Book of Mormon 21 - “Alma … Did Judge Righteous Judgments”

Lesson 21 looked at issues that are relevant to society as a whole: who our leaders are, how decisions should be made, what good government means, why we should avoid priestcraft, and how to prevent ourselves being drawn into teachings that are not in tune with gospel principles.

The Prime Minister of our country provides an example of how one man, in a position of power, can create negative results for an entire society, an entire country. He is self-opinionated and self-centred. His primary concern is not the people but amassing his own private fortune. He is owned by overseas banks. So many of his decisions are directly opposed to the welfare of this country and its people: asset sales, reduction of spending in health and education, a push for the TPP agreement, and dishonesty in communications. Since his term as Prime Minister commenced, we have seen a huge rise in homelessness, 

unemployment, and poverty. What surprises me is how he ever became Prime Minister. I have spoken to friends personally, on Facebook, and in social settings, and I have not found a single person who voted for him. This indicates a possible underlying problem. We must vote! We cannot sit back and say, “Well I am not going to vote. We have no politicians worth a vote!” If we do not vote, we cannot complain about the state of the nation.

When I look at our Members of Parliament, I can honestly say that one stands out as reliable, honest, caring, and hardworking. He is the MP for Mangere, a member in good standing, and a faithful priesthood holder. He displays a great love for the people in his electorate and engenders loyalty in return. I can imagine what it will be like when the leaders of church and state merge into one. I will be able to support these leaders with devotion and conviction. Nothing can guarantee good government, except when the leaders rely on the Lord’s direction. This can be seen when we compare the state of the Nephite nation under King Noah as opposed to under the leadership of King Benjamin or King Mosiah.

Brother Su'a William Seo, MP for Mangere, with some of my old students

I am still relieved that we live in a relatively peaceful country where the church is firmly established. I could not even imagine what it would be like to live in Uzbekistan or North Korea. To be quite honest, I would not like to be in America at the moment. Even a remote possibility of having Donald Trump as President would scare me. This man engenders disrespect, hatred, and intolerance.

In Mosiah 29, we learn some important things about governance. One thing we learn from Mosiah is that good governance provides a balance. This is illustrated in the diagram below (inspired by Wilcox, M. In the Book of Mormon: Gospel Study Companion, 2007).

In Mosiah 29:32 we are told that a wicked king leads to inequality in society. On one side of the scale we need to ensure that the rights and privileges of the people are protected. In Mosiah 29:33-34 we are told of the great weight that a political leader has to bear. We are also told about what is needed to balance the scale, i.e. that on the second side, every man must bear his part and accept personal responsibility. In Mosiah 29:38 we add one item to each side of the scale: on the first side, everyone must have an equal chance; and, on the second side, there must be accountability, each person must be willing to answer for his/her own sins.

We often read about the importance of accountability and transparency as key elements in a democracy, but the need for accountability extends from the elected leaders to groups and organisations that operate under private law. The need for individual citizens to be accountable is not seen as important (Accountability and transparency, http://democracyweb.org/node/42). In our materialistic world, all we hear is “rights…rights…rights”. The scale is completely tipped towards rights and privileges, while we ignore the need for accountability. Today, rights and privileges have become a license for sin, denying accountability. Guaranteeing rights and privileges must never be used as an excuse for sin (Wilcox, M. In the Book of Mormon: Gospel Study Companion, 2007).

As the Mosiah chapters come to an end, we learn about the new system of judges established in the Nephite nation. Alma was appointed as chief judge through a democratic process. In Alma 1 we learn about Nehor and the difficulties that arose through priestcraft. A definition of priestcraft is provided in 2 Nephi 26:29: “…priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.” I understand this because of a personal experience. I used to write for an ESOL (English Second Language) magazine. At one stage, as part of my research, I was asked to interview three brothers. These brothers had made a pact, while they were still at school, that by the time they reached the age of 21 years, they would be millionaires. One went into the tourism industry and made a fortune. The second chose to follow an illegal means of acquiring wealth and ended up in prison. The third decided to start a church. He had become a millionaire at a very young age. My interview with him was disquieting. He certainly had charisma and charm. He was a convincing speaker. Yet, I was ill at ease throughout the interview. He had taken many of his ideas, beliefs, and even practices from the true gospel, but had changed doctrine to suit himself. Many people believe in his church and follow him. His influence grows steadily, as does his wealth. I can see why he appeals to people. He looks good, sounds good, and has even convinced himself that his words are the words of the Lord. After being with this man, I can understand why so many of the Nephites followed Nehor, and later Amlici (see Alma 2).

