There never was a happier time.

Alma 50 – The Nephites bring peace into the land by obeying their prophet, Moroni.  They drove the Lamanites out of their land into their own land.  Peace and prosperity continue for the most part, but the borders of the land bring some contention.

V19 – “And thus we see . . .”   Those words cannot be ignored.  Moroni is teaching us that the Lord is merciful to those who keep his commandments.  The word “prosper” is used again.  In Verse 22 – They were faithful in keeping the commandments.  They were delivered at all times”.  Those who chose not to keep the commandments were brought into bondage.

• Bondage
• Perish by the sword 
• Dwindle in unbelief
• Mingle with Lamanites (i.e. fraternize with the enemy)

I wrote in the margin:  “What holds me bondage?”  Does anything currently?  Perhaps my kids do.  Am I being faithful in keeping all the commandments? 

The next verse is sweet “. . . there never was a happier time . . .”   I know there is always room to improve.  However, if I were to put a label on life as I see it today, I would say “there never was a happier time”.  Could it be better?  The only thing that could improve it would be to know that all my children fully embrace the gospel and are faithful in keeping the commandments that they too could say “there never was a happier time.”