Week 23 - Looking Back

We covered a lot of ground this week in seminary – planted some broccoli seeds and HOPEFULLY, planted some seeds with faith in our hearts. Alma rounded up an impressive group to try to reclaim the apostate Zoramites. It is interesting to note that Alma sought to solve a political problem with a spiritual cure. The Nephites were worried that the Zoramites might stir up the Lamanites to war against the Nephites. He felt that the best way to prevent that was to preach the gospel to the Zoramites so that they might experience a change of heart. Alma chose to work on the cause of the problem, not the symptoms (see Alma 31:5).

In a talk entitled “The Power of the Word,” Pres. Ezra T. Benson counseled priesthood leaders about working on the roots of problems in the Church: “Often we spend great effort in trying to increase the activity levels in our stakes. We work diligently to raise the percentages of those attending sacrament meetings. We labor to get a higher percentage of our young men on missions. We strive to improve the numbers of those marrying in the temple. All of these are commendable efforts and important to the growth of the kingdom. But when individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, these other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow” (Ensign, May 1986, 81).

“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. . . . That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel” (Pres. Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, Nov. 1986).

Even though Alma and his brethren experienced much success among the Zoramites –those who had been humbled, at least – an alliance between the Zoramites and the Lamanites was formed and war loomed on the horizon. After those who had repented were moved to a safe place and Alma and the others returned to Zarahemla, the record states that Alma was grieved when so many refused to repent and the rumors of war grew louder. Therefore, he caused that his sons should be gathered together that he might give unto them every one his charge, separately, concerning the things pertaining unto righteousness (see 35:15-16).

He began by counseling individually his two faithful sons, Helaman and Shiblon. The counsel that we have in the scriptures begins with Alma sharing his conversion story with his son, Helaman. It is of great interest that he chose to use a Hebrew literary form called chiasmus, or inverted parallelism, to do that. It is a literary device wherein words or ideas are arranged in a certain order so that those words and ideas may be emphasized. The main idea is then most often located at the center of the chiasmus. The presence of this Semitic form is an external witness that the book is what the Prophet Joseph Smith taught that it is: a translation of an ancient text written in a Middle Eastern language. And what is the central message of Alma’s conversion story using this inverted parallelism? It is this: And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart; O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death” (36:17-18). Not only was that Alma’s primary focus as he taught his son, it is the primary focus of all scripture. Before Jesus Christ was born and atoned for our sins, all the prophets testified of that future event. After his mission was complete, all the prophets have repeatedly reminded their people to always remember what He has done for us. Indeed, the central doctrine of the restored gospel is that Christ came, paid the price for our sins, and will extend mercy to each of us as we repent and strive to live faithful and obedient lives. We need Him. We must never forget that we do.

Alma, knowing that he would soon pass from this life, then commanded Helaman to safeguard the plates and other things, and also to continue the spiritual record of his people. Repeatedly in the chapters we studied this week, Alma and Amulek taught the importance of the scriptures in our lives.

We ended the week with the words of Alma to his other faithful son, Shiblon. He commended him for his goodness and faithfulness. And then he warned him to not let things creep into his life that could destroy him. Isn’t that always how it is? No matter how good we’re trying to be, we must never let our guard down. One of the things he commanded him to do was to “bridle all your passions” (38:12). The following helps us understand what wise counsel that is:

A bridle is the headgear used on a horse. It includes reins and a bit, which give the rider control. Elder Bruce C. Hafen of the Seventy and his wife Marie explained that a bridle was meant to direct, not destroy desires and passions. “Is self-denial wise because something is wrong with our passions, or because something is right with our passions? Alma taught his son: ‘See that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love.’ (Alma 38:12; emphasis added). He did not say eliminate or even suppress your passions, but bridle them – harness, channel, and focus them. Why? Because discipline makes possible a richer, deeper love” (The Belonging Heart [1994], 302).