Nehor (left) & Amlici (right) - portraits by James H. Fullmer

Amlicites fighting by James H. Fullmer

We have so much evil around us in the world today. We have corrupt politicians, priestcraft, immorality, addictions, contention and warfare, good seen as evil and evil as good. So, how do we protect ourselves and our loved ones? The answer is in the simplicity of the gospel. We need to love the Lord and follow His teachings, live the gospel, pray, study, attend church meetings, attend the temple, and follow our leaders. If we are obedient, the Spirit will dwell in our hearts and in our lives. We will have the ability to discern the light from the darkness. We will never be alone. I know that I need the gospel, I need the Saviour’s love, I need the guidance of the Spirit. I cannot have these blessings if I do not earn them. Therefore, I need to be obedient and humble. I pray that I can do these things.

Book of Mormon 20 - “My Soul Is Pained No More”

I have been through both despair and hope while reading the scriptures in Lesson 20. The despair because I am critical of my own performance as a mother and hope because the Lord listens to me, answers my prayers, and still loves me. I try to be a good person and, perhaps, this will offset some of my inadequacies.

The scriptures in Mosiah 25 speak about a grand gathering, a “General Conference” of all the people: those who had been in Zarahemla, including the Mulekites who had joined the Nephites; the people of Limhi, who had recently returned from the land of Nephi; and, the people of Alma, who had fled during the reign of King Noah. They were read the records of the people and heard the stories of deliverance through obedience to the Lord. It must have been an emotional roller coaster for those present. In Mosiah 25:7-11 we read about these emotions: wonder at the records; joy because of having being delivered from subjugation; sorrow for those slain by the Lamanites; gratitude for the goodness of God; and, pain at the fallen state of the Lamanites. I know that emotions can be heightened during conference sessions. I have experienced this personally when listening to the general authorities speaking at conference.

In Mosiah 26:1-4 we hear about some of the younger generation, who had been present when King Benjamin addressed his people, who did not believe. In verse 3 it reads: “And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened.” And, later in verse 4 it gives a reason for this lack of understanding, that they would not call upon the Lord their God. This applies to all people, young and old. Understanding the truths of the gospel requires a willing heart and an open mind. Approaching the Lord in earnest prayer is the key to opening both heart and mind. After five years as a Gospel Doctrine teacher, I testify that prayer can reveal truth and clear up misunderstanding. However, this help is not given automatically. If you are seeking truth, you need to work for it: study, search the scriptures, read counsel from the prophets and apostles, and pray with your whole being.

I love Mosiah 27. We read about Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah. These were the children of great men. Alma the elder had been given the responsibility of setting up churches throughout Zarahemla, yet his son, Alma the younger, was regarded as one of the most rebellious non-believers and persecutors of the church. Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah flattered the people and led them into sinful paths, they caused arguments and dissension, and went about secretly to destroy the church. An angel asked Alma the younger why he was persecuting members of the church. The angel stated that the prayers of the people and his father had been heard. The boys were so stunned that they fell to the ground. In verse 16, the angel admonished Alma and said: “Alma, go thy way, and seek to destroy the church no more, that their prayers may be answered, and even if thou wilt of thyself be cast off.” Alma the younger was unable to speak and was so weak he could not stand or use his hands. He was carried before his father. Alma the elder knew this miracle had occurred as an answer to prayer. Together with the priests, he fasted for strength to return to his son. After two days, Alma the younger stood and spoke. He testified of his conversion. In verse 28, he stated, “Nevertheless, after wading through much tribulation, repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God.” From this time, Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah tried to make amends for the destruction they had previously caused and became staunch missionaries.

The conversion of Alma the younger raises the issue of parents who are members yet have children who go astray. Elder Orson F. Whitney of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (1929) said: “You parents of the wilful and the wayward! Don’t give them up. Don’t cast them off. They are not utterly lost. The Shepherd will find his sheep. They were his before they were yours – long before he entrusted them to your care; and you cannot begin to love them as he loves them. They have but strayed in ignorance from the Path of Right, and God is merciful to ignorance. Only the fullness of knowledge brings the fullness of accountability. Our Heavenly Father is far more merciful, infinitely more charitable, then even the best of his servants, and the Everlasting Gospel is mightier in power to save than our infinite minds can comprehend” (Conference Report, April 1929, p. 110).

