Helaman, Chapter 2

Why did Mormon tell us about Gadianton and his band?

When you have a bag of apples, and one begins to go bad, you have the chance of the whole bag going bad.  The manual uses the phrase, “One bad apple spoils the whole bushel.”  This chapter includes some bad apples, a bushel, and casting out the bad apple.

“And it came to pass in the forty and second year of the reign of the judges, after Moronihah had established again peace between the Nephites and the Lamanites, behold there was no one to fill the judgment-seat; therefore there began to be a contention again among the people concerning who should fill the judgment-seat (v. 1).  And it came to pass that Helaman, who was the son of Helaman, was appointed to fill the judgment-seat, by the voice of the people (v. 2).  But behold, Kishkumen, who had murdered Pahoran, did lay wait to destroy Helaman also; and he was upheld by his band, who had entered into a covenant that no one should know his wickedness (v. 3).  For there was one Gadianton, who was exceedingly expert in many words, and also in his craft, to carry on the secret work of murder and of robbery; therefore he became the leader of the band of Kishkumen (v. 4).”  The bad apples are Kishkumen, Gadianton, and the band of Kishkumen.  The bushel is the people of Nephi.

“Therefore he did flatter them, and also Kishkumen, that if they would place him in the judgment-seat he would grant unto those who belonged to his band that they should be placed in power and authority among the people; therefore Kishkumen sought to destroy Helaman (v. 5).  And it came to pass as he went forth towards the judgment-seat to destroy Helaman, behold one of the servants of Helaman, having been out by night, and having obtained, through disguise, a knowledge of those plans which had been laid by this band to destroy Helaman (v. 6)—And it came to pass that he met Kishkumen, and he gave unto him a sign; therefore Kishkumen made known unto him the object of his desire, desiring that he would conduct him to the judgment-seat that he might murder Helaman (v. 7).  And when the servant of Helaman had known all the heart of Kishkumen, and how that it was his object to murder, and also that it was the object of all those who belonged to his band to murder, and to rob, and to gain power, (and this was their secret plan, and their combination) the servant of Helaman said unto Kishkumen: Let us go forth unto the judgment-seat (v. 8 ).”  The band wanted to murder, rob and gain power.  It makes sense to call them a “secret combination” because they made all their evil decisions in secret.  They used secret signs to determine who was in their band and then made decisions meant to be kept secret as well.

“Now this did please Kishkumen exceedingly, for he did suppose that he should accomplish his design; but behold, the servant of Helaman, as they were going forth unto the judgment-seat, did stab Kishkumen even to the heart, that he fell dead without a groan. And he ran and told Helaman all the things which he had seen, and heard, and done (v. 9).”  Their plan was thwarted by the servant of Helaman, who spied and found out the plan of Kishkumen.  Then he tricked him and killed him before he could hurt Helaman.  Here is where the bushel, represented by the servant of Helaman, casts out a bad apple, by getting rid of Kishkumen.

“And it came to pass that Helaman did send forth to take this band of robbers and secret murderers, that they might be executed according to the law (v. 10).  But behold, when Gadianton had found that Kishkumen did not return he feared lest that he should be destroyed; therefore he caused that his band should follow him. And they took their flight out of the land, by a secret way, into the wilderness; and thus when Helaman sent forth to take them they could nowhere be found (v. 11).  And more of this Gadianton shall be spoken hereafter. And thus ended the forty and second year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi (v. 12).  And behold, in the end of this book ye shall see that this Gadianton did prove the overthrow, yea, almost the entire destruction of the people of Nephi (v. 13).  Behold I do not mean the end of the book of Helaman, but I mean the end of the book of Nephi, from which I have taken all the account which I have written (v. 14).”  For fear of destruction from the people of Nephi, led by Helaman, the rest of the bad apples removed themselves from the bushel.  Moroni warned that eventually Gadianton would get his way and nearly destroy the people of Nephi.

Secret combinations existed before Gadianton.  It is one of the ways that Satan uses to lead away the children of God.  In Moses 5:28-32 we read, “And it came to pass that Cain took one of his brothers’ daughters to wife, and they loved Satan more than God (v. 28 ).  And Satan said unto Cain: Swear unto me by thy throat, and if thou tell it thou shalt die; and swear thy brethren by their heads, and by the living God, that they tell it not; for if they tell it, they shall surely die; and this that thy father may not know it; and this day I will deliver thy brother Abel into thine hands (v. 29).  And Satan sware unto Cain that he would do according to his commands. And all these things were done in secret (v. 30).  And Cain said: Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get gain. Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan, and he gloried in his wickedness (v. 31).  And Cain went into the field, and Cain talked with Abel, his brother. And it came to pass that while they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and slew him (v. 32).”  Here was the first secret combination of man.  They committed themselves to Satan and secretly Cain (and his wife and their “brethren”) desired murder and to get gain, just as the band of Kiskumen, led by Gadianton.

