Alma 10
Amulek's turn to speak to the people now. He is pretty blunt with the people – probably because he has been where they are and he knows. When we really know of evil because we've seen it face-to-face and been part of it; it is easier to recognize once we repent, and say “This is evil!”
Amulek knows the lawyers and judges are corrupt. He says as much in v32. Their object was to get gain and that came only if they were employed. We have a similar system in the world today. I feel like the same thing is going on with the people we have elected to represent us in government. They get paid if they are busy and they have entangled the laws of the land to the point they are spinning their wheels and accomplishing nothing. Oh, but they are busy. What a joke!
I really like that Amulek has been given a gift – the gift of discernment. He sees right through these people and knows what their intent is. The people are astonished that he saw through them. Where does this gift come from? D&C 46 answers that question. We are to be prayerful and thankful in all things (D&C 46:7). I love that in v8 Joseph Smith is to to “seek ye earnestly the best gifts”. We can decide what gift we want and seek to have it. Of course, we must read the scriptures and words of the prophets to learn what is needed for that gift and then act accordingly. A key to acquiring any gift is the purpose in which one plans to use it. Verse 9 says they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments. . . that all may be benefited. And then in v12 “. . .that all may be profited thereby.” It is for the benefit of the Lord's people. Do I use my gifts to benefit the people? Do I know what those gifts are?
When we are given a gift, we need to remember why we have that gift and how it is to be used. Gifts are not for our own aggrandizement. They are for the benefit of the kingdom of God. Perhaps praying that we might be an instrument in the hands of God would be a key to acquiring the gifts of which we seek.
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