My personal experience in war is that it tends to bring out the extremes in a person's character. There are those who use it as an excuse for the worst behavior; they kill for defense of self and others but, having killed once, kill for the thrill, for revenge, for almost any excuse. These men would be involved in whoredom and even rape. They would also be first in line for alcohol and drugs. Others would become like a particular captain who, for one reason or another decided to befriend me. I think he had met me in our church services as I had been called to be a counselor to the LDS unit president, so I conducted our meetings from time to time. There was little structure to our meetings and I had very little to do other than at the meetings themselves as there was no opportunity for home teaching or making visits to other areas of the base, fire bases or out in the bush.
This particular captain had led units of men out in combat, but took the time to succor soldiers who were injured, frightened or who suffered from mental wounds. In one case he took a prisoner who would have been killed by the type of soldier who was less inclined toward mercy. In another case, there was a soldier from Utah who served in a nearby unit and who fell victim to his own inappropriate habits. He took drugs following a period of time in the bush where he had seen action. The drugs, combined with the fear, bloodshed and extreme emotional circumstances caused him to lose control. He took his weapon and begin firing randomly inside the NCO and officers' clubs. I don't believe he killed anyone, but he seriously injured several.
This soldier was lucky enough to have become acquainted with the righteous captain. The captain took the risk of convincing the powers that be to let him take charge of the young soldier. He brought the soldier to church services where I could clearly see that the young man was unstable. The captain worked with him, was kind to, but firm with him and stayed with him until he was sent away. If my memory serves me, the soldier was given a court martial, but sent to Japan to receive treatment for battle fatigue.
Alma, in describing Captain Moroni, describes a man who saw the world from 10,000 feet above the rest of mankind. He fought for principle and never allowed himself to believe that his current circumstances were the only reality. He is described as strong and mighty, which he would have to be to survive and lead. He is also described as a man of perfect understanding who did not delight in bloodshed. He loved freedom and the joy of liberty and could see that the results of losing the war would be captivity and slavery. He was capable of deeply felt thanksgiving, even in the horrors of wartime. He had taken an oath to defend the liberty and welfare of his people, even at the risk of losing his own life.
Alma states, in describing this mighty man, "...If all men...were...like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." While these traits may be seen as gifts from God, the fact is that everyone has the Spirit of Christ and, like Moroni, could have developed their characters to the point that they, like he, could receive such gifts. Instead, most of us tend to think of our current circumstances as reality and don't think in the long term. We suffer disappointment and use that as the excuse for abandoning our faith. We find an opportunity to act on a lustful impulse and take advantage without thinking of the eternal consequence.
Men like Moroni keep an eternal perspective, not only for themselves, but for those in their sphere of influence.
Similarly, the 2000 stripling warriors maintained an eternal perspective. Much credit is given their mothers who taught them, as is proper, but the fact is that many young person who has had the proper teaching and example in the home abandon those teachings when they leave home. A spirit of rebellion can negate the teaching of a righteous parent until circumstances seemingly force them back to the teaching of the home through repentance, usually after they have raised children without the benefit of their faith. Unlike the typical rebellious youth, these men applied their faith by following every command with exactness. They applied the principles of righteousness they learned in the home to their commander. Knowing that Heleman was a righteous leader who would never lead them astray, they were protected by following his directions to the letter. Heleman credits the success of the young soldiers to the fact that they had faith, that their minds were firm and that they put their trust in God.
The war chapters of the Book of Mormon are often used as a metaphor for the battles we face in our lives everyday. That is an appropriate use of these chapters. War, however, like other extreme circumstances we may face reveals our true character. C. S. Lewis says that we must not use extreme circumstances as an excuse for bad behavior. "Dropping the hammer on my toe caused me to swear," for instance. Rather, the extreme circumstance reveals the aspects of our character we have not yet corrected. The rats in the cellar, for instance, are more likely to be revealed when we enter the door abruptly than if we rattle the door handle and enter as usual.
Our focus, then, must be to make of ourselves the men and women whose hearts a pure because we are the children of Christ; his sons and daughters. We do this by constantly reflecting on the blessings of the atonement and calling on God's holy power to change our hearts.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
The Purpose of Guilt
It is interesting that when Alma is giving counsel to his missionary children, he spends a chapter or two on the ones who are doing well, but the bulk of his preaching is for the one who has strayed from the path. It is Corianton who gets four lengthy chapters in the book of Alma. These chapters are not only about his need to repent and the blessings of the Atonement to those who humble themselves, but also some deep doctrine about the events of the resurrection, the role of justice and mercy, the purpose of mortality as a probationary state, spiritual and temporal death and the like. He did not save the deepest doctrine for the righteous sons, but found it appropriate to declare it to the one son who had committed the most egregious sins.
Why was that the case? I suspect that if Corianton had continued to show a rebellious heart, he would never have received this counsel. The more likely scenario is that the depth of his humility led Alma and the Spirit to give him greater depth because he was truly ready to receive it.
In the final chapter of his counsel to Corianton, Alma sees that there is a need to caution the repentant person against allowing guilt to rule their life, never accepting the full blessings of the Atonement. It seems that people either give too little attention to their sins and failings, or they give too much attention to them.
