Alma 21

I wonder why it is that people who know the truth and leave it go so far to the other extreme. I think of the saying that none are so blind as those who will not see, and I think that is part of it. But it almost seems like you are the most vulnerable to Satan’s lies when you turn away from God’s truths.

In verse 5 when the Amalekite stands up and starts contending with Aaron it is such a familiar lie to say that because he had seen an angel he was saying they were not as good. He was there trying to tell them because they were are good, they were children of God and he wanted to share the joy. But that is a lie that we hear over and over again in the culture wars of our time.

It is important to me this morning that Aaron and his brethren didn’t quite. When no one would listen they didn’t quit, when they were cast into prison and suffered horrible things, they didn’t quit. They continued in what the Lord had called them to do—pressing forward in courage and faith. Sometimes it is hard for me to keep going just because I am bored, or it is sometimes inconvenient. How much more I need to be like Aaron and his brethren!

And after the trial of their faith came the blessings. Because they didn’t give up they were able to help many people and convert many souls to the Lord. This pattern has been coming up a lot lately. Am I being faithful in the trial of my faith?

Sometimes we think of zealous religious people scornfully, but that is just the wordly influence I think. What could be wrong with obeying God with passion and dedication. Although there is the fanatic—what is the dividing line?

Alma 21

Alma 20

The idea of work has been on my mind lately because it is what I am teaching about next Sunday, and what we talked about in Sunday School yesterday. King Lamoni said he knew that Ammon could do anything with the help of the Lord, but still volunteered his time and service to help get the others out of prison. He understood a great truth that I am just starting to these last few years about self-reliance and work. God can do anything, but we can do a lot—and he expects us to do everything we can. There is so much more growth, and even without growth, honor, in doing what you can do for yourself. Maybe that is why I feel like I need to let my kids make their own thankful turkeys tonight? I really want to teach them to work hard and be self-reliant. And I know I need to be a better example of that myself.

King Lamoni was astonished that his father was mad when he told him where he was going. I wonder why? Did he know his father’s prejudices and temper? I wonder if it was because his heart was so softened by the Spirit, and he felt so peaceful inside he forgot about all the hatred and turmoil from before. I know I’ve been in a place where other people’s anger is hard to understand. It’s amazing how the atonement of Christ so completely changes our nature.

The old king was lucky that Ammon was harmless.

Now the king is astonished, but he is astonished by kindness and love. The contrast here is truly poetic.

I love that the king just tried to kill Ammon, and now his heart has been softened moments later and he is ready to learn. It reminds me of Elder Christofferson talking about how Christ can make any soul holy. In institute we have been reading the Isaiah chapters in 2 Nephi, and I love how the Lord keeps forgiving and helping his people, no matter how wicked they have become or how many times they have to turn back, He is always there with outstretched arms waiting for them, just as He is here with the old king, even moments later.

I love that the story is not about Aaron, Muloki, and Ammah being upset at how their time had been awful while Ammon shows up hanging out with a king. They were patient in their suffering and grateful to serve the Lord. It is amazing humility. It’s so easy to compare our life with others and feel like things are bad or unfair. This is such a beautiful example of faith.

Alma 20