There are people among us today, who seek for the same things and are modern-day Gadiantons leading their secret combinations.  Our bushel, either the people of America, or the people of the gospel, need to be aware that they exist and do what we can to cast them out.  It is so easy for one bad apple to ruin the whole bag.  The way to start this process of casting them out, is to be prepared ourselves.  We will be able to discern who the bad apples are, by having the spirit in our lives.  When our testimonies are strong and we are firm in the gospel, we can help our community to get rid of these bands of robbers that exist today.

 

Helaman, Chapter 1

What are the results of contention?

Cooperation is working together or helping one another.  Contention is arguing, struggling, or competing against one another.  Cooperation brings feelings of success and happiness, where contention brings feelings of anger, frustration, and sadness.  Obviously, it is better to cooperate and have joy, then to be contentious.

“AND now behold, it came to pass in the commencement of the fortieth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, there began to be a serious difficulty among the people of the Nephites (v. 1).  For behold, Pahoran had died, and gone the way of all the earth; therefore there began to be a serious contention concerning who should have the judgment-seat among the brethren, who were the sons of Pahoran (v. 2).”  The Nephites began to be contentious because they could not agree on who should be the next chief judge.

“Now these are their names who did contend for the judgment-seat, who did also cause the people to contend: Pahoran, Paanchi, and Pacumeni (v. 3).  Now these are not all the sons of Pahoran (for he had many), but these are they who did contend for the judgment-seat; therefore, they did cause three divisions among the people (v. 4).”  The Nephites became divided into three groups.

“Nevertheless, it came to pass that Pahoran was appointed by the voice of the people to be chief judge and a governor over the people of Nephi (v. 5).  And it came to pass that Pacumeni, when he saw that he could not obtain the judgment-seat, he did unite with the voice of the people (v. 6).”  Pacumeni conceded to his brother Pahoran because the majority of the people wanted that.

“But behold, Paanchi, and that part of the people that were desirous that he should be their governor, was exceedingly wroth; therefore, he was about to flatter away those people to rise up in rebellion against their brethren (v. 7).  And it came to pass as he was about to do this, behold, he was taken, and was tried according to the voice of the people, and condemned unto death; for he had raised up in rebellion and sought to destroy the liberty of the people (v. 8 ).  Now when those people who were desirous that he should be their governor saw that he was condemned unto death, therefore they were angry, and behold, they sent forth one Kishkumen, even to the judgment-seat of Pahoran, and murdered Pahoran as he sat upon the judgment-seat (v. 9).”  Paanchi was sentenced to death by the law of the land, and then his follower, Kishkumen, killed Pahoran.

“And he was pursued by the servants of Pahoran; but behold, so speedy was the flight of Kishkumen that no man could overtake him (v. 10).  And he went unto those that sent him, and they all entered into a covenant, yea, swearing by their everlasting Maker, that they would tell no man that Kishkumen had murdered Pahoran (v. 11).”  Some of the followers of Paanchi became a secret combination, who agreed not to tell anyone that Kishkumen was the person who killed Pahoran.

“Therefore, Kishkumen was not known among the people of Nephi, for he was in disguise at the time that he murdered Pahoran. And Kishkumen and his band, who had covenanted with him, did mingle themselves among the people, in a manner that they all could not be found; but as many as were found were condemned unto death (v. 12).  And now behold, Pacumeni was appointed, according to the voice of the people, to be a chief judge and a governor over the people, to reign in the stead of his brother Pahoran; and it was according to his right. And all this was done in the fortieth year of the reign of the judges; and it had an end (v. 13).”  In one year, two of the sons of Pahoran lost their lives because of the contention, and that left Pacumeni to be chief judge.

If these brothers had cooperated rather then contented with one another, then they would have remained alive.  They may not have been entirely happy with the voice of the people, but they would have been willing to perhaps work together to do what the people wanted done.  This experience should have taught the Nephites that fighting with one another only brings results of sadness.

Arguments make me feel awful (after the fact).  Often times, I reflect on what I may have said different to avoid any argument.  It could just be a matter of being kinder to one another.  Sometimes, we need to listen to one another better and have discussions rather than jump to conclusions about what is meant.  Other times, we could avoid conflict if we could see one another’s point of view and compromise instead.

Who am I?

There are 8 people discussed in this chapter, Pahoran II, Paanchi, Pacumeni, Kishkumen, Coriantumr, Tubaloth, Moronihah, and Lehi.

The first person was a son of Pahoran I.  He contended for the judgement-seat over the Nephites.  He was voted in to the judgement-seat by the voice of the people.  He was murdered (see v. 3-9 above).  This was Pahoran II.

This person was also a son of Pahoran I.  He also contended for the judgement-seat over the Nephites.  He was angry that his brother was voted in to the judgement-seat by the voice of the people.  He raised a rebellion against his brother, Pahoran II.  His rebellion was discovered and he was sentenced to death by the Nephite law (see v. 3-8 above).  This was Paanchi.