In the Pearl of Great Price, Moses sees God face to face and is given the vision (shared by a very few prophets such as John, Nephi and Abraham) of the world from its beginning to its conclusion. In Moses 1:10 he makes the observation, "...man is nothing, which thing I had never supposed." Then a few verses later Satan attempts to tempt him and his response is, "Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee?" You are left to wonder at Moses' conclusion. Are we nothing or are we children of God with an expectation of an eternal, celestial inheritance? As Moses correctly observed, we are both.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf addressed this paradox in his most recent General Conference address to the Church. "The great deceiver knows that one of his most effective tools in leading the children of God astray is to appeal to the extremes of the paradox of man." In other words, Satan uses the truth to appeal to our negative natures. In some instances, we find that he appeals to our pride. We are amazing creatures with the abilities of reason, thought, strength, wealth, and experience. We may begin to think that we exceed in some or many of these things over others and become defensive when our abilities or gifts are challenged. President Uchtdorf observes, "To some, he appeals to their prideful tendencies, puffing them up and encouraging them to believe in the fantasy of their own self-importance and invincibility. He tells them they have transcended the ordinary and that because of ability, birthright, or social status, they are set apart from the common measure of all that surrounds them." Falling into that trap we become unaware of, or ignore (sometimes even fear to recognize) the evidences around us that, "man is nothing."
On the other hand, we are aware, sometimes to the extreme, that we are all sinners and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) So short, that we become convinced that we will never measure up to the scorecard of God, so in our depression, we conclude that we might as well continue in our mediocrity, sin and short comings and need not go to the effort and pain of attempting success. In this case, Satan appeals to the opposite extreme. Man is nothing, I am way below other people in my spirituality, physical state, mental abilities, or whatever, so I am less than nothing.
The message of the Savior is that he has descended below all things and has made the redemption applicable to the least of us. That is where we start. He is our foundation. It is necessary to be humble; in fact, in my experience, eventually we are led to be either humbled or humiliated. The choice is ours. The difference is that when we choose to be humiliated, there is no one there to see us through the pain and depression; Satan only takes us lower - we are his. When we choose to be humble, we seek repentance and there is almost immediate assistance from the Spirit. There is also, in my experience, a great battle. The force of Satan's persuasion tries to convince us that we are not worth it, that we are too sinful and that the effort is not worth the price. The Spirit of God, on the other hand, is available to bolster and sustain us as long as we are willing to stick to the basics. Eventually, you win and the effort is worth it. The Celestial Kingdom is not unattainable; it is yours.
In President Uchtdorf's words: "The Lord doesn’t care at all if we spend our days working in marble halls or stable stalls. He knows where we are, no matter how humble our circumstances. He will use—in His own way and for His holy purposes—those who incline their hearts to Him."
Once again, we are invited to place our will on the alter and bend our will to the will of God.
Why was that the case? I suspect that if Corianton had continued to show a rebellious heart, he would never have received this counsel. The more likely scenario is that the depth of his humility led Alma and the Spirit to give him greater depth because he was truly ready to receive it.
In the final chapter of his counsel to Corianton, Alma sees that there is a need to caution the repentant person against allowing guilt to rule their life, never accepting the full blessings of the Atonement. It seems that people either give too little attention to their sins and failings, or they give too much attention to them.
In the Pearl of Great Price, Moses sees God face to face and is given the vision (shared by a very few prophets such as John, Nephi and Abraham) of the world from its beginning to its conclusion. In Moses 1:10 he makes the observation, "...man is nothing, which thing I had never supposed." Then a few verses later Satan attempts to tempt him and his response is, "Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee?" You are left to wonder at Moses' conclusion. Are we nothing or are we children of God with an expectation of an eternal, celestial inheritance? As Moses correctly observed, we are both.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf addressed this paradox in his most recent General Conference address to the Church. "The great deceiver knows that one of his most effective tools in leading the children of God astray is to appeal to the extremes of the paradox of man." In other words, Satan uses the truth to appeal to our negative natures. In some instances, we find that he appeals to our pride. We are amazing creatures with the abilities of reason, thought, strength, wealth, and experience. We may begin to think that we exceed in some or many of these things over others and become defensive when our abilities or gifts are challenged. President Uchtdorf observes, "To some, he appeals to their prideful tendencies, puffing them up and encouraging them to believe in the fantasy of their own self-importance and invincibility. He tells them they have transcended the ordinary and that because of ability, birthright, or social status, they are set apart from the common measure of all that surrounds them." Falling into that trap we become unaware of, or ignore (sometimes even fear to recognize) the evidences around us that, "man is nothing."
On the other hand, we are aware, sometimes to the extreme, that we are all sinners and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) So short, that we become convinced that we will never measure up to the scorecard of God, so in our depression, we conclude that we might as well continue in our mediocrity, sin and short comings and need not go to the effort and pain of attempting success. In this case, Satan appeals to the opposite extreme. Man is nothing, I am way below other people in my spirituality, physical state, mental abilities, or whatever, so I am less than nothing.
The message of the Savior is that he has descended below all things and has made the redemption applicable to the least of us. That is where we start. He is our foundation. It is necessary to be humble; in fact, in my experience, eventually we are led to be either humbled or humiliated. The choice is ours. The difference is that when we choose to be humiliated, there is no one there to see us through the pain and depression; Satan only takes us lower - we are his. When we choose to be humble, we seek repentance and there is almost immediate assistance from the Spirit. There is also, in my experience, a great battle. The force of Satan's persuasion tries to convince us that we are not worth it, that we are too sinful and that the effort is not worth the price. The Spirit of God, on the other hand, is available to bolster and sustain us as long as we are willing to stick to the basics. Eventually, you win and the effort is worth it. The Celestial Kingdom is not unattainable; it is yours.
