Helaman - assuming the best about people

Helaman writes several chapters explaining to Moroni about the Stripling Warriors and the battles going on in one part of the land. At the end of his writing he notes that they don't have as many provisions or people as they should have. However, he doesn't jump to a negative conclusion; instead he assumes there must be a logical explanation for what's happened. It's a good example for us. Here's some verses:

 34 Now we do not know the ^acause that the government does not grant us more strength; neither do those men who came up unto us know why we have not received greater strength.

 35 Behold, we do not know but what ^aye are unsuccessful, and ye have drawn away the forces into that quarter of the land; if so, we do not desire to murmur.

 36 And if it is not so, behold, we fear that there is some ^afaction in the government, that they do not send more men to our assistance; for we know that they are more numerous than that which they have sent.

He doesn't want to complain in case Moroni is in a worse situation. He assumes there's a fight in the government, not that they are being lazy or neglecting their duty (and he was right).

Good example for us.

Humility and Knowledge - story of a Tongan missionary

We have 2 Tongan brothers that moved into our ward a year ago. When they arrived they were very quiet as it is a new place and their English was ok, but they were fairly nervous/cautious speaking.

Oh, how things have changed. The oldest boy was a boxer who received a silver medal in the south Pacific Olympics and had a shot to go to the real Olympics. However, instead he decided to put his time and energy into preparing for a mission.

Now to put some perspective on that decision, listen to how poor they are. Their mom died 8 years ago. They didn't have much food growing up, and boxing became a way to experience great things for the young man. However, when he spoke at his farewell (ironically it was on the first Sunday of the Olympics), he spoke about how blessed he was to go on a mission and that he was more excited about it than anything that happened to him in boxing.

Also, this Tongan boy who couldn't speak great English has more scriptures memorized than anyone I've seen going on a mission. And English is his second language. He's the most humble, prepared missionary I have ever seen. By a lot.

It's incredible as his humility and dedication have enhanced his abilities, clearly, and we've seen a very "weak, humble" boy develop into a powerhouse spiritually. I never would have thought someone so humble and untrained (no high school degree) would become the most impressive intellectual speaker I have heard as well as the most humble. It's impossible. But it happened.

He's powerful - I think this verse applies to him:

D.C. 35:24
 13 Wherefore, I call upon the ^aweak things of the world, those who are ^bunlearned and despised, to thresh the ^cnations by the power of my ^dSpirit;

Alma 44 - pushing people to make covenants

Moroni's forces rout the Lamanite forces in Alma 43 and in Alma 44 he stops the fighting and gives the Lamanites an out. He says if they'll covenant to never fight the Nephites again, they can go in peace. The Lamanite leader says that he can't commit to never coming to fight the Nephites again (and also throws in a point that he doesn't believe God gave the Nephites the victory, disputing Moroni's statement that this was the case). 

Fighting continues, some die, others commit to never fight the Nephites again. I find 2 things very interesting about this:

a) Moroni believed it was helpful/useful to push people to covenant. I believe that is a wise move. 

b) The Lamanites tried to live up to this covenant (Lehonti and his army tried not to fight against the Nephites in Alma 47, only 2 years later). This is likely because they had made a covenant just before. However, Lehonti ended up getting close to someone who was sneaky, but definitely didn't care about his covenant and wanted him to break it. He ended up paying with his life.

If the Lamanites had kept their covenant, they would have lived a lot longer. They would have avoided war and had happier lives, presumably. It's worth making covenants. It's worth keeping them. 

Thoughts from Alma 43 - Satan's efforts, those who leave the church, ingenuity/innovation being critical for a leader, how to follow the prophet

We learn a lot from Alma 43. Here's several quick thoughts:

I'm fascinated that Satan doesn't have his people wear armor. In the history of the earth prior to the fighting in Alma 43, there's other fighting groups who used armor, so it's not like he didn't know the idea. So there's a few reasons why he wouldn't inspire those he liked/helped to use armor so that they could kill the good people:

a) his mechanism for distilling information is poor (quite possible); maybe he doesn't have enough influence on people or can't use his followers (unseen) to tempt/guide others that much
b) maybe there's too much downside to causing innovation; for instance, the television has created a way for people to get access to a lot of filth, but it's also the way that prophets are seen throughout the world and lets people across the earth learn the word of God in ways I never could have imagined just 40 years ago. Guatemalan villages have real-time access to conference; that's amazing. Talk about shrinking the vineyard (it's expansiveness is a problem mentioned in Jacob 5).
c) he just doesn't care about those who follow him; he just focuses on getting as many people to follow him as quickly as possible and doesn't think much about the long-term because either a) he can't see it (not prophetic) or b) he doesn't think about anything in the long-term because long-term thinking is usually about love/concern (which he doesn't) so therefore doesn't think through the right way to hurt more people over the long term

Other quick thoughts:
Concerning Moroni being the chief captain: Moroni was elevated at 25 to head of the armies; probably because he was so wise! He got the armies to use armor; he was super smart about how to follow the prophet. Being wise probably got him noticed more than anything else. He approached things differently. Perhaps he used the scriptures as guidelines or other records as guidelines for what he did; perhaps (thinking of the above thoughts), Satan doesn't use/have those tools because they're too dangerous. He thinks better for people to know nothing than to be able to read and perhaps be able to learn from the scriptures. Not sure....

