon tells us that “Moroni did not stop making preparations for war….”  He prepared strongholds “against the coming of their enemies….”  As the result of his fortifications, his people were kept safe and became stronger and more confident.  Mormon states, “…thus we see how merciful and just are all the dealings of the Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the children of men; yea, we can behold that his words are verified….”

Even though the University Hospital had put in place a back-up plan, we learned that the plan did not include contingencies that were sufficient for the severity of the storm.  Dear family, we need to make a plan with adequate contingencies for the coming days.  Let us begin today to prepare ourselves and our homes with needed supplies and fortifications both spiritual and temporal.  We must do as Moroni and “not stop making preparations.”

 The resulting joy experienced by the people of his time is described by Mormon: “But behold there never was a happier time among the people….”

Alma 49 Surviving in Enemy Territory

Besides being a great offensive strategist, Chief Captain Moroni developed his defenses with equal skill.    As war with Amalickiah continued, he rebuilt weakened cities and threw up earthen mounds to surround his forts.  He stayed one step ahead of the enemy.  Elder Packer has recently given us council regarding how to survive in enemy territory.  Foremost is prayer.  Repentance must be frequent.  The Holy Ghost must be our constant companion.

 In my recent visit to South Carolina, a new convert in Michelle’s ward said that she was most grateful for her “Holy Companion” that she said “walks with me everywhere I go.”  I was very touched by her sweet southern accent as she said the words.  The Holy Ghost touched my heart and testified that He is indeed our “Holy Companion” and like all good companions he loves us, cares for us, ministers to our needs, provides advice and counsel, warns us, testifies of truth, and redirects our paths when we stray from the truth.  Elder Packer said, “Discovering how the Holy Ghost operates in your life is the quest of a lifetime.  Once you have made that discovery for yourself, you can live in enemy territory and not be deceived or destroyed.  No member of this Church—and that means each of you—will ever make a serious mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Holy Ghost.” (Religious Educator, vol. 13, #3, 2112, pp. 1-11)

Alma 48 God Bless America

“If all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.”  Yesterday, I voted early.  I felt a good feeling inside.  I voted for a man (for the office of president) that I believe will be the best man for our country.  I happen to believe that both men are basically good, family men.  May God bless our country.  Please, God, guide us in this critical moment to elect the right man for the job. 

Alma 47 Plan of Happiness

Amalickiah is a type of Satan.  Satan had the same plan in the pre-mortal world.  He wanted to de-throne our Heavenly Father.  He wanted to remove moral agency.  He did not want to make us do good.  He wanted to remove our power to act for ourselves by making us slaves to our appetites and passions.  The war in heaven continues here.  Satan would have us become his subjects by becoming addicted to sex, drugs, porn, and aspirations for power, riches, and going against the Father’s plan of moral agency.  Satan’s plan is a plan of misery.  Our Father’s plan is a plan of happiness.

Alma 46 Come Join the Band of Christians

Chief Captain, Moroni, “…prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land.”  His remarkable passion for peace drove his every action.  He creates the Title of Liberty, the symbol of family, freedom, religion.  He calls upon his people to enter a covenant “…that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them.”  The people come forward and tear a piece of their clothing and cast it at the feet of Moroni.  They promise before God and Moroni that rather than break this covenant, they would have God rend them in pieces as they had done to their garments.  Note that “…those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ.”  With this army of Christians, Moroni is able to recover many of Amalickiah’s dissenters.  These dissenters were deserters of their faith in Christ and their covenants with him.  May we firmly believe that our souls have truly been redeemed by Christ, thus living our lives in happiness, always seeking for our peace and the peace of others, wherever they live. 

Alma 45 Believest Thou in Jesus Christ?

Alma’s parting words to his son Helaman are put in the form of two questions: “Believest thou in Jesus Christ, who shall come? And, “Will ye keep my commandments?”  When Helaman answered “yes” to both questions, the old patriarch, Alma, must have smiled and even winked at his son who had heard this promise so many times: “Blessed art thou; and the Lord shall prosper thee in this land!” Even so, the warmth of this exchange with his son was tinged with sadness, for Alma also prophesied of the Nephites extinction at a time four hundred years following the Savior’s visit to America. After leaving a priesthood blessing upon the church members (and I’m sure upon his family members), Alma simply departs, never to be heard from again.  Mormon tells us that Alma was “…buried by the hand of the Lord, even as Moses.”  What do translated beings do?  I don’t know.  Enoch, Moses, Alma, John, the Three Nephites.  They continue to minister to this Earth.  They preach the gospel to the Twelve Tribes of Israel.  They restore keys.

For my children, “Do you believe in Jesus Christ; will you keep his commandments?” If so, the Lord will bless you with joy and rejoicing all of your days.

Alma 44 Defenders of Freedom

The Lamanites were surrounded and fearful for their lives.  Moroni saw their terror and commanded his armies to stop the shedding of blood.  “We do not desire to be men of blood.”  Moroni’s words echo down in time to us.  As Americans, we do not desire to be a people of blood.  Nevertheless, if basic freedom is threatened in our world, we are morally obligated to stop it, even if the battle carries us beyond our borders.  God bless our service men and women, and may our cause always be just.