In President Uchtdorf's words: "The Lord doesn’t care at all if we spend our days working in marble halls or stable stalls. He knows where we are, no matter how humble our circumstances. He will use—in His own way and for His holy purposes—those who incline their hearts to Him."
Once again, we are invited to place our will on the alter and bend our will to the will of God.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Gratitude or Golden Book and the Three Boys
Many years ago the boys and I started the YES program which stands for Youth Excellence Strategy or something like that. Tavan was already out of the house, so he did not participate, but the other three and I would rise early, exercise, read a chapter in the Book of Mormon and memorize a scripture a month. We each had to have our own prayers twice each day, as well. We did this for a year. The reward was that we went to General Conference in Salt Lake City. We stayed in the Little America Hotel, swam in the pool and ate very well. We arose and went to Temple Square at 5:00AM to get into line so we could get into the tabernacle. The boys had our stake presidency sign their YES certificates and took them with us to show Grandma and Grandpa Anderson in Utah. When we attended conference they got the idea to have general authorities sign them, as well. One or two of them had a member of the Tabernacle Choir sign them, but they were especially proud to get Steve Young's autograph. There was a great feeling of love, camaraderie and gratitude as we accomplished something truly worthwhile.
One of the scriptures we memorized was D&C 59:16-21. It was one of the longest and they were proud to have memorized it and recited it for our Thanksgiving celebration that year. It still has a place in my heart when I read it for that reason. In Alma 38, Alma recalls the experience that was the beginning of turning his heart from evil and dedicating his life to serving Christ. In his counsel to his son Shiblon, he cautions that we should recognize that Christ is the only means to light and life. He advises that we should never confuse our successes as being solely from our own efforts, strength or wisdom as all we have and are comes as a gift from God. Pride and gratitude cannot dwell in the same mind and spirit.
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it is always good to reflect on the virtue of gratitude. In the 59th Section of the Doctrine & Covenants we learn that we need not embrace poverty, unless that is our lot in life for the moment. We should remember that the fullness of the earth is ours. We have at our disposal the beasts, the plants of our gardens, the trees and fruits and all things in and under the earth. It is not just to survive, but also to please the eye, gladden the heart and enliven the soul. When we prosper in those things, it pleases God that he has made them available to us so long as we use them with good judgment and not out of greed, or obtain them by dishonest means.
Then he states that "...in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things and obey not his commandments." (verse 21) Cicero is quoted as saying, "Gratitude is the mother of virtues." I believe that is completely true. I also believe that pride is the mother of all unrighteousness. Sometimes gratitude and pride are bed fellows. How? When we are thankful for the blessings we have, but don't acknowledge God as the source of those blessings. How many times have you heard a singer, actor or other person who has received fame or notoriety exclaim how very luck they are? Some acknowledge God, but most just chalk it up to luck.
I do not. Based on the understanding of the Atonement I have received over the years, I know from whence my blessings come and the blessings given to my children and their families. I realize I have gifts and that those gifts are magnified when they are used in the context of what God would have me do with them. When my will is subjected to His will, my blessings increase. When I allow my ego to dictate my activity, I fail to acknowledge God or to find His will and I am left to myself. I find it a pitiful state in comparison.
I have deep gratitude for my life, my work, my wife, my children and my children's families, my health, my opportunities to serve in the Church and elsewhere. I am grateful for the scriptures and the men who have suffered to bring them to us. I thank God for the opportunity of living at a time when the inspired words of prophets, seers, revelators and others are so easily and readily available. Most of all I am grateful for my relationship with God and my Savior. I know I need to improve it in many ways, but I truly love them and am filled with awe to know even the particle I am blessed to know. To any who may sometime read this, I am grateful for you and pray that these posts may be some source of motivation and/or inspiration to you.
One of the scriptures we memorized was D&C 59:16-21. It was one of the longest and they were proud to have memorized it and recited it for our Thanksgiving celebration that year. It still has a place in my heart when I read it for that reason. In Alma 38, Alma recalls the experience that was the beginning of turning his heart from evil and dedicating his life to serving Christ. In his counsel to his son Shiblon, he cautions that we should recognize that Christ is the only means to light and life. He advises that we should never confuse our successes as being solely from our own efforts, strength or wisdom as all we have and are comes as a gift from God. Pride and gratitude cannot dwell in the same mind and spirit.
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it is always good to reflect on the virtue of gratitude. In the 59th Section of the Doctrine & Covenants we learn that we need not embrace poverty, unless that is our lot in life for the moment. We should remember that the fullness of the earth is ours. We have at our disposal the beasts, the plants of our gardens, the trees and fruits and all things in and under the earth. It is not just to survive, but also to please the eye, gladden the heart and enliven the soul. When we prosper in those things, it pleases God that he has made them available to us so long as we use them with good judgment and not out of greed, or obtain them by dishonest means.
Then he states that "...in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things and obey not his commandments." (verse 21) Cicero is quoted as saying, "Gratitude is the mother of virtues." I believe that is completely true. I also believe that pride is the mother of all unrighteousness. Sometimes gratitude and pride are bed fellows. How? When we are thankful for the blessings we have, but don't acknowledge God as the source of those blessings. How many times have you heard a singer, actor or other person who has received fame or notoriety exclaim how very luck they are? Some acknowledge God, but most just chalk it up to luck.