This person was another son of Pahoran I.  He also contended for the judgement-seat over the Nephites.  He conceded the position to his brother because the people voted for his brother.  He became chief judge because one of his brothers was killed and the other was sentenced to death (see v. 3-13 above).  He ran away to the walls of the city, when Lamanites attacked, and was killed (v. 21).  This was Pacumeni.

This person wanted Paanchi to become chief judge over the Nephites.  He was among those who rebelled against Pahoran II becoming chief judge.  He was among those who became angry that Paanchi had been sentenced to death.  He was chosen, and while disguised, killed Pahoran II.  He got away from the servants of Pahoran II, who came after him, and made a pact with other Paanchi followers (see v. 9-12 above).  This was Kishkumen.

This person was the leader of a well-armed lamanite army that came down against the Nephites (v. 14-15).  He was a Nephite dissenter from Zarahemla, who was large and mighty (v. 15).  He was strong and wise (v. 16).  He marched swiftly towards Zarahemla (v. 19).  He marched his men into Zarahemla, because the Nephites had no time to prepare a defense, due to their fighting in the government over who should be chief judge (v. 18, 20).  He took the city of Zarahemla (v. 20).  He killed the chief judge (v. 21).  He decided to take over the entire land (v. 22).  He marched toward Bountiful in the North (v. 23).  He marched through the center of the land, conquering and killing many of the unprepared Nephites (v. 24, 27).  He was killed in a battle against the Nephite army (v. 30, 32).  This was Coriantumr.

This person was the king of the Lamanites.  He was the son of Ammoron, who was killed by Teancum during the 13-year war (see previous post).  He sent Coriantumr to fight against the Nephites (v. 16).  He stirred up the Lamanites to anger against the Nephites and sent them to Zarahemla (v. 17).  This was Tubaloth.

This person was the commander of the Nephite army.  He had maintained the borders of the land with strong armies (v. 26).  He sent Lehi and his army to stop Coriantumr’s army (v. 28 ).  He and his army blocked the Lamanite retreat back to Zarahemla and He fought in battle against them (v. 30).  His army had the Lamanites surrounded (v. 31).  He took back Zarahemla and made the Lamanite prisoners leave the Nephite lands in peace (v. 33)  This was Moronihah.

This person was led a part of the Nephite army.  He was sent by Moronihah to stop the Lamanite army before they reached Bountiful (v. 28 ).  He fought against the Lamanites and got them to retreat towards Zarahemla (v. 29).  He joined with Moronihah’s army to fight and surround the Lamanites (v. 30-31).  This was Lehi.

So once again, the Lamanites were not successful in taking over the Nephite land.

Alma, Chapter 63

Who were the people in this chapter?

The people talked about in this chapter are Shiblon, Hagoth, Corianton, and Helaman.  Shiblon was a son of Alma the younger.  He was one of the missionaries to teach the gospel to the Zoramites and be spared by the hand of the Lord.  Hagoth was a ship builder (in this chapter).  Corianton was a son of Alma, who also went to teach the Zoramites.  He was the one to chase after a harlot and be called to repentance by the words of his father.  He continued to serve his mission after that.  Helaman was the son of Alma.  He was a prophet and a commander in the Nephite army.  He was the commander over the 2,000 (2,060) stripling warriors, who were led by their faith in God to success.

What kind of person was Shiblon?

If I was going to leave on a far away trip, I would give my most precious possessions to my Mother.  I would trust her to take care of my things and not let them be destroyed if possible.

“And it came to pass in the commencement of the thirty and sixth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, that Shiblon took possession of those sacred things which had been delivered unto Helaman by Alma (v. 1).  And he was a just man, and he did walk uprightly before God; and he did observe to do good continually, to keep the commandments of the Lord his God; and also did his brother (v. 2).”

The plates that had been kept sacred from the time when Nephi got them from Laban in Jerusalem, were passed on to Shiblon.  Shiblon was a righteous missionary and helped to bring many souls to Christ.  Helaman trusted Shiblon to keep them sacred.  We are also trusted to keep things sacred.  Things such as the covenants we make with God, callings given to us by God, raising children, and more.  We need to be like Shiblon and “walk uprightly before God”, “do good continually”, and “keep the commandments of the Lord”.

Why were Nephites migrating to the land northward?

Moroni died (v. 3) and then Nephites started to migrate.  ”And it came to pass that in the thirty and seventh year of the reign of the judges, there was a large company of men, even to the amount of five thousand and four hundred men, with their wives and their children, departed out of the land of Zarahemla into the land which was northward (v. 4).  And it came to pass that Hagoth, he being an exceedingly curious man, therefore he went forth and built him an exceedingly large ship, on the borders of the land Bountiful, by the land Desolation, and launched it forth into the west sea, by the narrow neck which led into the land northward (v. 5).  And behold, there were many of the Nephites who did enter therein and did sail forth with much provisions, and also many women and children; and they took their course northward. And thus ended the thirty and seventh year (v. 6).  And in the thirty and eighth year, this man built other ships. And the first ship did also return, and many more people did enter into it; and they also took much provisions, and set out again to the land northward (v. 7).  And it came to pass that they were never heard of more. And we suppose that they were drowned in the depths of the sea. And it came to pass that one other ship also did sail forth; and whither she did go we know not (v. 8 ).  And it came to pass that in this year there were many people who went forth into the land northward. And thus ended the thirty and eighth year (v. 9).”

