Let your Good Works protect your

Alma 39

Alma talks with his son Coriantum. Coriantum was on a mission and transgressed. There are some real lessons being taught in this chapter.

• Boasting in our own strength will weaken us (v2)
• We should never leave our post (v3)
• Who we mingle with is critical to our safety (v3)
• If we will be busy about the Lord's work, there's no time for trouble (4)
• Sexual sin is an abomination to the Lord and difficult to gain repentance - but doable (v5-6)
• You cannot hide your sins from God (8)
• Seek and follow the counsel of others who are strong in the faith (v10)
• The sins of the saints set a bad example for others. (v11)
• We cannot take the riches of the world with us when we die (v14)

Coriantum apparently took the counsel of his father because he later became a great missionary and his name was redeemed in Alma 49:30. Those who stumble can find great comfort in this fact. However, they need to remember that it is work and the work is theirs. The list above is what needs to be worked at – every day.

When we have turned our lives around, it is critical that we not look back. Back at what? The life we once lived no matter how much we loved those who were in it. Those things must remain in our past. Our friends, habits, the way we spent our time, the things we thought about and did. We fill our days with service to the Lord, in doing good and living righteously – worthy at all times to enter the temple. When we feel weak, we seek out those who are strong for help. Old friends, habits and activities need to be the swords we bury.  You may think this is unchristlike.  Maybe it is, but remember you are sick and need to be well again.  

Again, I find it insulting that I have children who think I just went to the temple and the blessings flowed. The blessings did flow, but I was busy doing what I had covenanted to do and my past was just that – my past. Was it easy? No! I remember my second holiday alone, (and there were other holidays as difficult). It was New Years Eve. The neighborhood was busy celebrating. I was in a new place and knew no one. I was in bed early, but the fireworks, whooping and hollering were torturous. I cried. I was alone. But I was not going to look back. I was happy to be free from the past. I was blessed immensely.

Why do I share these things? Because people I love are going through similar challenges and their weaknesses are getting in the way of their progress and joy. I have literally watched the luster of living righteously dull the countenance of two sweet daughters because of poor choices. It is sad, but I know that these things can be changed. Coriantum changed, and they can too. But it is work! It is a conscious effort to move forward in the ways of the Lord – every minute of every day; never taking a minute off.

My counsel for the day? We really can never let our guard down. There is work to do and the work is ours. If we keep that focus in our lives, there is not time to get in trouble. This is my firm testimony.