I do not. Based on the understanding of the Atonement I have received over the years, I know from whence my blessings come and the blessings given to my children and their families. I realize I have gifts and that those gifts are magnified when they are used in the context of what God would have me do with them. When my will is subjected to His will, my blessings increase. When I allow my ego to dictate my activity, I fail to acknowledge God or to find His will and I am left to myself. I find it a pitiful state in comparison.
I have deep gratitude for my life, my work, my wife, my children and my children's families, my health, my opportunities to serve in the Church and elsewhere. I am grateful for the scriptures and the men who have suffered to bring them to us. I thank God for the opportunity of living at a time when the inspired words of prophets, seers, revelators and others are so easily and readily available. Most of all I am grateful for my relationship with God and my Savior. I know I need to improve it in many ways, but I truly love them and am filled with awe to know even the particle I am blessed to know. To any who may sometime read this, I am grateful for you and pray that these posts may be some source of motivation and/or inspiration to you.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Learn In Thy Youth
In the 37th Chapter of Alma the message of the atonement is once again emphasized. Heleman is apparently still quite young, though old enough to be serving a mission of some sort. Age and youth, I have discovered, are relative. As I was preparing to take the bar exam in Washington, I rented a motel room near the testing center as we were advised not to take the chance of an accident or, as was more likely in my case, that the car would break down. Watching TV that evening, I saw an interview with John Wayne wherein he said that as a young man of 50, he did his best work. At the time, I was surprised that he thought of 50 as being young. A similar thing happened some years later when my father-in-law stated that 50 - 60 was the best time to be alive because you could get so much done.
So when Heleman is advised to remember and learn wisdom in his youth and to learn in his youth to keep the commandments of God, the counsel applies to everyone who still has breath, and who has felt the promptings to stop procrastinating for whatever reason, in my opinion. I am well beyond youth and still have need to heed his counsel.
Once again, we are told to cry unto the Lord for our sustenance, but this time we are counseled to rely on the Lord for direction wherever we may go. Apparently, we are to rely on the promptings of the Spirit in everything including what we do from day to day. We are often counseled to follow our passions in order to become successful. In this scripture, we are counseled to let our thoughts be directed unto the Lord and to "...let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever." (v. 36) Follow our passions, but allow for the Spirit to direct them. You will likely find passions you didn't know were in you.
In other words, verses 36-37 counsel us not to compartmentalize our lives. We work or study or do whatever we need and want to during the day, then get religious at prayer time and when we read our scriptures. Here we are counseled to pray with the intent to ask for and follow direction, then we can expect the Lord to direct us. At night he will protect us.
In all things we are to be grateful and constantly give thanks to God.
In my experience, we do not sit and wait for God to tell us what to do or where to go, but we are constantly open to opportunities to serve, to change direction or to improve. We must be prepared to follow the promptings when moved even if it is seemingly illogical. A life filled with the experiences this brings is a life truly explored and lived. This kind of fullness in life is not only possible, it is promised. We must, however, be prepared for it. The chapter goes on to compare the scriptures to the Liahona. They will be our guide, only if we pick them up and read them with the intent to follow their direction. Imagine looking at the pointers in the Liahona and thinking, "that's interesting," then going a different direction. In Alma's words, "...take care of sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live." It is the only fulfilling life in the end.
So when Heleman is advised to remember and learn wisdom in his youth and to learn in his youth to keep the commandments of God, the counsel applies to everyone who still has breath, and who has felt the promptings to stop procrastinating for whatever reason, in my opinion. I am well beyond youth and still have need to heed his counsel.
Once again, we are told to cry unto the Lord for our sustenance, but this time we are counseled to rely on the Lord for direction wherever we may go. Apparently, we are to rely on the promptings of the Spirit in everything including what we do from day to day. We are often counseled to follow our passions in order to become successful. In this scripture, we are counseled to let our thoughts be directed unto the Lord and to "...let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever." (v. 36) Follow our passions, but allow for the Spirit to direct them. You will likely find passions you didn't know were in you.
In other words, verses 36-37 counsel us not to compartmentalize our lives. We work or study or do whatever we need and want to during the day, then get religious at prayer time and when we read our scriptures. Here we are counseled to pray with the intent to ask for and follow direction, then we can expect the Lord to direct us. At night he will protect us.
In all things we are to be grateful and constantly give thanks to God.
In my experience, we do not sit and wait for God to tell us what to do or where to go, but we are constantly open to opportunities to serve, to change direction or to improve. We must be prepared to follow the promptings when moved even if it is seemingly illogical. A life filled with the experiences this brings is a life truly explored and lived. This kind of fullness in life is not only possible, it is promised. We must, however, be prepared for it. The chapter goes on to compare the scriptures to the Liahona. They will be our guide, only if we pick them up and read them with the intent to follow their direction. Imagine looking at the pointers in the Liahona and thinking, "that's interesting," then going a different direction. In Alma's words, "...take care of sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live." It is the only fulfilling life in the end.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
The Surprising Atonement
In Alma 34, Amulek, the newly converted disciple of Christ and companion to his mentor, Alma, teaches about the Atonement with surprising insight. As a side note, we must never consider someone who is new in the faith to be less able to receive spiritual insight than ourselves. Listen to their insight and learn from their freshness.
