Alma 51 - More Questions than Answers

29 January 2018 – Alma 51 – This chapter reads like a 21^st Century history book will read.  There are contentions among the people.  These contentions for a time are solved with the voice of the people (voting).  More and more, however, the elite – or those who suppose themselves to be elite, of high birth and privilege – were not satisfied with the government as it was and wanted to change it.  Rather than letting the voice of the people settle the differences, they set up their army against the people.  This contention created destruction and weakened their defenses against the Lamanites who began to creep into the land once more. 

Is this not exactly what we’re experiencing today in this great land of America?  Our last election was so contentious with so many evil tactics being employed.  It still isn’t over.  People are still fighting for position and making horrible accusations and threats against each other.  While this is happening, our enemies outside our country are gaining advantage.  Acts of terrorism are increasing and our borders are compromised.  I have no doubt that it is only a matter of time before we will once again see a catastrophe on our own soil.

So what is the solution?  We’ve been told to teach our children to be patriotic.  If our little people grow up to have a sense of responsibility toward their country, will this be enough?  We’ve been told the last days will be filled with bloodshed and war.  Is this going to happen within the borders of our own country?  I think I have more questions than I have answers.  This I do know.  It is critical that we stay strong in our testimonies that we are of value to our families, our neighborhoods and our country when called upon to serve in whatever capacity.  I don’t know what that looks like, but in the end, I only have real control over my own self. 

Follow the Prophets – Protection, Peace and Prosperity

Alma 49 – More war chapters.  However, I don’t read the war part in the same way I did when I was younger and hadn’t really delved into the real meat of these chapters.  I’ve probably said this before, but this is more about protecting ourselves, our homes and families than it is fighting a war between the Nephites and the Lamanites.

After considerable loss on the part of the Nephites of their homes, families and freedoms, they started heeding the “word of God” v30 and began to have continual peace and prosperity.  In other words, they repented!  Here is an example of what true repentance is:  V18 – Their standards were high and their testimonies ran deep.  Do we keep our standards high?  What does that look like?  Do we prevent the filth that is so easily available in the world today from entering our homes? Our minds?  Do we read the “word of God” daily?  What does that look like?  Are we reading from the scriptures – especially the Book of Mormon?  Do we read the Ensign and the current counsel from our brethren?  Do we follow that counsel religiously?  These very things may be the protection we seek, as the evil in this world gets more and more invasive.  For some reason, being older has exposed me to reasons why this behavior is so critical in this day and age.  We are seeing some very key people in the church lose their testimonies and get swept up in the filth of the world.  As I explore their lifestyles before their “fall”, I’m finding out that daily scripture study, regular temple attendance and seeking after righteous influence has gone to the wayside and left some real gaps in their protective powers.  These are things we need desperately to avoid.  It is keeping the standard Sunday School answers first and foremost in our lives that will protect us, prosper us and bring peace to us.

Alma 48 - Peace and Prosperity

I marvel at how quickly Amalikiah was able to take down an entire kingdom and declare himself king.  How was this even possible?  Through deceit - one lie after another!  He calculated it and even knew somehow that those who would be his best “wing men” would be apostates.  He put them in key positions to further his cause until he had overtaken the entire kingdom. 

Conversely, Moroni is preparing those who followed him in keeping the commandments and having faith that if they did so, God would protect them.  I love the description given of Moroni in this chapter.  He was an amazing man!  Verse 11 gives a list:

• Strong
• Mighty
• Perfect understanding
• Did not delight in bloodshed
• Soul joyed in liberty and freedom of country
• Soul joyed in being free from bondage and slavery

I’m sure it was a great assist to have Helaman and his brothers who were “no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni”.  Could this be compared to the leaders we have today who are preparing us for our future?  We have a prophet who is all of the above and maybe even more.  And every one of the brethren who are his companions are “no less serviceable” in the kingdom as well.  These men are also amazing!  Together they cover a very wide spectrum of knowledge and experience in the ways of the world and righteousness.

So what makes the difference in the life I live?  How can I find the path that brings the most joy?  Through the Book of Mormon we’re told that “. . . if they should keep his commandments they should prosper in the land”.   Verse 25 is just one place.  We are all in a state of choosing sides.  What kind of leader do I want to follow?  Do I want a leader who follows the school of “might makes right”, or do I want one with the traits Moroni had?  I know my answer.  I enjoy the peace that comes from following righteous leaders.  Is that “peace” what is meant by “prospering in the land”?  I kind of think it is.  When you are at peace, you can feel quite prospered. 

Parents, take note!

Alma 46:25 – Parents, Take Note!

Moroni is talking about the dissention in the land and of those who have dissented from the Church.  He told the people they were a remnant of the seed of Joseph.  He talks about the words of Jacob, Joseph’s father, before his death.  He saw that not all of his posterity was on the right track.  In v25, he says, “Now behold, this giveth my soul sorrow; nevertheless, my soul hath joy in my son, because of that part of his seed which shall be taken unto God.”

It is sad when a child leaves the path back to our Heavenly Father.  It is worth grieving over, and we do.  But let’s not forget the joy that comes from those of our children who have chosen to live righteously.  The joy they bring is indescribable.  We love being with them and their children because they bring us joy.   And in this day and age, we pray ever so hard for their continued faith in Christ.

Did animals die in Garden of Eden?

22 January 2018 - Alma 42 – Alma continues his talk with Corianton. 

I’m always in awe when I read that Alma perceived that his son was still somewhat worried about something he didn’t understand.  This is so different from my journey.  I didn’t spend a lot of time chewing on things I didn’t understand.  I mostly wanted to get back on track.  I’m still not bothered by much.  The Spirit made it known to me early on in my return that this is God’s true church upon the earth and that works for me.  I love it when I learn new things and when I have something to really chew on that is gospel meat, but I don’t stew.

As Alma explains the Lord’s plan concerning the justice of God as it pertains to punishment of the sinner, it generates in me some questions that I have concerning the fruit of the tree of life?  Cherubim was placed around that tree to keep Adam and Eve from eating it and living forever in their sins.  Does is seem obvious that the fruit of this tree prevents a person from dying?  Had they been eating it freely before the fall?  These questions don’t bother me.  We know the Lord didn’t tell them not to eat it.  So did it perhaps have something to do with the fact they existed, not knowing anything about death? 

In SS yesterday, someone mentioned that there was no death in the Garden of Eden.  Even the animals did not die.  But we know the animals and every living thing procreated.  They obeyed the Lord.  They had been told to be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters.  This was to the life in the waters.  He doesn’t make the same command on the beasts of the field.  Were they commanded to be fruitful and multiply as well?  These questions come from Moses 1:20-25.  If there was multiplying, was there also death?  Were the animals eating freely of the Tree of Life?  Just some interesting questions that take me nowhere, and it doesn’t matter.