Elder Orson F. Whitney

I wish I had found this quote when I first started thinking about the issue of wayward children. I spent a long time reflecting on my own inadequacies. I realise I have not been a faithful servant. I have failed my children in so many ways. I do love them with all my heart. I have always tried to let them know how important the gospel is to me. But, I have agonised over my part in their current problems. For a long time, I have felt hopeless and guilty. What made it worse was thinking about the story in the Old Testament of Eli and his sons.

Eli & his sons by Robert Barrett

Eli was a devoted high priest who served for forty years as a judge in Israel. He had two sons, Hophni and Phineas. They laboured with their father as priests in the tabernacle at Shiloh. The sons acted as mediators between God and His people in their worship and offering of sacrifices. In Samuel 2:12 it says: “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.” Belial refers to worthless or wicked, according to the Bible Dictionary. They were greedy, extorted the best meat from the people, i.e. taking the best for themselves that was meant for the Lord, and committed immoral acts with women gathered at the tabernacle. Eli knew what they were doing and confronted his sons. The sons ignored their father and continued in their evil ways. Eli did nothing to remove his sons from office. When the army of the Israelites went to war against the Philistines, the ark of the covenant was taken onto the battlefield to protect the Israelites. The caretakers of the ark were Eli’s sons. Hophni and Phineas were killed in the ensuing battle. When Eli received word that his sons had been killed and the ark had been lost, he fell, broke his neck, and died.

Eli’s failing was parental negligence. He gave his boys the freedom to commit serious sins and that negatively influenced many people. As parents we should teach and correct our children. I have tried to be Alma the elder in many ways, but I see a lot of Eli in me! I know I have failed in some ways and I will be held accountable. I have not “corrected” my children as often as I should have. Especially as a single parent, I have found this difficult. I am a “wishy-washy” person, a real Charlie Brown. I am soft – my children call me a “marshmallow”! I cry easily and wear my emotions on my sleeve. I find it so hard to “get tough”. I have never been tough in my whole life, and wouldn’t know where to start.

I have tried to set a reasonably good example for my children and I have always, always testified of the truthfulness of the gospel. But, at the same time, I never pushed them to have Family Home Evening when they did not want one. I also never pushed them to attend Seminary. So, by doing this, I have been guilty of parental negligence. My children know I love them. They have safety and security. I am there for them no matter what happens. To see them make the wrong choices is so incredibly painful. Yet I have not helped them to make wiser choices by being stricter on them for the choices they do make.

In his talk, When Our Children Go Astray, by Elder John Carmack (March 1999), we receive some wonderful hints on how to cope. These include:

Elder John Carmack

• Trust Father in Heaven
• Respect free agency
• Refrain from judging others unrighteously
• Turn to the Saviour and seek the Lord
• Recognise the Spirit and heed promptings
• Never give up
• Take care of yourselves
• Seek help
• Try not to live through the achievements of your children
• Support your prodigal child in wisdom
• Avoid denial and undue feelings of self-blame
• Remember the last human freedom

I need to apply some of these to myself. I certainly will never give up. One of my wayward lambs has already turned her life around, married in the temple, and is active and stalwart in the gospel. I do not deny that I will have to account for a degree of parental negligence, but I also know that if I am to hope for the future, I must stop the feelings of self-blame. Satan is able to influence us when we lose hope.

I also found a remarkable talk by Robin Zenger Baker called When a Child Leaves the Church (Ensign, Feb 2016). I have read this several times in the last few weeks and it has really given me strength and guidance. Here are some of Robin’s suggestions:

• Learn from others who have struggled – Sariah and Lehi and Adam and Eve dealt with wayward children. “…even righteous families may choose to reject gospel principles. We can gain comfort from the stories of struggling families in the scriptures.”
• Recognise our children are also God’s – We need to focus on the qualities of the child and not allow feelings of guilt and failure to overwhelm us.
• Focus on success - “We need to celebrate the good qualities of our children and the happy moments we shared. We should embrace the principle that our family members are blessed with agency, however they may use it.”
• Adjust our expectations – Children must choose for themselves to receive the blessings of the gospel. Their success and happiness is theirs, not ours.
• Gain insight – Seek solace and perspective in prayer, scripture study, and temple attendance.
• Continue to show love – There are plenty of ways we can show our family members that we love and value them.
• Hold on to hope – Family members often return after a period of wandering.
• Maintain an eternal view – We simply do not know what will happen to our loved ones. “God’s reckoning of time is vastly different from ours.”

Robin Zenger Baker

I hope to become more like Alma the elder and less like Eli. It may be late, but there is always hope!