In speaking of the Atonement, Amulek states that Christ's purpose is to take upon Him the transgressions and sins of mankind without which all mankind must inevitably perish. In so doing, the sacrifice must be infinite and eternal. Perhaps it is inaccurate to imagine that the sin we just committed caused an ounce more pain in the Garden of Gethsemane or on the cross, because the sacrifice had to be infinite. Just as infinite is impossible to conceive, so is a sacrifice that is infinite. He then states that the whole law and the teachings of all the prophets points to that infinite and eternal sacrifice.
The question then becomes, what do we have to do to take advantage of this great, last, infinite and eternal sacrifice?
According to verse 15, we first have to believe on his name. We take upon us his name. It is the name by which we make sacred covenants and receive sacred ordinances. Thus, when we believe on His name, we accept the promises associated with receiving those ordinances and keeping the associated covenants. It is the name by which we pray to the Father, thus we accept the promptings and act accordingly. This is how we receive the mercy of Christ.
Second, we have faith (which seems to be inherent in taking upon us his name) to repent.
Amulek then advises that we exercise faith unto repentance by calling upon his holy name:
18. for mercy, for he is mighty to save;
20. in your fields, over all your flocks;
21. in your houses over all your household throughout the day;
22. against the power of your enemies
23. against the devil;
24. over your crops, that ye may prosper in them;
25. over your flocks that they may increase
27. continually for your welfare and for the welfare of those around you.
He then advises that we never neglect the poor, the sick, the needy who stand in need of our substance. He states that not doing so will make our prayers and faith vain or worthless. We need to soften our hearts and repent in order to have the advantage of the plan of redemption in our lives.
It seems that when we read these verses, we often assume that chapter 34 is all about the atonement except for the little part about prayer. In fact, Amulek never stopped talking about the atonement. Prayer is part of the atonement; the atonement covers all aspects of our lives including our work, our fight against sin and sloth, our spouses and children. In other chapters, it is clear that the atonement covers all sicknesses and sorrow.
If Christ overcame the effects of the Fall of Adam, the great sacrifice covers all aspects of the Fall, not just the sins and transgression of man. Before the Fall, there was no sin, no pressure to work, no families to worry us and no sickness, sorrow, death, aging, insecurity, or poverty.
What do we have to do to take advantage of having the blessings of Christ's great atonement? Constantly repent, keep the covenants we have made in conjunction with the ordinances, and not put off our efforts. Life is short and we must not procrastinate the day of our repentance. (v. 32) We must put off the old person and become new creatures who desire more to serve God and put His will above our own so we have no disposition to do evil. It is that spirit that will possess our bodies in the eternities. We damn our spirits when we give in to temptation and grow them when, in a spirit of love for God and all his creations, we are humbly obedient (v. 33-36). Finally, be patient no matter what afflictions we are called upon to bear. The end is worth the wait. (v. 41)
In speaking of the Atonement, Amulek states that Christ's purpose is to take upon Him the transgressions and sins of mankind without which all mankind must inevitably perish. In so doing, the sacrifice must be infinite and eternal. Perhaps it is inaccurate to imagine that the sin we just committed caused an ounce more pain in the Garden of Gethsemane or on the cross, because the sacrifice had to be infinite. Just as infinite is impossible to conceive, so is a sacrifice that is infinite. He then states that the whole law and the teachings of all the prophets points to that infinite and eternal sacrifice.
The question then becomes, what do we have to do to take advantage of this great, last, infinite and eternal sacrifice?
According to verse 15, we first have to believe on his name. We take upon us his name. It is the name by which we make sacred covenants and receive sacred ordinances. Thus, when we believe on His name, we accept the promises associated with receiving those ordinances and keeping the associated covenants. It is the name by which we pray to the Father, thus we accept the promptings and act accordingly. This is how we receive the mercy of Christ.
Second, we have faith (which seems to be inherent in taking upon us his name) to repent.
Amulek then advises that we exercise faith unto repentance by calling upon his holy name:
18. for mercy, for he is mighty to save;
20. in your fields, over all your flocks;
21. in your houses over all your household throughout the day;
22. against the power of your enemies
23. against the devil;
24. over your crops, that ye may prosper in them;
25. over your flocks that they may increase
27. continually for your welfare and for the welfare of those around you.
He then advises that we never neglect the poor, the sick, the needy who stand in need of our substance. He states that not doing so will make our prayers and faith vain or worthless. We need to soften our hearts and repent in order to have the advantage of the plan of redemption in our lives.
It seems that when we read these verses, we often assume that chapter 34 is all about the atonement except for the little part about prayer. In fact, Amulek never stopped talking about the atonement. Prayer is part of the atonement; the atonement covers all aspects of our lives including our work, our fight against sin and sloth, our spouses and children. In other chapters, it is clear that the atonement covers all sicknesses and sorrow.
If Christ overcame the effects of the Fall of Adam, the great sacrifice covers all aspects of the Fall, not just the sins and transgression of man. Before the Fall, there was no sin, no pressure to work, no families to worry us and no sickness, sorrow, death, aging, insecurity, or poverty.
What do we have to do to take advantage of having the blessings of Christ's great atonement? Constantly repent, keep the covenants we have made in conjunction with the ordinances, and not put off our efforts. Life is short and we must not procrastinate the day of our repentance. (v. 32) We must put off the old person and become new creatures who desire more to serve God and put His will above our own so we have no disposition to do evil. It is that spirit that will possess our bodies in the eternities. We damn our spirits when we give in to temptation and grow them when, in a spirit of love for God and all his creations, we are humbly obedient (v. 33-36). Finally, be patient no matter what afflictions we are called upon to bear. The end is worth the wait. (v. 41)
Monday, October 24, 2011
Desires
In listening to the Jim Rohn materials, I gleaned some insight that at first seemed at odds with Alma 32. In further examining it, i find it is in perfect harmony. Rohn suggests that we are not given what we need, we are given what we deserve. I believe I may have used his analogy elsewhere, but it applies here, especially. You can't go out to a barren field and say to it, "I'm hungry, I need food," and expect that the field will deliver food to you. There must be planting, nourishing, weeding cultivating and harvesting before we can enjoy the fruits of our field. That is why we call it "fruits of our labor."
