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.
No comments:
Post a Comment