We Are Not Defined by Our Worst Mistake

I was interrupted more than once in my reading this week, but maybe that made the truths stand out even more. There is so much goodness in these chapters, especially in Alma’s counsel to his sons.

I’ve always loved Corianton—not for his mistake, but for his willingness to change.

One verse that stopped me was Alma 37:36: “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings,” Counseling with the Lord is not a morning-only event. It’s not confined to kneeling by the bed. It’s walking through the day with Him. It’s seeing a sun-kissed mountain and whispering gratitude for eyes to see it. It’s recognizing quiet blessings and giving thanks in real time. Alma speaks of being lifted up “at the last day,” but I would add that focusing on Him lifts an ordinary day into something better right now.

Alma also reminds Helaman of the Liahona—the compass prepared for Lehi’s family in the wilderness. It worked according to their faith and diligence. It has often been compared to the Holy Ghost. The Spirit guides by “small means” to bring about great things (Alma 37:41). The guidance may feel subtle, but it is sure. President Russell M. Nelson has warned that the gift of the Holy Ghost will be essential as we navigate increasing wickedness in the world. Like the Liahona, the Spirit works when we exercise faith and choose to heed it.

Then comes the tender but firm counsel: “See that ye bridle all your passions.” Alma did not say eliminate them. He said bridle them—direct, channel, focus them. As Bruce C. Hafen taught, a bridle is meant to guide the horse, not destroy it. Passion disciplined becomes deeper love. Undisciplined, it can derail even the faithful.

That is where Corianton enters the story.

Alma 39 is direct. Corianton made serious mistakes on his mission. Alma warns him not to deny the Holy Ghost and reminds him that sin cannot be hidden from God. Our actions will stand as witnesses for or against us. He urges Corianton to seek counsel, to avoid pride and the pursuit of riches, and to remember that others are watching.

But what moves me most is this: Corianton listened.

In today’s world, parenting can feel like a losing battle. Children often believe they know enough, that they have it under control. Yet here is a young man who has gone off the rails—and he sits and listens his father’s correction. That humility changed everything.

As I read, I thought about my own parents. Years ago, a therapist counseled me to tell them the hurt I carried from childhood. I do not remember much about that conversation except this: they listened. They acknowledged my feelings. They expressed love. Now that I am older, I see they did the best they knew how while balancing farm life, church service, and raising a family. All five of their children remain covenant keepers. Perfect? No. But that is why we need the Atonement. How gracious the Lord is with imperfect parents—and imperfect children.

Alma 41 contains powerful one-liners:

·       Wickedness never was happiness.

·       We are “our own judges.”

·       What we send out returns to us.

When we step away from God’s commandments, misery follows. Alma describes being in the “gall of bitterness” and “bonds of iniquity”—a state “contrary to the nature of happiness.” Why? Because God’s very work is to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life. His nature is happiness. Created in His image, that is our eternal nature too. No wonder we feel unsettled when we try to do it our way.

Alma 42 teaches that this life is a probationary time—a time to repent and serve God. Mercy cannot rob justice. The Atonement satisfies both. That doctrine alone answers so many questions about the Plan of Salvation.

My purpose is not to criticize Corianton. I am grateful for him. Because of his mistakes, we have some of the richest doctrinal explanations in scripture. When someone struggles to understand justice, mercy, restoration, or our purpose on earth, this is where I would send them.

And the beautiful ending? Alma tells Corianton not to let these past sins trouble him anymore. He still has work to do. Declare the word. Bring souls unto repentance.

And Corianton did.

That may be the greatest lesson of all. We are not defined by our worst mistake. We are defined by what we choose after it.