Yet it seems, sometimes, that we petition God for fruit that we have not planted or cultivated. We get frustrated when we don't get immediate answers to prayers and assume he has not heard us, He does not care, or He does not exist. We fail to see our role in all this.
It doesn't take much to realize our desires, really, though it may seem like it while we are in the process. It always, however, takes faith. If we want any blessing from God or from the earth, for that matter, faith is always required. Alma 32, unlike the scriptures (such as Hebrews 11) that describe faith, describes how to acquire faith. Like everything else in life, it begins with a desire. It must be a sincere desire and not just a wish to have some supernatural experience.
While it begins with a desire, it does not end with the desire. We don't get what we need, we get what we deserve. Therefore, we must let the desire work in us and nourish it. Like a seed, the initial care has to be constant and intense. Once the plant matures, it still must be nourished, but with a modicum of care. The mature plant cannot be taken for granted or neglected, but fed and nourished with prayer, study, teaching, writing, bearing testimony, service, magnifying callings and being constantly mindful of the need to subject our will to the will of God.
The other aspect of desire that is not often expressed is that God desires to bless us. He desires for us to believe (v. 22) and is merciful to those who do. He amply supplies His word through various means including angels (v. 23). Of course, Satan also desires to have us that he may sift us as wheat.
Thus, we have agency. We choose between them whose agent (worker) we will be. Both desire us. Only one loves us enough to support, sustain and love us through the difficulties of growth. The other only entices us (very successfully at times) with empty promises and insatiable appetites, eventually leaving us having accomplished little of eternal significance. Logically, it should be easy to follow the only One who truly desires to bless us, but we do little by logic, unfortunately.
Yet it seems, sometimes, that we petition God for fruit that we have not planted or cultivated. We get frustrated when we don't get immediate answers to prayers and assume he has not heard us, He does not care, or He does not exist. We fail to see our role in all this.
It doesn't take much to realize our desires, really, though it may seem like it while we are in the process. It always, however, takes faith. If we want any blessing from God or from the earth, for that matter, faith is always required. Alma 32, unlike the scriptures (such as Hebrews 11) that describe faith, describes how to acquire faith. Like everything else in life, it begins with a desire. It must be a sincere desire and not just a wish to have some supernatural experience.
While it begins with a desire, it does not end with the desire. We don't get what we need, we get what we deserve. Therefore, we must let the desire work in us and nourish it. Like a seed, the initial care has to be constant and intense. Once the plant matures, it still must be nourished, but with a modicum of care. The mature plant cannot be taken for granted or neglected, but fed and nourished with prayer, study, teaching, writing, bearing testimony, service, magnifying callings and being constantly mindful of the need to subject our will to the will of God.
The other aspect of desire that is not often expressed is that God desires to bless us. He desires for us to believe (v. 22) and is merciful to those who do. He amply supplies His word through various means including angels (v. 23). Of course, Satan also desires to have us that he may sift us as wheat.
Thus, we have agency. We choose between them whose agent (worker) we will be. Both desire us. Only one loves us enough to support, sustain and love us through the difficulties of growth. The other only entices us (very successfully at times) with empty promises and insatiable appetites, eventually leaving us having accomplished little of eternal significance. Logically, it should be easy to follow the only One who truly desires to bless us, but we do little by logic, unfortunately.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Elements of Success
The previous chapters have Alma and Amulek preaching with great success - many were baptized, Zeezrom repents and Ammonihah is destroyed with all its inhabitants who followed the order of Nehor.
Alma now travels from Gideon towards Manti when he meets the sons of Mosiah who are travelling to Zarahemla. He is not only pleased to see his friends, but especially pleased to see that they have remained faithful to the covenants - the were "...his brethren in the Lord." In reviewing the miracles the sons of Mosiah experienced, Alma summarizes what caused them to experience the success they enjoyed. I have previously counted 6 elements of success. In re-reading this account, I find that i missed the 7th. The 7th is assumed by many, but over the years I find that it is perhaps the most important.
When Alma expressed his joy at seeing that they were still faithful, he discovered a pattern the he had followed in his ministry, as well.
1.They had waxed strong in a knowledge of the truth and had a sound understanding because they had searched the scriptures. They searched the scriptures. They did not just search to make a point, but to see what the Lord would have them do and be. It seems that the question often asked is "What do I have to do in order to succeed?" But the result of the "doing" is manifest in what the person becomes. Thus, they searched the scriptures, "diligently". They read with the intent to change, obey, teach and help others "live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God." D&C 84: 44
2. They gave themselves over to much prayer and fasting. While we are counseled not fast in the extreme, we know prayer and fasting combined create an opportunity for deeper humility. To some it is a way to say to God, "See what pain and torture I am willing to bear? Now you have to give me what I want." They are like the spoiled child I knew as a boy who held her breath until she fainted knowing that going to such extremes got the attention of her parents. She always got her way because the parents were concerned for her safety and wanted to avoid a recurrence.
