Mosiah 7 - Painful Bondage

King Limhi had his problems.  He was not a righteous man, but he remembered the promises made to his fathers that if they kept the commandments, they would be a free people.  He knew the reason his people were in bondage was because of the great sins which they had committed (especially his own).  We know reading further in this book that King Limhi had caused to be put to death many of his servants for their inability to keep his flocks alive.  So, we know he had blood on his hands. 

I’m amazed a person can know they’re doing so wrong and continue to do it.  Limhi is happy to see Ammon and his brothers and treats them royally.  Why does he do this?  He still has some faith.  He knows they have come to save them.  He also knows the conditions whereby they may be saved.  In the last two verses he tells his people that “. . . if they sow filthiness, they shall reap the east wind, which bringeth destruction.”  I have a note in my scripture from Millett Commentary that says the east wind is the most destructive wind there is. 

In the last verse (33) he tells his people that if they will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put [their] trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, they will be delivered from bondage.  He knows!  What’s that all about? 

Well, in my own life, I know I have two sweet daughters who know this very thing, yet continue their lives without the blessings of the gospel.  Is it pride?  Is it laziness?  Is it because of the bondage of sin they have committed?  I know substance abuse is a bondage like no other.  So what is the answer?  At what point does this bondage become too much and they turn (aka repent) their lives over to the Lord.  This is the real question that only the Lord can answer.  At some point, the pain will be so great they will.  Of this, I have no doubt.  I pray with all my heart it is in this life and that they can salvage part of the their lives to enjoy the blessings the Lord has in store for them.  It’s a beautiful thing when this happens.  I look forward to that day with great anticipation.