Here's some verses:

 16 Now, the leader of the Nephites, or the man who had been^aappointed to be the ^bchief captain over the Nephites—now the chief captain took the command of all the armies of the Nephites—and his name was Moroni;

 17 And Moroni took all the command, and the government of their wars. And he was only twenty and five years old when he was appointed chief captain over the armies of the Nephites.

 18 And it came to pass that he met the Lamanites in the borders of Jershon, and his people were armed with swords, and with cimeters, and all manner of ^aweapons of war.

 19 And when the armies of the Lamanites saw that the people of Nephi, or that Moroni, had ^aprepared his people with ^bbreastplatesand with arm-shields, yea, and also shields to defend their heads, and also they were dressed with thick clothing—

Concerning following the prophet - he sent spies (his own efforts), knew Alma was prophetic and tried to get Alma to give counsel (which Alma did), and when Moroni got counsel, he still left armies in the former place just in case the Lamanites returned. He covered his bases and didn't presume that the prophet had given him more information than he had (i.e., the prophet said they're going here; let's abandon all other general war principles and send all our people over there; the prophet didn't say they wouldn't turn around, he just said where they were likely headed).

Here's some verses:

 23 But it came to pass, as soon as they had departed into the wilderness Moroni sent spies into the wilderness to watch their camp; and Moroni, also, knowing of the prophecies of Alma, sent certain men unto him, desiring him that he should ^ainquire of the Lord ^bwhither the armies of the Nephites should go to defend themselves against the Lamanites.

 24 And it came to pass that the ^aword of the Lord came unto Alma, and Alma informed the messengers of Moroni, that the armies of the Lamanites were marching round about in the wilderness, that they might come over into the land of Manti, that they might commence an attack upon the weaker part of the people. And those messengers went and delivered the message unto Moroni.

 25 Now Moroni, leaving a part of his army in the land of Jershon, lest by any means a part of the Lamanites should come into that land and take possession of the city, took the remaining part of his army and marched over into the land of Manti.

Concerning those who left the church - they were considerably less reasonable and more angry to former church members/Nephites than the Lamanites. I know a few people who have left the church recently, and I hope they don't turn into the negative forces that the Amalekites and Zoramites were. I believe that they might be based on what I've seen. A warning to church members, certainly...

 6 And now, as the ^aAmalekites were of a more wicked and murderous disposition than the Lamanites were, in and of themselves, therefore, Zerahemnah appointed chief ^bcaptains over the Lamanites, and they were all Amalekites and ^cZoramites.

 7 Now this he did that he might preserve their ^ahatred towards the Nephites, that he might bring them into subjection to the accomplishment of his designs.

 8 For behold, his ^adesigns were to ^bstir up the Lamanites to anger against the Nephites; this he did that he might usurp great power over them, and also that he might gain power over the Nephites by bringing them into ^cbondage.

only let your sins trouble you - a great message for many of us

It appears that Corianton, the son of Alma, along with some significant sins had a lot of questions about doctrinal issues. Alma spends chapter 40 talking about the resurrection (that it will happen and when), chapter 41 about the restoration component of resurrection (that we will reap what we sow in many respects), and chapter 42 about the justice of God in punishing sinners.

Alma explains in a very detailed manner many things about these topics. It appears to be a great example of using "pure knowledge" to influence someone (see D.C. 121:41-42). I would in particular like to highlight how Alma ends the discussion - he pushes Corianton to let his sins trouble him more than particularly specific (and in some ways deep) doctrinal questions trouble him.

 29 And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things^atrouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance.

Alma is happy to explain things thoroughly, but he emphasizes that the point of the knowledge is only to help influence action. He wants his son to spend more time thinking about how to change that pondering doctrine.

Ideally he wants the key points of his doctrinal teaching, God's justice, mercy, and long-suffering, to cause his son to act differently. Very inspiring:

 30 O my son, I desire that ye should deny the ^ajustice of God no more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do you let the justice of God, and his ^bmercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in^chumility.

 Enjoy. It is critical to act, and think more about how we can be better, not quite so much about what doctrinal thing we don't perfectly understand (or use as an excuse to live worse lives).

Common question answered - if God loves us, why would he punish a sinner? (sometimes people state this as a disbelief that he would)

Oftentimes Alma's teaching to Corianton is considered a big discourse on not sinning (particularly around adultery), which it is, but in the process, Alma answers some interesting questions. The question in Alma 42 for instance is this, 

 1 And now, my son, I perceive there is somewhat more which doth worry your mind, which ye cannot understand—which is concerning the ^ajustice of God in the ^bpunishment of the sinner; for ye do try to suppose that it is ^cinjustice that the sinner should be consigned to a state of misery.

Or in other words, "doesn't God love all his children. If so, would he really punish them for "sinning"? 