These men took the opposite attitude. They fasted and prayed with the intent to know what God wanted of them. Fasting was a way of putting all worldly cares aside so they could humbly receive God's word. The result was that they had the spirit of prophecy and the spirit of revelation. Do we suppose that they would have been given prophecy and revelation if they were not willing to act on it? Experience teaches that when we receive promptings upon which we fail to act, the promptings become fewer until we either repent and show we are willing to take action or we are left on our own, D&C 121:38 Thus, we pray with intent to obey and take action. See principle 7, below. We fast to know how to conform our will to the will of God. Then we can expect an abundance of revelation and even prophesy (this principle is the only one emphasized by repetition in this chapter). Thus, fasting and prayer lead to revelation that we may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring others to a knowledge of the truth and allow them to abandon traditions and habits that keep them from progress.
3. When they taught, they taught with power and authority of God. Apollos, in Acts 19 and 20, taught with power convincing many of Christ and baptized many. Paul had to follow behind him, straighten skewed doctrine and re-baptize, for Apollos had no authority. Both power and authority required. Once the people had been convinced by the power of their teaching, they could follow their teaching with the saving ordinances and with ordinations to establish the church in various parts of the land. This allowed Alma and the sons of Mosiah freedom to travel about spreading the word knowing that they were not stuck in one place, being the only ones with power and authority. See principle 5, below.
4. Implied in all the other elements is that they were led by the Holy Ghost. Just as important, they were comforted by the Holy Ghost. Success in any endeavor requires a good deal of self confidence, especially during times of trial, but self confidence is inadequate unless bolstered by the promptings and encouragement of the Spirit. The scripture (v.5) says they did suffer much in body, mind and spirit. They suffered fatigue, hunger, thirst and hard labor while they poured all their effort into preaching and bringing souls unto Christ. It reminds me of a passage from a woman's pioneer journal. It was in the early spring; the rain and snow had created thick mud which caused the wagons to be mired and move at a snail's pace as the men moved from one to another with shovels and poles to free them from being stuck in the bog. She looked out to see Brother Brigham up to the top of his boots in mud and "as happy as a prince." (I heard this quoted in a religion class and never saw the reference)
When we are assured by the Spirit that the path we have chosen is what God would have us do, then our confidence will wax strong. (D&C 121:45) The Holy Ghost will provide comfort during times of trial when the natural man would give up.
5. They established the word among the people. This they did as commanded by the Lord. To establish His word implies that they did more than hold a big meeting where they roused people to respond to the Word, baptized them and then moved on. To establish the Word would imply that they remained long enough to ordain and set apart officers and teachers, employ scribes to copy the scriptures and monitor progress to a point that they could then leave and do the same in the next city.
It also implies that they, like Paul, Philip, John and Peter, would send letters of instruction and encouragement and return from time to time. Otherwise, what once seemed firmly established would be lost to discouragement, apostasy, false doctrine, sloth and transgression.
6. The Lord told them to be good examples of patience in long suffering and afflictions. They were not expected to just "tough it out" on their own, however. The Lord said to be good examples unto them "...in me..." Once again we see that we are never left alone no matter how difficult or dangerous the work might be. When we try to "go it alone" we exhibit pride and our success is limited. When we humbly put ourselves in the Lord's hands our success is potentially unlimited. The Lord promised them "I will make an instrument of the thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls." (v. 11) And so he did. The Lord keeps covenants.
7. What I had missed before in reading this chapter is implied in all the other steps, but without it none of them are of any effect. That is, they had to "...take courage to go forth." Without courageously taking action, everything else would just have been academic. They had to have an inspired pan and then act on that plan. The action coupled with courage and humility brought the amazing results.
So, summarizing the steps that led to their success we find the following:
1. Obtain a deep knowledge and understanding of the mission and its tasks. Deeply search the scriptures.
2. Use fasting and prayer to discover the Lord's will for you, your calling and your mission in life.
3. Do not take authority upon yourself. Do your work with power and authority.
4. Be led and comforted by the Holy Ghost.
5. Establish an organization that will multiply your work and properly supervise it, but give authority as well as responsibility.
6. Be patient in the process. Nothing gets planted in the spring and harvested in the fall unless it is cultivated with much effort through the heat of the summer.
7. Take courageous action. All the planning and praying is of no value until you take action.
Are these steps to success limited to missionary work or work in church callings? Review them carefully. Would a great lawyer, mother, musician, chiropractor, computer programmer, employee of any kind, delivery driver, father or scout master be even greater if he or she knew they were doing the will of Heavenly father, were following the promptings of the Spirit, were patient in their summers and were building a system that would make their organization not just function, but flourish? These are good steps for success in any aspect of life.
Alma now travels from Gideon towards Manti when he meets the sons of Mosiah who are travelling to Zarahemla. He is not only pleased to see his friends, but especially pleased to see that they have remained faithful to the covenants - the were "...his brethren in the Lord." In reviewing the miracles the sons of Mosiah experienced, Alma summarizes what caused them to experience the success they enjoyed. I have previously counted 6 elements of success. In re-reading this account, I find that i missed the 7th. The 7th is assumed by many, but over the years I find that it is perhaps the most important.
When Alma expressed his joy at seeing that they were still faithful, he discovered a pattern the he had followed in his ministry, as well.