 

Alma 43 Inspired By a Better Cause

Chief Captain Moroni!  Twenty-five years old and appointed to lead the whole Nephite army, what a valiant and powerful man he was.  His cause: his people’s homes, liberties, wives, children, and their rites of worship and their church.  He and his soldiers were inspired by a better cause.  Yet, in the heat of battle, with the fierceness and anger of the Lamanites confronting them, there was a moment when “they were about to shrink and flee from them. And Moroni, perceiving their intent, sent forth and inspired their hearts with these thoughts—yea, the thoughts of their lands, their liberty, yea their freedom from bondage.”  The Nephite armies took courage crying with one voice to their God.  “…they began to stand against the Lamanites with power.”

Today, we have President Thomas S. Monson to lead us in that same cause.  We are in a battle against the forces of evil.  Let us stand with courage.  Let us unite our prayers, especially when we feel our spirits shrinking because of fear.  Face the future with optimism.  Work through trials with patience.

Alma 42 The Joy of Repentance

Corianton’s conscience has awakened.  He fears for his soul because of his sinful behavior while serving his mission.  His loving father takes the opportunity to explain to him that:  “Now, how could a man repent except he should sin?  How could he sin if there was no law:  How could there be a law save there was a punishment?  Now, there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man….And also if there was no law given against sin men would be afraid to sin.”  Corianton’s conscience (the Holy Ghost) has awakened him to repentance.  Now Alma can talk to him about mercy:  “Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to come; but in the last day shall be restored unto him according to his deeds….O my son, I desire that ye should deny the justice of God no more.  Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do let the justice of God, and his mercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in humility.”  Then Alma does what we may consider surprising:  He sends Corianton back out on his mission knowing that Corianton’s heart has changed and the direction of his life is on track.  Listen to his tender voice:  And now, O my son, ye are called of God to preach the word unto this people.  And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bring souls unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon them.  And may God grant unto you according to my words. Amen.”

We all sin.  Our Holy Companion, the Holy Ghost, causes us to awaken to our sins.  We sorrow for our sins and turn back to God with full intent to redirect our thoughts and behavior.  The Savior’s Atonement covers our sins.  He remembers them no more.  We proceed, with determination to keep the Lord’s commandments, and walk according to his will.  Peace comes into our hearts.  The plan of redemption has full efficacy in our lives.

Alma 41 Wickedness Never Was Happiness

“Wickedness never was happiness.”  There it is, plain and simple.  Dependable, faithful, always the case; believe it, live it, and be happy; risk another offense against God and be miserable.  Sin brings pain and sorrow; faith, love, and goodness bring joy and peace.

Alma 40 All of Us Will Be Taken Home To God

Corianton has come home from his mission to meet with his father.  Having disqualified himself from the ministry due to his misconduct, we would suppose that he would have at least a couple of questions: (1) How will my father (and mother) react to my breaking the commandments and mission rules?; and (2) Is there any possible way that I can be forgiven and return to the mission field?  However, Alma discerns that Corianton has even more basic questions that are troubling him: First, he notes that his son doesn’t understand why knowing about the coming of Christ is important.  Second, he sees that Corianton is worried about the resurrection of the dead and also what happens between the time one dies and the time one is resurrected.

Evidently, Corianton couldn’t see why it was necessary to know 73 years ahead of time that Christ was coming.  Alma tells his son that the message of salvation, and Christ taking away the sins of the world was the reason he was called on a mission in the first place, the message being as important now as it would be when the Savior would come to Earth.  (Alma 39:14-19)  One can picture a loving father explaining the need for his son to apply the atoning sacrifice of the Savior in his own life.

Next, Alma explains to his son about the Spirit World: the place the spirits of the dead live until the time of the resurrection.  He explains that the spirits of the righteous are “received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.”   Alma goes on to explain to his son the wicked go to what we call today “spirit prison,” where they are in a “state of misery,” until they can take the necessary steps of repentance.

 Especially important in this explanation is Alma’s stunning revelation that, “…it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.”  Everyone who lives on this planet, from the Creation to the Second Coming, will have the opportunity to see God again.  This is according the Atonement of Christ.  A free gift he gives us all.  Yet, it will be great for the righteous and terrible for the wicked.

The heart of the matter is this:  Did Jesus rise from the dead?  If he did, and I add my testimony that he did rise as the scriptures testify, then he lives today and everything he said is true.  He forgave Corianton, and does forgive me and you, and remembers our sins no more when we repent.

 

Alma 39 Following Counsel

Corianton is commanded by his father, Alma, “to take upon you to counsel with your elder brothers in your undertakings; for behold, thou art in thy youth, and ye stand in need to be nourished by your brothers.  And give heed to their counsel.”  I pass this along to Emily, Eric, and Nick.  This is also great counsel with regards to the words recently spoken in General Conference.