Hagoth built at least two ships, which took many Nephites northward.  This is a lot like the explores of later times, who decided that there must be more out there and left to search for new places.  There reasons were probably similar, some looking for a fresh start after such a long period of war, some looking for wealth, some looking for more land, and so on.  This chapter only tells of one ship returning for more passengers.  It will be interesting to some day find out what happened to all those Nephites who left the land of promise for something else.  They had no idea that they were leaving the land where the Savior would eventually come and teach the people and bless them.

The importance of the sacred records

“And it came to pass in the thirty and ninth year of the reign of the judges, Shiblon died also, and Corianton had gone forth to the land northward in a ship, to carry forth provisions unto the people who had gone forth into that land (v. 10).”  Shiblon died, but could not pass the records on to Corianton, because he had left to go Northward.

“Therefore it became expedient for Shiblon to confer those sacred things, before his death, upon the son of Helaman, who was called Helaman, being called after the name of his father (v. 11).”  Shiblon passed the records on to Helaman the younger.

“Now behold, all those engravings which were in the possession of Helaman were written and sent forth among the children of men throughout all the land, save it were those parts which had been commanded by Alma should not go forth (v. 12).  Nevertheless, these things were to be kept sacred, and handed down from one generation to another; therefore, in this year, they had been conferred upon Helaman, before the death of Shiblon (v. 13).”  In keeping with Nephite tradition, those things which were not meant to go out to all the Nephites, were kept in the records that they kept sacred and passed on to those they trusted.  These records became the scriptures for those who received them.

These were like sacred family journals, kept for generations.  We have the privilege of having them available to read regularly.  I have tried over my lifetime to be a good journal keeper, but have not always been consistent.  When I am more consistent, I feel a deeper sense of gratitude and my testimony grows.  There are some things that I think are personal and more sacred to me that I hope my posterity will value someday.  I think the thing that keeps me writing more today, is that a year ago I heard a statistic that in three generations of time, we will be forgotten (and I can see this in my own family line to be very true).  What good am I to my posterity, if there is nothing recorded from my life.  I don’t want spiritually touching moments in my life to be lost and forgotten.  I want my great-grandchildren to benefit from knowing my life experiences and my testimony.

The exclamation point of the book of Alma

An exclamation point gives emphasis to a statement.  It makes it stand out more than others.  I think that one of the exclamation points of the book of Alma has been the importance of bringing souls to the knowledge of Christ.  There has been so much about missionary work.  There has also been a lot about the importance of standing for truth and righteousness.

“And it came to pass also in this year that there were some dissenters who had gone forth unto the Lamanites; and they were stirred up again to anger against the Nephites (v. 14).  And also in this same year they came down with a numerous army to war against the people of Moronihah, or against the army of Moronihah, in the which they were beaten and driven back again to their own lands, suffering great loss (v. 15).  And thus ended the thirty and ninth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi (v. 16).  And thus ended the account of Alma, and Helaman his son, and also Shiblon, who was his son (v. 17).”

So many times, the wicked have come up against the righteous in this book of the scriptures.  The overall emphasis of the book of Alma is that the Lord will save the righteous.  Whether they are righteous missionaries serving in unfamiliar and unfriendly areas (like the Alma and the sons of Helaman), or righteous church members who are defending the cause of freedom and the sacred values of the gospel.  If we are righteous, we will be saved.  It may not be a physical saving, but we will be spiritually saved and that is what is truly important.

 

Alma, Chapter 62

On to victory together

Moroni received a letter from Pahoran that had him feeling two contrasting emotions.  ”And now it came to pass that when Moroni had received this epistle his heart did take courage, and was filled with exceedingly great joy because of the faithfulness of Pahoran, that he was not also a traitor to the freedom and cause of his country (v. 1).  But he did also mourn exceedingly because of the iniquity of those who had driven Pahoran from the judgment-seat, yea, in fine because of those who had rebelled against their country and also their God (v. 2).”  Moroni was happy because Pahoran had not become a traitor, but was still interested in fighting for the cause of the Nephites.  He was sad because of the other Nephites who had rebelled and forced Pahoran to flee to Gideon.

“And it came to pass that Moroni took a small number of men, according to the desire of Pahoran, and gave Lehi and Teancum command over the remainder of his army, and took his march towards the land of Gideon (v. 3).  And he did raise the standard of bliberty in whatsoever place he did enter, and gained whatsoever force he could in all his march towards the land of Gideon (v. 4).  And it came to pass that thousands did flock unto his standard, and did take up their swords in the defence of their freedom, that they might not come into bondage (v. 5).  And thus, when Moroni had gathered together whatsoever men he could in all his march, he came to the land of Gideon; and uniting his forces with those of Pahoran they became exceedingly strong, even stronger than the men of Pachus, who was the king of those dissenters who had driven the freemen out of the land of Zarahemla and had taken possession of the land (v. 6).”  Moroni marched toward Gideon, gathering Nephites along the way.  He was able to get so many, because he rallied people to the cause of liberty.

