Preaching of the Word

Alma 35

The preaching of the word destroys the craft of the Zoramites. Some of them are converted. They are expeled and join the Ammonites. Ammon and the other missionaries go home.

And isn't it interesting that the words that compel some to repent and embrace righteousness are the same words that will enrage others? Why is this? What is the difference? Obviously, it is the spirit. But why do some have that spirit with them while others seem to have the spirit of contention? I don't have an answer. As a parent I know I raised my children the same. They had the same FHE lessons, opportunities to serve and love. It is a mystery to me and confirms to me the gospel principle that we have the same spirit on this earth that we had before we were born and that its age is infinite. As I witness my children take different paths and embrace truth differently, I can only surmise it has something to do with who they were before they came to this earth. Also, we brought with us different challenges which create individuality in all.

I don't know where I'm going with this. Some days the words I read don't create in me the need to write as much as others. Today was one of those days. There was a note on verse 9 I wrote once: D&C 82:7. I read it, and it is something to take seriously. When we repent, and then return to our former behavior, those things that we repented of and returned to our plate and it is as if we had not repented. When we repent, the Lord sends us on our way and will not hold us accountable for those sins any more. But should we return? Not a pretty picture.

I guess the bottom line to what I'm trying to articulate is that we must never stop preaching the Word.  Somehow as parents of adult children we need to bear testimony without being preachy.  It is a very fine line and one that a nonbeliever sees much more quickly than a believer.