Book of Mormon 19 - “None Could Deliver Them but the Lord”

The scriptures in Lesson 19, Mosiah 18-24 would make such an exciting movie. There are plots, political intrigue, religious upheavals, assassinations, battles, peoples in bondage, great escapes, and so much more. It is amazing how much took place in just one short reading! Some highlights for me included the way Alma had to flee for his life and then converted hundreds of people and baptised these converts in the Waters of Mormon. Noah’s people were not unified and Gideon was about to kill Noah when the army of the Lamanites was seen approaching the city. Noah commanded his people to flee from the Lamanites. When the Lamanites closed in, he suggested that the men flee and leave the women and children to the Lamanites. Some did as he suggested but others stayed and were enslaved by the Lamanites. Those who agreed eventually burned Noah to death. Limhi succeeded his father Noah as king. The Lamanites were angered when they believed Limhi’s people had abducted the daughters of the Lamanites. These daughters had, in fact, been abducted by the priests of Noah, who were too ashamed to face the people of Limhi and lived in the wilderness away from their wives and children. Limhi and his people fought the Lamanites three times and were defeated. At the same time, a group of people under the leadership of Ammon, travelled from Zarahemla and found the people of Limhi. As these people turned to the Lord, they were able to escape from bondage when the Lamanite guards were in a drunken stupor. Lamanites, sent out to search for the people of Limhi, found Alma and his people at Helam. They had already found the priests of Noah and taken possession of the land of Amulon. The priests’ new wives, the daughters of the Lamanites, pleaded for their husbands to be spared. Alma and his people showed the Lamanites the way to Nephi but the Lamanites did not give them the promised rewards, their lives and their liberty. Amulon was made king of his people who were in the land of Helam. He gained the favour of the Lamanite King Laman and persecuted Alma and his people. Alma’s people were able to escape when the Lord caused the Lamanite guards to fall into a deep sleep. They fled into the wilderness and travelled to Zarahemla. What an incredibly epic story!

Waters of Mormon by Walter Rane

But, there is far more to these scriptures than an epic adventure. There is gospel truth and lessons to be learned. There were three lessons here for me: firstly, even one soul is worth a great missionary effort; secondly, the Lord’s people must be united in building up the kingdom; and, thirdly, miracles are possible with the Lord on your side and this only comes with obedience.

The importance of standing up for the truth, of being a missionary and sharing what we have with others, is so important. In a week, my daughter’s best friend leaves for the mission field, so the importance of missionary effort is constantly on my mind. Abinadi may not have recognised how successful he had been in Noah’s court, but Alma believed. Alma baptised hundreds of people. I recall two amazing accounts of missionaries who felt they had not succeeded because they only baptised a single convert. 

The very first missionary called after the restoration was Joseph Smith’s brother, Samuel Smith. A short animated account of his mission can be found at lds.org. Although Samuel returned from his mission discouraged and disappointed, future church leaders Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball came in contact with copies of the Book of Mormon left by Samuel and were later baptised. 

President Gordon B. Hinckley recalled a story told to him by the Southern States Missionary President Charles A. Callis. President Callis interviewed a missionary just prior to his release. The missionary stated, “I haven’t had any results from my work. I have wasted my time and my father’s money. It’s been a waste of time.” This missionary had baptised only one convert in his two-year mission. This was a 12-year-old boy in the back hollows of Tennessee. Brother Callis decided to find out what had happened to that single convert. The next time he was in the area, he found the boy now wore shoes and a shirt and was the clerk of a little branch Sunday School. Brother Callis continued to follow his progress. He became the Sunday School Superintendent and eventually the Branch President. He married and established his own successful farm. He then moved his family to Idaho and bought a larger farm where his family prospered. His children grew and went on missions. They returned home, had children of their own who also went on missions. Brother Callis stated, “I’ve just spent a week up in Idaho looking up every member of that family that I could find and talking to them about their missionary service. I discovered that, as the result of the baptism of that one little boy in the back hollows of Tennessee by a missionary who thought he had failed, more than 1,100 people have come into the Church.” (From the Teachings of President Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 360-361).

When I was a teenager I was an enthusiastic missionary. I loved telling people about the gospel. At a single Open House in Auckland 13^th Ward, I was responsible for 24 investigators! I used to send out letters and Books of Mormon. On one occasion I was prompted to write to a Swiss “penfriend” who never returned my letters. This was not something I would usually do! I wrote many letters and then sent my testimony in a Book of Mormon. Although I never received a letter at that stage, I did hear from this penfriend many years later, when she first attended the temple in Switzerland. That was the most exciting experience! Over the years, my missionary zeal has waned. Now I am embarrassingly anti-social, yet I still speak up about the church when discussion with my students and work colleagues turns to religion. I must work out how to renew the zeal I felt so strongly in my youth!