“And it came to pass that Moroni and Pahoran went down with their armies into the land of Zarahemla, and went forth against the city, and did meet the men of Pachus, insomuch that they did come to battle (v. 7).  And behold, Pachus was slain and his men were taken prisoners, and Pahoran was restored to his judgment-seat (v. 8 ).”  The kind of the dissenters was Pachus, and he was killed in the battle against Moroni’s army.

“And the men of Pachus received their trial, according to the law, and also those king-men who had been taken and cast into prison; and they were executed according to the law; yea, those men of Pachus and those king-men, whosoever would not take up arms in the defence of their country, but would fight against it, were put to death (v. 9).  And thus it became expedient that this law should be strictly observed for the safety of their country; yea, and whosoever was found denying their freedom was speedily executed according to the law (v. 10).  And thus ended the thirtieth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi; Moroni and Pahoran having restored peace to the land of Zarahemla, among their own people, having inflicted death upon all those who were not true to the cause of freedom (v. 11).”  They had to get rid of all of those who remained in rebellion against the cause of freedom for the Nephites, in order to protect the safety of their country.  This was the promise of Moroni, to cleanse the inner vessel, which he gave to Pahoran in his last letter to him (see post for chapter 60).

Once Pahoran and Moroni were able to stand together, they were strong enough to take back Zarahemla and restore the power to the Nephites.  Their unity in purpose and religion, gave them the power of God to overcome.  Freedom is a cause the is worth fighting for, even if it means fighting within our own nations.  Freedom is a divine gift that must be protected by those who want to follow God’s plan.

The power of national unity

Moroni sent 6,000 of his men and provisions to Helaman (v. 12) and another 6,000 men and food to Lehi and Teancum (v. 13).  He left some men in Zarahemla and marched with Pahoran to Nephihah (v. 14).  Now that the Nephites were united, they could all work together in a large number to defend and retake the land.

As they marched they killed many Lamanites and took their supplies (v. 15).  Those that they did not kill, they had make a covenant to no longer fight with the Nephites (v. 16).  Then they sent them to live with the people of Ammon, who were former Lamanites that had been converted (v. 17).  The people of Ammon were those that had covenanted not to take arms, so instead they kept the Lamanites that had been captured with them.

They came to Nephihah, but the Lamanites did not want to go out to fight them (v. 18-19).  Moroni spied on the Lamanites in the night (v. 20).  He saw that the Lamanites slept, so he had his army make ladders to drop down into the city (v. 21).  Then they entered the city on the opposite side of where the Lamanite army slept (v. 22).  In the morning, they were all inside the city (v. 23).  The Lamanites were scared when they woke up and they feld from the city (v. 24).  The Nephites went against them as they fled, killed many, took many prisoners, and some of the Lamanites ran away to the land of Moroni (v. 25).  The Nephites did not loose any of their army during this battle for Nephihah (v. 26).

The Lamanites who wanted to be free, were allowed to go live with the people of Ammon and they worked to provide provisions for the Nephites as well as gave the army of the Nephites less prisoners to keep (v. 27-29).

Moroni next marched his army to the land of Lehi (v. 30) and the Lamanites were scared and fled (v. 31).  Moroni’s army followed the Lamanites until they met up with the army of Lehi and Teancum.  The Lamanites fled to the land of Moroni (v. 32).  Now all the Lamanite armies were together in the land of Moroni under king Ammoron (v. 33).  The Nephite armies surrounded the land of Moroni (v. 34).  They decided to rest for the night, but Teancum, who was angry with Ammoron for causing such a great war (v. 35).  Teancum snuck into the city and searched for the king.  When he found Ammoron, he killed him.  Then Ammoron’s servants found Teancum and killed him (v. 36).

Lehi and Moroni were very sad for the loss of Teancum because he had been a valiant soldier and captain, who cared deeply for the liberty of his country and people (v. 37).  In Alma 51:34 we read, “And it came to pass that Teancum stole privily into the tent of the king, and put a javelin to his heart; and he did cause the death of the king immediately that he did not awake his servants.”  Teancum had been the one to kill Amalickiah, the king who had started this fighting and the brother of Ammoron.

Once the king was dead, Moroni had his army marched against the Nephites and kill many of them.  The rest were driven out of the land, ending the war with the Nephites (v. 38-39).

How important are “the prayers of the righteous”?