Alma 38 Bridal All Your Passions

Shiblon, the steady and faithful one, the middle child, the good example; every family hopefully has a Shiblon or two.  Nevertheless, Shiblon received strict warnings from his father, Alma:  “See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength.  Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridal all your passions, that ye may be filled with love (not lust); see that ye refrain from idleness.  Smart, handsome, physically imposing, and passionate, Shiblon could have easily become prideful.  Alma saw in his son the need for temperance, humility, and restraint.  He was pleased with the good example he had set for his younger brother, Corianton, and admonished him to continue to keep the commandments and endure to the end.

Alma 37 Look to God and Live

Loving father, Alma, pours out his soul to his son Helaman, pleading with him to “look to God and live.”  He explains that the Liahona worked by faith in leading Lehi’s family in the wilderness.  But at times, they were slothful and didn’t look for direction from the Lord.  As a result, they didn’t travel a straight road to the promised land.  Alma pleads with Helaman to “…remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.  Yea, and cry unto God for all they support; yea, let all they doings be unto the Lord.”  There is a clear warning about slothfulness and its negative effects.

 To combat the tendency we all have to be slothful and procrastinate our duty, Alma admonishes us to follow the words of Christ.  If we will follow the words of Christ, He will “…carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.“

I am impressed by the strictness of this parent, even to a very faithful son.  His warnings are very serious:  “And now behold, I tell you by the spirit of prophesy, that if ye transgress the commandments of God, behold, these things (scriptures and plates) which are sacred shall be taken away from you by the power of God, and ye shall be delivered up unto Satan, that he may sift you as chaff before the wind.”

When we feel pain and guilt for our slothfulness, let us take that pain and use it to motivate us to correct our path.  Satan wants us to use these feelings of remorse as proof of our worthlessness.  Christ has already forgiven us.  The Atonement is in place.  Our conscience, the Holy Spirit, the Light of Christ, will lead us to do good and to feel good.  We must “look to God and live.”

Alma 36 Remember Jesus

When Alma recorded his conversion experience as it related to his son, Helaman, he did something quite extraordinary: he wrote it in poetic chiastic form.  It may be the most exquisite internal evidence of the authenticity of the Book of Mormon in existence.  Sorry folks, Joseph Smith did not make this stuff up!  Chiasm aside, the message of redemption is central and powerful.  As Alma explains to Helaman the moment in his life when he was “harrowed up by the memory of his sins, being racked with eternal torment,” in the anguish of a damned soul he “remembered also to have heard my father prophesy…of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.  And as my mind caught a hold of this thought , I cried within my heart:  O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me…when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more….And oh what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!”

I am struck with the enabling and redemptive power of the thought centered on Jesus!  Once remembered, the power of a Christ-centered thought transforms an individual from despair to joy immediately!  Dear God fill my mind with the sweet memory of Jesus.  Please bless me to always remember him!  Please let my children forever know of his mercy and grace.

Alma 35 Disagree without being Disagreeable

Alma and Amulek were successful in bringing the humble and poor Zoramites into the church.  Most of the Zoramites were prideful and full of hate for these converts and cast them out of the land.  The new converts came over to Jershon and were greeted and cared for by the People of Ammon.  However, the Zoramites could not let their more humble people enjoy their new faith and associations.  They join with the Lamanites and start a new war causing the humble Zoramites and the People of Ammon to flee for protection to Melek.  In their place, the armies of the Nephites moved into Jershon. Why do wicked people hate to see other people be happy?  Why do people who leave the church have a hard time leaving the church alone?  What would happen if we decided to agree to disagree?  Wouldn’t it be fun if we stopped putting others down who have different opinions than our own?  Elder Cook has recently said, “We live in a world where there is much turmoil.  Our faith requires that we treat our neighbors with respect.  There are some who feel that venting their personal anger or deeply held opinions is more important than conducting themselves as Jesus Christ lived and taught. It is appropriate to disagree, but it is not appropriate to be disagreeable” (We Follow Jesus Christ,” in Oct New Era p.48).

Alma 34 Contend No More Against the Holy Ghost

Amulek, Alma’s faithful companion stands to be a second witness.  Here are a few of his one-liners:

“Plant the words in your hearts.” “The word is in Christ unto salvation.” “Redemption cometh through the Son of God.” “I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world.” Christ shall make, “an infinite and eternal sacrifice…according to the great plan of the Eternal God.”

Amulek makes it clear that we have no restrictions on where and when we should pray.  He also pleads with us not to procrastinate the day of our repentance because this life is the time to “prepare to meet God.”

Amulek says we have a tendency to “contend against the Holy Ghost.”  This is interesting and insightful to me.  When the Holy Ghost whispers to me, do I push Him away?  Do I say in my heart, “not now,” or worse, “go away.” I hope not.  I want to feel the inspiration, hear it, and do what He says.  Why do I resist doing good?  Why do I fail to raise my hand when volunteers are asked for to do welfare projects?  Why don’t I do the things I know I should to improve the feelings between me and Jean?

Resolve:  Pray always.  Act when prompted by the Holy Ghost.  Don’t procrastinate repentance.