When one becomes aware of the wickedness of a man like King Noah, it makes the integrity and courage of an Abinadi and an Alma all the more remarkable. Abinadi was killed because he would not recall the words which he had spoken which were true. Alma had to run for his life when he acted upon his convictions after hearing Abinadi’s call to repentance.
So, let me get this straight. Abinadi was put to death by fire for proclaiming the gospel and then standing by his word, but the only many whose life was changed for the good was Alma. One. In some respects, it may appear that the prophet didn’t have much success. Until, of course, the story of Alma begins to unfold. It becomes very evident very quickly the many lives that were changed through Alma because of Abinadi’s influence. Whenever the question is asked, “What can just one man do?” – think of Abinadi – think of Alma. One man can do a lot.
And what about each of us? What difference will my one life make? What is the potential of influence for good that each of us holds by the choices we make and the kind of life we decide to live? How far backward through ancestors and forward through posterity does that influence go? All the way. Each of us stands poised to build on an already strong foundation or to perhaps alter the course of our family forever. What an exhilarating thought - to know how far-reaching our influence will be felt!
At the Waters of Mormon, we were reminded of our baptismal covenant – and don’t ever make the mistake of thinking that that was just some routine, run-of-the-mill thing. Each Sunday when we partake of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, we have the privilege of remembering and renewing that covenant. I highlighted in my scriptures these words of Alma found in Mosiah 18:13 - and I substituted my name for Helam’s – “[Debby], I baptize thee, having authority from the Almighty God, as a testimony that ye have entered into a covenant to serve him until you are dead . . .” Now, that’s a lifetime contract if there ever was one! Let’s not ever forget what we promised. Heavenly Father certainly won’t forget His promises to us.
We reviewed the stories of Gideon, King Noah’s demise, Lamanites drunken with wine, King Limhi, men who left their wives and children to fend for themselves, men who sent their women into harm’s way to beg for mercy for them, men who asked the Lord for protection of their wives and children – but none for themselves. There really are all kinds, aren't there? We learned of Amulon, the responsibility we have in choosing our political leaders, the full-of-hope-for-all-of-us repentance story of Alma, how God will deliver us – from enemies and from iniquity – but how sometimes, we have to wait in order to prove ourselves, the marvelous things that can occur when we put our trust in the Lord – even when our circumstances seem unbearable, we learned of the joyful reunion that took place in Zarahemla, and we discussed the absolute necessity of a line of authority – and how Jared and William will soon take their places in their individual lines as they are ordained to the office of elder.
And lastly, we learned of the rising generation in 120 BC. They who were too young to remember the words of King Benjamin. They who would not believe the words of their fathers. They whose hearts became hardened because they did not understand the Word of God. They who would not call upon the Lord their God. They who deceived many because of their flattering words, and the resulting problems for the church when members began committing grievous sins.
We learned of how Alma dealt with that problem – in consultation with King Mosiah – and more importantly, with the Lord – even that he poured out his whole soul unto Him. Ever faced a difficult problem? Alma shows us beautifully how to find the solution. Alma became confident in how to go forward when the Lord’s instructions came on the repentant – on those who would not repent – and on the responsibility of the leaders of the Church to protect the flock. The “rest of the story” for Alma and the people includes the resultant peace and prosperity that came to the Church, because Alma acted on the direction that came from the Lord. Already Alma has taught us so much. And the good news is – there is more to come!
**********
Pres. Henry B. Eyring said, “No charge in the kingdom is more important than to build the faith in youth. Each child in each generation chooses faith or disbelief. Faith is not an inheritance; it is a choice. Those who believed King Benjamin learned that. Many of their children chose later not to believe. The scriptures give as a reason, ‘for they would not call upon the Lord their God’ (Mosiah 26:4).”
So, let me get this straight. Abinadi was put to death by fire for proclaiming the gospel and then standing by his word, but the only many whose life was changed for the good was Alma. One. In some respects, it may appear that the prophet didn’t have much success. Until, of course, the story of Alma begins to unfold. It becomes very evident very quickly the many lives that were changed through Alma because of Abinadi’s influence. Whenever the question is asked, “What can just one man do?” – think of Abinadi – think of Alma. One man can do a lot.
And what about each of us? What difference will my one life make? What is the potential of influence for good that each of us holds by the choices we make and the kind of life we decide to live? How far backward through ancestors and forward through posterity does that influence go? All the way. Each of us stands poised to build on an already strong foundation or to perhaps alter the course of our family forever. What an exhilarating thought - to know how far-reaching our influence will be felt!
At the Waters of Mormon, we were reminded of our baptismal covenant – and don’t ever make the mistake of thinking that that was just some routine, run-of-the-mill thing. Each Sunday when we partake of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, we have the privilege of remembering and renewing that covenant. I highlighted in my scriptures these words of Alma found in Mosiah 18:13 - and I substituted my name for Helam’s – “[Debby], I baptize thee, having authority from the Almighty God, as a testimony that ye have entered into a covenant to serve him until you are dead . . .” Now, that’s a lifetime contract if there ever was one! Let’s not ever forget what we promised. Heavenly Father certainly won’t forget His promises to us.
We reviewed the stories of Gideon, King Noah’s demise, Lamanites drunken with wine, King Limhi, men who left their wives and children to fend for themselves, men who sent their women into harm’s way to beg for mercy for them, men who asked the Lord for protection of their wives and children – but none for themselves. There really are all kinds, aren't there? We learned of Amulon, the responsibility we have in choosing our political leaders, the full-of-hope-for-all-of-us repentance story of Alma, how God will deliver us – from enemies and from iniquity – but how sometimes, we have to wait in order to prove ourselves, the marvelous things that can occur when we put our trust in the Lord – even when our circumstances seem unbearable, we learned of the joyful reunion that took place in Zarahemla, and we discussed the absolute necessity of a line of authority – and how Jared and William will soon take their places in their individual lines as they are ordained to the office of elder.
And lastly, we learned of the rising generation in 120 BC. They who were too young to remember the words of King Benjamin. They who would not believe the words of their fathers. They whose hearts became hardened because they did not understand the Word of God. They who would not call upon the Lord their God. They who deceived many because of their flattering words, and the resulting problems for the church when members began committing grievous sins.
We learned of how Alma dealt with that problem – in consultation with King Mosiah – and more importantly, with the Lord – even that he poured out his whole soul unto Him. Ever faced a difficult problem? Alma shows us beautifully how to find the solution. Alma became confident in how to go forward when the Lord’s instructions came on the repentant – on those who would not repent – and on the responsibility of the leaders of the Church to protect the flock. The “rest of the story” for Alma and the people includes the resultant peace and prosperity that came to the Church, because Alma acted on the direction that came from the Lord. Already Alma has taught us so much. And the good news is – there is more to come!
**********
Pres. Henry B. Eyring said, “No charge in the kingdom is more important than to build the faith in youth. Each child in each generation chooses faith or disbelief. Faith is not an inheritance; it is a choice. Those who believed King Benjamin learned that. Many of their children chose later not to believe. The scriptures give as a reason, ‘for they would not call upon the Lord their God’ (Mosiah 26:4).”
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