“And there had been murders, and contentions, and dissensions, and all manner of iniquity among the people of Nephi; nevertheless for the righteous’ sake, yea, because of the prayers of the righteous, they were spared (v. 40).”  The prayers of the righteous are what spared the Nephites in this great war.  In Alma 10:22-23 we read, “Yea, and I say unto you that if it were not for the prayers of the righteous, who are now in the land, that ye would even now be visited with utter destruction; yet it would not be by flood, as were the people in the days of Noah, but it would be by famine, and by pestilence, and the sword (v. 22).  But it is by the prayers of the righteous that ye are spared; now therefore, if ye will cast out the righteous from among you then will not the Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will come out against you; then ye shall be smitten by famine, and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand except ye repent (v. 23).”  And again in Helaman 13:12-14 we read, “Yea, wo unto this great city of Zarahemla; for behold, it is because of those who are righteous that it is saved; yea, wo unto this great city, for I perceive, saith the Lord, that there are many, yea, even the more part of this great city, that will harden their hearts against me, saith the Lord (v. 12).  But blessed are they who will repent, for them will I spare. But behold, if it were not for the righteous who are in this great city, behold, I would cause that fire should come down out of heaven and destroy it (v. 13).  But behold, it is for the righteous’ sake that it is spared. But behold, the time cometh, saith the Lord, that when ye shall cast out the righteous from among you, then shall ye be ripe for destruction; yea, wo be unto this great city, because of the wickedness and abominations which are in her (v. 14).”

The righteous will always be the reason why wicked places are spared from utter destruction.  We have been promised this in the scriptures and we can hold on to the hope within this promise today as well.  As long as the righteous continue to pray for this land, for the freedoms we enjoy here, and for the gospel to continue to go forth, we will be spared as well.

Why do people react differently to the same event?

“But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility (v. 41).”  Some of the Nephites were hardened because of the war, while some were humbled greatly by it.  This war had gone on from eighteenth year of the reign of the judges (Alma 43:3), to the end of the thirty-first year of the reign of the judges (Alma 62:39).  This was a long and difficult thirteen years for the Nephites.  I am sure that some did not understand why they were made to suffer for so long a time and that could have been a cause for some of the hardness.  If all of the Nephites had the same love for God and faith in Him and the Savior, they would have all been able to be grateful for the lessons and trials that they had been given.  Even though many of us experience the same or similar things, our reaction will depend a lot on the amount of faith we have and how strong our testimonies are.

FYI:  Moroni fortified the land and then returned to Zarahemla, Helaman went home, and the Nephites had peace (v. 42).  Moroni retired and gave the job of commander to his son, Moronihah (v. 43).  Pahoran was the judge again and Helaman returned to preaching to the Nephites to bring all the Nephites back together in the gospel again (v. 44).  Many were converted and baptized through the missionary work of Helaman and his brothers (v. 45).  The church was established again, the laws of the land were regulated, and judges were chosen again (v. 46-47).  The Nephites began to prosper again, but were not prideful, they remembered God and were humble instead (v. 48-49).  They were thoughtful of how God delivered them from the Lamanites, they prayed often and were blessed by God (v. 50-51).  ”And it came to pass that all these things were done. And Helaman died, in the thirty and fifth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi (v. 52).”

Alma, Chapter 61

A search for principles

A principle is defined as a basic truth or law.  Elder Richard G. Scott said, “Principles are concentrated truth, packaged for application to a wide variety of circumstances. A true principle makes decisions clear even under the most confusing and compelling circumstances.  It is worth great effort to organize the truth we gather to simple statements of principle.”  Generally people,  being imperfect, have miscommunications all the time.  There is no reason to think that members of the gospel would not have the same thing happen.  Moroni, although a great and wonderful leader of the Book of Mormon, was human and had a miscommunication with Pahoran (see previous post).  This chapter is Pahoran’s response to Moroni.

“Behold, now it came to pass that soon after Moroni had sent his epistle unto the chief governor, he received an epistle from Pahoran, the chief governor. And these are the words which he received (v. 1):  I, Pahoran, who am the chief governor of this land, do send these words unto Moroni, the chief captain over the army. Behold, I say unto you, Moroni, that I do not joy in your great afflictions, yea, it grieves my soul (v. 2).  But behold, there are those who do joy in your afflictions, yea, insomuch that they have risen up in rebellion against me, and also those of my people who are freemen, yea, and those who have risen up are exceedingly numerous (v. 3).  And it is those who have sought to take away the judgment-seat from me that have been the cause of this great iniquity; for they have used great flattery, and they have led away the hearts of many people, which will be the cause of sore affliction among us; they have withheld our provisions, and have daunted our freemen that they have not come unto you (v. 4).  And behold, they have driven me out before them, and I have fled to the land of Gideon, with as many men as it were possible that I could get (v. 5).  And behold, I have sent a proclamation throughout this part of the land; and behold, they are flocking to us daily, to their arms, in the defence of their country and their freedom, and to avenge our wrongs (v. 6).”

It is righteous to defend freedom.  I think this is the first principle that Pahoran discusses in his letter to Moroni.  It is one that he knows Moroni stands for, because this is what Moroni has said throughout the land.

