Starting With Myself

In chapters 43-60 in the book of Alma in The Book of Mormon are known as the "war chapters." Usually when those who are reading The Book of Mormon get to the war chapters they moan and groan and try to get through them as quickly as possible. Which I think is ridiculous because I LOVE THEM. The book of Alma can get pretty lengthy at times so that is why I always look forward to the war chapters because it's a nice change of pace. And I find the war chapters to be extremely applicable to the spiritual war I fight every day. 

One of the most influential men in the whole Book of Mormon is a man named Captain Moroni. Throughout the war chapters he leads the Nephite army to defend themselves against the Lamanites. He is the best example for any leader I have ever seen. He does an excellent job of making sure the Nephites are well protected from the Lamanites. The first thing he does to ensure this is in Alma, chapter 43, he protects the individuals of the Nephite army by armoring them with brass shields, breast plates and armor that protects the vital organs of their body. Next in chapter 49 he makes the city of Noah, which was well known for its weak protections, become strong and defensive. It doesn't say specifically exactly what he did except that he built "fortifications." Which I assume means that he built walls and kept people there to defend the city. But Moroni doesn't stop there. In chapter 50 he then takes those fortifications and makes them even stronger. And instead of focusing on destroying the Lamanites he focuses on keeping the Nephites from being destroyed. 

We can apply the things that Moroni has done in protecting his army to our own lives. Notice how Moroni first makes sure the individuals are protected. And then focuses on the cities. It is important we do the same. In order to help others it is important for us to reflect deep within us to fix ourselves. Once we  do that then we will more effectively be able to help people. This is exactly why you are to repent all of your sins before you leave for your mission. Because if you still have those sins on your conscience when you leave for the mission field then you are not able to help others as you should. 

It is so important to fix yourself first before you start finding the faults in others. Once we do this then service may be more efficiently displayed. The gospel is true and I can't wait to go on my own mission some day where I may be able to bring others the joy I feel from living the gospel. 

Epiphany!

The gospel of Jesus Christ is true!! It's true it's true it's true! I love the Book of Mormon and I love my Heavenly Father. I love how aware He is of everything I do. All of my needs and righteous desires in life can be fulfilled if I keep the spirit of the Holy Ghost with me. 

So on to the topic of my forum this week. Today I read from the Book of Mormon in the book of Alma chapters 43-49. I love the war chapters. They give you a nice break and sense of excitement and entertainment from the spiritual chapters previous to these ones. And yet, even among all of the excitement, I still have found a way to find the spirituality of these chapters. That is one of the beautiful things about the Book of Mormon. If you listen intently to the spirit of the Holy Ghost while reading you can learn to apply anything you read to your own life. The Book of Mormon was written a long time ago but it is still applicable to today. It's amazing. Only a book that was truly inspired by God could be this way. I mean think about it. How the heck could any of the ancient prophets from this marvelous book even begin to know exactly what to write about that would benefit our lives today had they not been inspired by God? It is simply unfathomable that anybody could believe that Joseph Smith made up what was in The Book of Mormon. I'm sorry I'm kind of ranting. Back to the war chapters.

So what's happening in The Book of Mormon right now is that the Nephites and the Lamanites are basically at war with one another. And the Nephites have begun to be boastful and haven't relied on the Lord for awhile. Whereas the Lamanites have been severely humbled and have had to learn to rely on the Lord. The Nephites only want land and they want to just be rulers over everything. So they are on the attack. Attacking Lamanites so that they may try to rule over them. In contrast, the Lamanites are on the defense. Defending their honor, liberty, families, and religion. But because the Lord is on the Lamanites' side they are continually winning battle after battle because their intentions to fight and defend are righteous and honorable.

This is incredibly applicable to today and here's why:

It is a common occurrence in today's world for people to get bored with their life. They see those who are out drinking and partying and getting wild and on the surface it looks like they're having a blast. And maybe they are. But how long do you think that fun lasts? I can tell you it doesn't last very long. And so when the feeling of brief happiness slips away they go looking for more things to keep them happy. And those viewing on the outside only see what they want them to see: fun. So in order to have fun and get "happy" they go looking for things to do. Of course with the enticing of the devil. Is this no different, in essence, what the Nephites are doing? They go out and look for ways to feel happier by attempting to take peoples' lands. Because without the gospel in their life they are always going to feel a sense of void and wondering, "does it get better than this?" 

Those who live the gospel can tell you that there is more than that. Life's sole purpose is to become like God. To live in such a way that you will be able to live with your Heavenly Father one day. With that goal in mind it easy to see why Latter-Day Saints live the way we do. 

I love this gospel because it makes me a better person and makes me feel like I live a full, complete, and happy life. 

Stay Humble Ponyboy

This first week in Book of Mormon has been wonderful. I have already learned so many new and profound things from really taking the scriptures more seriously this semester. The thing I took out of this week the most was in Alma 32 when Alma teaches the poor Zoramites about being humble.

 I love that God is so merciful. I find him to be merciful in this passage of scripture because Alma explains very clearly that Heavenly Father will either allow you to choose to be humble or he will compel you to be humbled. We receive the opportunity to make choices every day because God loves us. And life would be that much easier if we just chose to be humble. 

Brother Griffin said it best when he said "instead of letting pride get to your head let it go to your shoulders." Meaning instead of getting cocky when something goes right in your life take that chance and burden to find somebody who is struggling and lift them up. Don’t let the things that go right in your life get to your head. God gives you the responsibility to help others when things are going right in your life.

If we choose to be humbled before we are compelled to be humble then our lives will be more blessed.

Yea, he the truly humbleth himself, and repenteth of his sins, and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed – yea, much more blessed than they who are compelled to be humble… Alma 32:15

So stay cool, help others, and stay humble Ponyboy.