This is what I wrote about the other day:
Who are some people in the scriptures who dealt with change?
How did they handle it?
What can I learn from them?
These are some questions that come to mind. Here’s a shot at listing a few of them before I research it out:
From the Book of Mormon
- Ammon: he was one of the vilest of sinners, causing lots of problems with his brothers and friend Alma. An angel came and told them to stop doing what they were doing. They repented and went on to become some of the best missionaries. They lived one day at a time, submitted their will to God, and were guided and directed to be instruments in His hands. Their experience with change was one of the best in the scriptures I feel.
- Alma the Younger: like Ammon, Alma wasn’t doing that great. He was compelled to be humble and to repent of his bad ways (similar to me I feel). And he did just that – he repented, put his trust in God, and went on to become a great missionary and leader in the Church. He frequently recounted parts of his story of change in order to identify with people who were in search of forgiveness and answers. I feel Alma the Younger became a great “facilitator.”
- Lehi & his family: Lehi was guided by God to leave all he had and go to a land of promise. At times, his family thought he was a bit crazy. At times, people mocked him. But he “heeded them not.” When he found answers to his prayers, he immediately sought the safety and security of his family. He wanted them to find what he had found. He seemed to pray a lot, but didn’t always know what he was supposed to be doing. Lehi had a lot of faith and dealt with change the best he could.
- Zeezrom: from what I remember, this guy was pretty bad. He was a lawyer who was good at deceiving people with his words. He tried to convince the people that Alma and Amulek were liars. The people believed him, but then he realized he was the one that was wrong. He tried to change, repented, and went on to be a great influence for good. “And Alma baptized Zeezrom unto the Lord; and he began from that time forth to preach unto the people.” (Alma 15:12)
- Mormon
- Moroni
- Captain Moroni
- Abinadi
From the Bible
- Jesus Christ
- Job
- Daniel
- David
- Joseph of Egypt
What can I learn from the changes I’m trying to make in my life?
What did each of these people learn from the changes they had to make?
Mormon – Mormon seemed to deal with change throughout his life. As a boy, he was called upon to take care of an army that wasn’t doing the will of God. He tried to lead them and teach them, but, as I have been in the past, they were past feeling. Mormon had to be careful not to reveal too much about what he was doing with the records or the wicked people would have destroyed them. Mormon was probably influenced so much by what he was reading and compiling too. I love when he summarizes by saying, “And thus we see…”
Moroni – Moroni probably dealt with changes similar to his dad – he was living during a time of great wickedness where no one was being honest with themselves or others. What did Moroni say about this?
2 For behold, their wars are exceedingly fierce among themselves; and because of their hatred they put to death every Nephite that will not deny the Christ.
3 And I, Moroni, will not deny the Christ; wherefore, I wander whithersoever I can for the safety of mine own life.
4 Wherefore, I write a few more things, contrary to that which I had supposed; for I had supposed not to have written any more; but I write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord.
This was where he was. He was in hiding. But he was also aware of the will of God – that he could write more for the benefit of all of us.
Some of the important information he shared:
- Jesus gave the twelve Nephite disciples power to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost.
2 And he called them by name, saying: Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for thus do mine apostles.
I like this – it talks about the importance to saying a prayer prior to giving someone the Holy Ghost.
- Elders ordain priests and teachers by the laying on of hands.
- How elders and priests administer the sacramental bread is explained.
- The mode of administering the sacramental wine is set forth.
- Repentant persons are baptized and fellowshipped—Church members who repent are forgiven—Meetings are conducted by the power of the Holy Ghost.
I really like this scripture about fellowship of the Saints and how important it is to nourish each of us with the word of God:
3 And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.
4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith. (bold added for emphasis)
This makes me think of Ray. It also makes me think about recovery and being “continually watchful unto prayer.” This is so important and I think it’s something I never realized before. I would being doing well and then get casual and stop doing anything to nourish myself spiritually.
Moroni also shares one of the talks his father Mormon gave to the people of the Church. He mentioned that “by their works ye shall know them.” (Moroni 7:5)
In cross-referencing that, I found a scripture in 3 Nephi 14:15-20.
I’m grateful for the fruits of Joseph Smith. I’m grateful for the fruits of the Book of Mormon and the Gospel of Jesus Christ that has been restored.
I’m grateful to be living in recovery today.
I’m grateful for Becky and how much I love her and want to make her happy.
I’m grateful for my kids and how I love each of them.
I’m grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ that gives me so many chances to repent and draw near unto God.
I’m hopeful that today I can submit my will to Him and do what He wants me to do, be who He wants me to be.
Hasta luego!
Nate
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