“And they have come unto us, insomuch that those who have risen up in rebellion against us are set at defiance, yea, insomuch that they do fear us and durst not come out against us to battle (v. 7).  They have got possession of the land, or the city, of Zarahemla; they have appointed a king over them, and he hath written unto the king of the Lamanites, in the which he hath joined an alliance with him; in the which alliance he hath agreed to maintain the city of Zarahemla, which maintenance he supposeth will enable the Lamanites to conquer the remainder of the land, and he shall be placed king over this people when they shall be conquered under the Lamanites (v. 8 ).  And now, in your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart. I, Pahoran, do not seek for power, save only to retain my judgment-seat that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people. My soul standeth fast in that liberty in the which God hath made us free (v. 9).”  Another principle is that of forgiveness.  Pahoran could have been angry with Moroni for falsely accusing him, but he was not.  He forgave Moroni and even saw that Moroni felt that way because his heart was great.

“And now, behold, we will resist wickedness even unto bloodshed. We would not shed the blood of the Lamanites if they would stay in their own land (v. 10).  We would not shed the blood of our brethren if they would not rise up in rebellion and take the sword against us (v. 11).”  Here he discusses the truth of fighting in war, which is that we should not fight unless it is in defense of a worthy cause, such as protection of land and people.

“We would subject ourselves to the yoke of bondage if it were requisite with the justice of God, or if he should command us so to do (v. 12).”  Here is another principle that God’s will, should be followed.

“But behold he doth not command us that we shall subject ourselves to our enemies, but that we should put our trust in him, and he will deliver us (v. 13).”  The principle of faith in God, or trust in God, is one of the most basic principles of the gospel.

“Therefore, my beloved brother, Moroni, let us resist evil, and whatsoever evil we cannot resist with our words, yea, such as rebellions and dissensions, let us resist them with our swords, that we may retain our freedom, that we may rejoice in the great privilege of our church, and in the cause of our Redeemer and our God (v. 14).”  Here he talks of resisting evil, no matter what.  In the gospel principles we learn that God cannot accept any unclean thing, so we must resist all evil.

“Therefore, come unto me speedily with a few of your men, and leave the remainder in the charge of Lehi and Teancum; give unto them power to conduct the war in that part of the land, according to the Spirit of God, which is also the spirit of freedom which is in them (v. 15).  Behold I have sent a few provisions unto them, that they may not perish until ye can come unto me (v. 16).  Gather together whatsoever force ye can upon your march hither, and we will go speedily against those dissenters, in the strength of our God according to the faith which is in us (v. 17).  And we will take possession of the city of Zarahemla, that we may obtain more food to send forth unto Lehi and Teancum; yea, we will go forth against them in the strength of the Lord, and we will put an end to this great iniquity (v. 18 ).  And now, Moroni, I do joy in receiving your epistle, for I was somewhat worried concerning what we should do, whether it should be just in us to go against our brethren (v. 19).  But ye have said, except they repent the Lord hath commanded you that ye should go against them (v. 20).  See that ye strengthen Lehi and Teancum in the Lord; tell them to fear not, for God will deliver them, yea, and also all those who stand fast in that liberty wherewith God hath made them free. And now I close mine epistle to my beloved brother, Moroni (v. 21).”  Lastly he talks of the principle of repentance, which was mentioned in Moroni’s letter to him.  We must repent or the power of God will come against us.  If we repent, God will deliver us from our trials.

The principles of freedom, forgiveness, the plan of God (the will of God), faith, avoiding evil, and repentance are all principles of the gospel.  If we can remember them throughout our daily lives and live by them, we will be blessed with deliverance, just as the Nephites were promised.

How can we respond to those who falsely accuse us?

We all experience times when others accuse us falsely.  It is not a fun experience.  The awesome thing is, that we have the ability to choose for ourselves how we will respond to it.  Pahoran knew that there were greater matters to be addressed, rather than focus on Moroni’s accusations.  Pahoran was also a good man, and in trying to live a righteous life, he saw past the accusation to the reasons why Moroni would have felt that way.  He was able to put himself into Moroni’s point of view, and see that he only meant to do what was right.

I had a recent experience with this and it was hard to deal with it.  I overheard someone saying something untrue about me to another person, accusing me of something that I had not done.  I was immediately hurt by the words, but rather than confront this person with anger, I took a step away from the situation.  I thought about why they would say that about me, and then I asked for someone else who knew both of us and wanted the best for both of us, to help us to resolve the issue.  I explained that I was hopeful that there had just been some miscommunication, but in case there was something deeper, I wanted help, so that I did not react emotionally instead of rationally.  We did come to find out that it had been a miscommunication, we all met together and were able to decide a way to resolve what had come between us.  Because I chose to handle the issue in this way, I avoided an argument as well as maintained a good friendship.  This could have been a opportunity for either of us to take great offense and use it as a way to stray from the church, but thankfully it did not end up that way.  If everyone could try to take a different approach to these kinds of situations, this world would be a much more peaceful place.  We are bound to have disagreements and miscommunications, but we are not bound to respond to them with anger.