1.They had waxed strong in a knowledge of the truth and had a sound understanding because they had searched the scriptures. They searched the scriptures. They did not just search to make a point, but to see what the Lord would have them do and be. It seems that the question often asked is "What do I have to do in order to succeed?" But the result of the "doing" is manifest in what the person becomes. Thus, they searched the scriptures, "diligently". They read with the intent to change, obey, teach and help others "live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God." D&C 84: 44
2. They gave themselves over to much prayer and fasting. While we are counseled not fast in the extreme, we know prayer and fasting combined create an opportunity for deeper humility. To some it is a way to say to God, "See what pain and torture I am willing to bear? Now you have to give me what I want." They are like the spoiled child I knew as a boy who held her breath until she fainted knowing that going to such extremes got the attention of her parents. She always got her way because the parents were concerned for her safety and wanted to avoid a recurrence.
These men took the opposite attitude. They fasted and prayed with the intent to know what God wanted of them. Fasting was a way of putting all worldly cares aside so they could humbly receive God's word. The result was that they had the spirit of prophecy and the spirit of revelation. Do we suppose that they would have been given prophecy and revelation if they were not willing to act on it? Experience teaches that when we receive promptings upon which we fail to act, the promptings become fewer until we either repent and show we are willing to take action or we are left on our own, D&C 121:38 Thus, we pray with intent to obey and take action. See principle 7, below. We fast to know how to conform our will to the will of God. Then we can expect an abundance of revelation and even prophesy (this principle is the only one emphasized by repetition in this chapter). Thus, fasting and prayer lead to revelation that we may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring others to a knowledge of the truth and allow them to abandon traditions and habits that keep them from progress.
3. When they taught, they taught with power and authority of God. Apollos, in Acts 19 and 20, taught with power convincing many of Christ and baptized many. Paul had to follow behind him, straighten skewed doctrine and re-baptize, for Apollos had no authority. Both power and authority required. Once the people had been convinced by the power of their teaching, they could follow their teaching with the saving ordinances and with ordinations to establish the church in various parts of the land. This allowed Alma and the sons of Mosiah freedom to travel about spreading the word knowing that they were not stuck in one place, being the only ones with power and authority. See principle 5, below.
4. Implied in all the other elements is that they were led by the Holy Ghost. Just as important, they were comforted by the Holy Ghost. Success in any endeavor requires a good deal of self confidence, especially during times of trial, but self confidence is inadequate unless bolstered by the promptings and encouragement of the Spirit. The scripture (v.5) says they did suffer much in body, mind and spirit. They suffered fatigue, hunger, thirst and hard labor while they poured all their effort into preaching and bringing souls unto Christ. It reminds me of a passage from a woman's pioneer journal. It was in the early spring; the rain and snow had created thick mud which caused the wagons to be mired and move at a snail's pace as the men moved from one to another with shovels and poles to free them from being stuck in the bog. She looked out to see Brother Brigham up to the top of his boots in mud and "as happy as a prince." (I heard this quoted in a religion class and never saw the reference)
When we are assured by the Spirit that the path we have chosen is what God would have us do, then our confidence will wax strong. (D&C 121:45) The Holy Ghost will provide comfort during times of trial when the natural man would give up.
5. They established the word among the people. This they did as commanded by the Lord. To establish His word implies that they did more than hold a big meeting where they roused people to respond to the Word, baptized them and then moved on. To establish the Word would imply that they remained long enough to ordain and set apart officers and teachers, employ scribes to copy the scriptures and monitor progress to a point that they could then leave and do the same in the next city.
It also implies that they, like Paul, Philip, John and Peter, would send letters of instruction and encouragement and return from time to time. Otherwise, what once seemed firmly established would be lost to discouragement, apostasy, false doctrine, sloth and transgression.
6. The Lord told them to be good examples of patience in long suffering and afflictions. They were not expected to just "tough it out" on their own, however. The Lord said to be good examples unto them "...in me..." Once again we see that we are never left alone no matter how difficult or dangerous the work might be. When we try to "go it alone" we exhibit pride and our success is limited. When we humbly put ourselves in the Lord's hands our success is potentially unlimited. The Lord promised them "I will make an instrument of the thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls." (v. 11) And so he did. The Lord keeps covenants.
7. What I had missed before in reading this chapter is implied in all the other steps, but without it none of them are of any effect. That is, they had to "...take courage to go forth." Without courageously taking action, everything else would just have been academic. They had to have an inspired pan and then act on that plan. The action coupled with courage and humility brought the amazing results.
So, summarizing the steps that led to their success we find the following:
1. Obtain a deep knowledge and understanding of the mission and its tasks. Deeply search the scriptures.
2. Use fasting and prayer to discover the Lord's will for you, your calling and your mission in life.
3. Do not take authority upon yourself. Do your work with power and authority.
4. Be led and comforted by the Holy Ghost.
5. Establish an organization that will multiply your work and properly supervise it, but give authority as well as responsibility.
6. Be patient in the process. Nothing gets planted in the spring and harvested in the fall unless it is cultivated with much effort through the heat of the summer.
7. Take courageous action. All the planning and praying is of no value until you take action.
Are these steps to success limited to missionary work or work in church callings? Review them carefully. Would a great lawyer, mother, musician, chiropractor, computer programmer, employee of any kind, delivery driver, father or scout master be even greater if he or she knew they were doing the will of Heavenly father, were following the promptings of the Spirit, were patient in their summers and were building a system that would make their organization not just function, but flourish? These are good steps for success in any aspect of life.
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