The second lesson I learned this week was about the importance of those who have been baptised to be united. In Mosiah 18:21, we read: “And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.” A ward is only as strong as the members. In my experience, a ward where the Saints are one, is a strong ward with love, caring, and great spirituality.

Limhi and His People Escape to Zarahemla by Steven Lloyd Neal

The third lesson from these scriptures that stood out for me was that when people are obedient, when they humble themselves before the Lord and ask His help, He is always there. He always leads and guides His people. In Mosiah 21 we learn more about the people of Limhi. They were persecuted by the Lamanites. Three times the Lamanites defeated them in battle. Lamanite persecutions increased. In verse 14 we read: “And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions.” It was only when they started to be humble and turn to the Lord that their burdens were eased and they started to prosper. The people were kept in bondage until the arrival of Ammon, when Limhi and many of his people desired to be baptised. They were prepared to serve the Lord with all their hearts. It was only at this point that their escape from the Lamanites was made possible. If we are obedient, the Lord will listen. He hears the earnest prayers of our hearts. I know this. I have experienced this many times in my life. I want to so live my life, that I deserve His love, His compassion, so that I can turn to Him with the righteous desires of my heart.

Book of Mormon 18 - “God Himself … Shall Redeem His People”

I struggled a little with this lesson. I think it was the result of a combination of factors: firstly, the breadth of doctrine covered in this lesson; secondly, life circumstances including worry about children, exams, and end-of-semester responsibilities; and, thirdly, being very tired physically and emotionally.

After an intensely spiritual Sacrament meeting today, I feel ready to write. I sat through the Sacrament hymn in tears. I really wanted to sing but nothing would come out. The hymn #172, In Humility Our Saviour, has the most beautiful lyrics by Mabel Jones Gabbott. These include the following: “When thy heart was stilled and broken, on the cross at Calvary.” These words touched my spirit with such force. I saw the suffering of my elder brother, my Saviour, in Gethsemane, on the road to Calvary, and as He suffered on the cross.

(Left: Thy Will Be Done by Del Parson; right: It Is Finished by Liz Lemon Swindel)

Abinadi’s message to King Noah and his priests in Mosiah 14 and 15 deals with the very thing I sat contemplating during the passing of the Sacrament. In Mosiah 14, Abinadi quotes the words of Isaiah. These are so beautiful and poignant. In verse 3, he says: “He is despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him, he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Later, in verse 7, “He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter.”

In Chapter 15 Abinadi speaks further about the Atonement and how the Lord will make intercession for the transgressions of His people. Here Christ is referred to as Father. Brother Bill Beardall provides a wonderful summary of the concept of deity and the word Father. He states that there are four separate and distinct significations in doctrinal exposition relating to the use of the term Father. These are: God the Father, our literal parent, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our eternal spirits; Jesus Christ, or Elohim, as the creator of this Earth, this universe, and, therefore, the Father of this world; Jesus Christ, the Father of those who strive in the gospel to gain an eternal reward; and, Jesus Christ, the Father by divine investiture of authority, representing His Father. In this chapter, Abinadi also discusses the doctrine of the resurrection. One scripture that struck me as I was listening to today’s speakers was Mosiah 15:28, which reads: “And now I say unto you that the time shall come that the salvation of the Lord shall be declared to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.”

The speakers in Sacrament today focussed on missionary work. Two missionaries spoke, followed by two prospective missionaries, both Young Single Adults. One of these young men is the only active member in his family and spoke of the difficulties in sticking to the gospel and preparing for a mission with the temptations of the world all around. He said something that I felt was quite profound: “What we want is out there; what we need is right here.” One of the speakers quoted words from his favourite song (also mine) O Lord, my Redeemer by Jeff Goodrich. Once again, I felt the tears streaming down my face as I pictured the beautiful face of my Redeemer. The portraits below were on my mind:

(Left: Jesus Christ by Brent Borup; right: Jesus Christ Pencil by Liz Lemon Swindel)

I love my Saviour. I feel His love for me and this fills me with gratitude and humility. I once read a sweet blog that mirrored the way I feel about the Saviour. This 2015 blog called He Lives… Present Tense by Nikkita Ulloa is well worth reading.

“Oh Lord, my Redeemer,

Thou hast done so much for me!

Oh Lord, my Redeemer.

All my love I give to thee!”

(From O Lord, my Redeemer by Jeff Goodrich.)