That's a common question. Very common. Especially if you include those who believe that grace covers for all sins with limited or no effort on the part of the sinner. Alma does his best to answer. I find his example particularly powerful:

He answers with a lot of strong doctrinal ideas, even going back to the Fall and explaining the role the Fall has in the answer; this seems to be the epitome of persuading with, "pure knowledge" as is talked about in D.C. 121. It's an example of the power that can come from having a lot of knowledge about how the world actually works. 

As I think about persuasion and the right way to do it, I believe the example of pure knowledge is a common one that's trying to be taught. When the prophets give discourses, they're trying to teach truth in a powerful way that convinces people to act differently. It may be the persuasion "tactic" that is shown the most out of those the Lord talks about in D.C. 121: 

 41 No ^apower or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the ^bpriesthood, only by ^cpersuasion, by ^dlong-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

 42 By ^akindness, and pure ^bknowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the ^csoul without ^dhypocrisy, and without ^eguile—

I think it might be worth going through chapters and examples and think about the way that the prophet's persuaded and which of these methods are being shown as examples. 

Do not follow the lust of your eyes

Alma warns his son Corianton about a few of his tendencies to sin.

I appreciate this verse and the phrase, "lust of your eyes".

 9 Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the ^alusts of your eyes, but ^bcrossyourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and ^ccross yourself in these things.

It seems to be a great description of a major issue with men. They focus on what they see rather than all of the other things necessary before a sexual relationship (including marriage). Also, it's critical after marriage to not focus on others women's looks but rather on your spouse. This counsel shows the prophet knew about these topics.

Also, Alma mentions that his son can't take riches with him, so he shouldn't focus on them. Also, very good, practical advice.

 14 ^aSeek not after riches nor the vain things of this world; for behold, you cannot carry them with you.

Prophetic counsel - Book of Mormon example

In Alma 37 Helaman, the next prophet, receives counsel from the current prophet, Alma (also his dad), to speak about "secret combinations" which are basically secret and dark plots and plans to lie, murder, rob, steal, and take advantage of others. It is something that became prevalent in the Book of Mormon society starting during war time that begins just after this counsel is given and continuing for the next 100 years or so until Jesus Christ comes to visit the people.

It appears remarkable that the prophet had such a great pulse on the society and the future events that were coming that he would counsel his son about how to speak to the people on this issue. Now certainly Mormon was choosing what to put into the book when he compiled it, but the writings of Alma to his sons comes from Alma's record, and the timing (as I mentioned) is impressive.

We are lucky to have a living prophet who can guide us in the most pertinent and timely matters. Alma was a great prophet who did that. It's another reminder of the blessing it is to have a living prophet today.

Here's some verses in Alma 37 on the topic:

 22 For behold, the Lord saw that his people began to work in darkness, yea, work secret murders and abominations; therefore the Lord said, if they did not repent they should be destroyed from off the face of the earth.

 23 And the Lord said: I will prepare unto my servant Gazelem, a^astone, which shall shine forth in darkness unto light, that I may^bdiscover unto my people who serve me, that I may discover unto them the works of their brethren, yea, their secret works, their works of darkness, and their wickedness and abominations.

 24 And now, my son, these ^ainterpreters were prepared that the word of God might be fulfilled, which he spake, saying:

 25 I will ^abring forth out of darkness unto light all their secret works and their abominations; and except they repent I will^bdestroy them from off the face of the earth; and I will bring to light all their secrets and abominations, unto every nation that shall hereafter possess the land.

 26 And now, my son, we see that they did not repent; therefore they have been destroyed, and thus far the word of God has been fulfilled; yea, their ^asecret abominations have been brought out of darkness and made known unto us.

 27 And now, my son, I command you that ye retain all their oaths, and their covenants, and their agreements in their secret abominations; yea, and all their ^asigns and their wonders ye shall^bkeep from this people, that they know them not, lest peradventure they should fall into darkness also and be destroyed.

 28 For behold, there is a ^acurse upon all this land, that destruction shall come upon all those workers of darkness, according to the power of God, when they are fully ripe; therefore I desire that this people might not be destroyed.

 29 Therefore ye shall keep these secret plans of their ^aoaths and their covenants from this people, and only their wickedness and their murders and their abominations shall ye make known unto them; and ye shall teach them to ^babhor such wickedness and abominations and murders; and ye shall also teach them that these people were destroyed on account of their wickedness and abominations and their murders.

 30 For behold, they ^amurdered all the prophets of the Lord who came among them to declare unto them concerning their iniquities; and the blood of those whom they murdered did cry unto the Lord their God for vengeance upon those who were their murderers; and thus the judgments of God did come upon these workers of darkness and secret ^bcombinations.

 31 Yea, and ^acursed be the land forever and ever unto those workers of darkness and secret combinations, even unto destruction, except they repent before they are fully ^bripe.

 32 And now, my son, remember the words which I have spoken unto you; trust not those secret plans unto this people, but teach them an everlasting ^ahatred against sin and iniquity.

 33 ^aPreach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves and to be ^bmeek and lowly in heart; teach them to ^cwithstand every ^dtemptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.