Two Choices

Alma 5 – Last half

I think if I had one shot at influencing someone to see a reason to read the Book of Mormon, this chapter would be a good shot. Alma is teaching the people about the choices they make. He teaches that there are only two choices: 1) Follow the shepherd by doing good, or 2) hearken to the voice of Satan. One brings joy and happiness; the other death.

Some of the words of the first choice are: Partake of fruit of the tree of life (v34), freely (v34),

Some of the words of the second choice: pride (v28), envy (v29), mocks and persecutes (v30), puffed up in the vain things of the world (v37)

How does Alma know these things? How can I know them or anyone? V46 says he fasted and prayed many days. Somehow, I've always thought he fasted nonstop many days. As I go down the road of life, I think I realize he's saying he fasted maybe like we fast – at least monthly, but consistently praying as he fasted that he might come to the knowledge of the truth. Certainly that is how it is for most of us. At least that has been my own experience.

This morning I am convinced that we must never give up on anyone. Anyone can experience this mighty change. Certainly the first step would be to start reading from the Book of Mormon and allow oneself to feel the passion Alma feels as he bears testimony of truth. He says in v48 “I know that Jesus Christ shall come.” This knowledge is there for all of us. It begins with a desire. Alma talks about this desire in Chapter 32, but we must nourish that desire to know. When we stop, it disappears quickly.

So how has this increased my faith today? It gives me hope for those who have not tasted of the fruit of the tree of life yet. I know it can still happen. It helps me to know that I must not ever stop trying or give up on anyone. We are all children of our Heavenly Father and if we listen to the voice of the good shepherd, he will bring us into his fold (v50), we will be protected.