Monday, January 25, 2016

Alma 51

The Nephites democracy was constantly threatened by men who would be kings and people who wanted kings. I feel like there is no parallel in the history of our free government. But I also think that in times of trouble, people could be tempted to want stronger centralized leadership, like FDR running and winning the presidency for 4 terms during WWII. I feel like sometimes I take our free government for granted, and don’t realize how easily it could all be lost.
It seems so wicked that king-men were glad when the Lamenites were coming and wouldn’t help defend their country. It is probably the same wickedness that ever wants revenge when we are angry, or withholding help from people we don’t like or disagree with.
Was Moroni’s action right in compelling them to take up arms? When I was younger I used to hear the argument a lot about not taking away people’s agency. This seems like a crazy thing to do, but do the ends sometimes justify the means? Or was it not wrong or weird at all, and it only seems like it to me?
While the Nephites were busy fighting with themselves the Lamenites came and took the city of Moroni and killed a lot of people. The Nephites had been so successful when they were united and righteous, and then they lost that help when they were fighting each other. I can see that the Lord could not be here helping our family when we were fighting this morning. Even if the Holy Ghost had been trying to talk to me, I never would have been able to hear him over my own anger and yelling. At that point it didn’t matter who was doing wrong things (all of us, but way more me in the yelling) but it mattered that with the contention we couldn’t have divine protection.

Teancum’s ability to murder the king in his sleep goes to show again that the devil will not support you in the end.

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