 

Alma, Chapter 60

A call for help?

The times that I need help are usually when I have either become overwhelmed by something or feel helpless and unsure of what to do.  The person I most frequently ask for help is my husband.  His responses vary, but usually he is right there willing and able to help me once I’ve asked for it.

In this chapter Moroni writes a letter to the governor, Pahoran.  He says, “Behold, I direct mine epistle to Pahoran, in the city of Zarahemla, who is the chief judge and the governor over the land, and also to all those who have been chosen by this people to govern and manage the affairs of this war (v. 1).  For behold, I have somewhat to say unto them by the way of condemnation; for behold, ye yourselves know that ye have been appointed to gather together men, and arm them with swords, and with cimeters, and all manner of weapons of war of every kind, and send forth against the Lamanites, in whatsoever parts they should come into our land (v. 2).  And now behold, I say unto you that myself, and also my men, and also Helaman and his men, have suffered exceedingly great sufferings; yea, even hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and all manner of afflictions of every kind (v. 3).”  Moroni knew his army and the army of Helaman needed help, because they had suffered a lot.

“But behold, were this all we had suffered we would not murmur nor complain (v. 4).  But behold, great has been the slaughter among our people; yea, thousands have fallen by the sword, while it might have otherwise been if ye had rendered unto our armies sufficient strength and succor for them. Yea, great has been your neglect towards us (v. 5).”  The armies had lost many soldiers in the fighting and Moroni felt that if the government had helped them, they may not have lost so much.

“And now behold, we desire to know the cause of this exceedingly great neglect; yea, we desire to know the cause of your thoughtless state (v. 6).  Can you think to sit upon your thrones in a state of thoughtless stupor, while your enemies are spreading the work of death around you? Yea, while they are murdering thousands of your brethren (v. 7)—”  Moroni’s first reason he thinks they were not helping, was that the government did not know what to do or just weren’t thinking about it (“a thoughtless stupor”).

“Yea, even they who have looked up to you for protection, yea, have placed you in a situation that ye might have succored them, yea, ye might have sent armies unto them, to have strengthened them, and have saved thousands of them from falling by the sword (v. 8 ).  But behold, this is not all—ye have withheld your provisions from them, insomuch that many have fought and bled out their lives because of their great desires which they had for the welfare of this people; yea, and this they have done when they were about to perish with hunger, because of your exceedingly great neglect towards them (v. 9).”  His second reason, is that they are neglecting their people, purposefully, because they do not care for the welfare of the people.

“And now, my beloved brethren—for ye ought to be beloved; yea, and ye ought to have stirred yourselves more diligently for the welfare and the freedom of this people; but behold, ye have neglected them insomuch that the blood of thousands shall come upon your heads for vengeance; yea, for known unto God were all their cries, and all their sufferings (v. 10)—Behold, could ye suppose that ye could sit upon your thrones, and because of the exceeding goodness of God ye could do nothing and he would deliver you? Behold, if ye have supposed this ye have supposed in vain (v. 11).”  His third reason, is that the leaders did not feel the need to do anything because they felt they would be saved by God anyway.

“Or is it that ye have neglected us because ye are in the heart of our country and ye are surrounded by security, that ye do not cause food to be sent unto us, and also men to strengthen our armies (v. 19)?”  His forth reason is that they are concerned with their own protection more that the protection of all the people.

“Have ye forgotten the commandments of the Lord your God? Yea, have ye forgotten the captivity of our fathers? Have ye forgotten the many times we have been delivered out of the hands of our enemies (v. 20)?  Or do ye suppose that the Lord will still deliver us, while we sit upon our thrones and do not make use of the means which the Lord has provided for us (v. 21)?”  His last reason is that they have forgotten God and are wasting away their time.

Sometimes we are in desperate need of help, but when help is not received we become angry at others for it.  I think it is those times, that we need to turn to God the most.  We need to realize that somethings are beyond the powers of those who usually help us.  We must accept that if we are living righteously, God will send the right person to help us.  We must not be quick to anger, but turn to the Lord.

Why does the Lord allow the righteous to be slain?

Both wicked and righteous people die in war.  It is not common to hear of battles such as those that the 2,000 warriors fought in, where no one from a particular army was killed.  That is the nature of war.  I believe that the Lord allows the righteous to be slain because they serve a greater purpose that way.  Perhaps they have a work to do on the other side, or their death will teach others a greater lesson than making it so the righteous always win without any death.  If a person is righteous and killed protecting righteous values and such, then they will be saved and may be better off than if they had died otherwise.

“Do ye suppose that, because so many of your brethren have been killed it is because of their wickedness? I say unto you, if ye have supposed this ye have supposed in vain; for I say unto you, there are many who have fallen by the sword; and behold it is to your condemnation (v. 12); For the Lord suffereth the righteous to be slain that his justice and judgment may come upon the wicked; therefore ye need not suppose that the righteous are lost because they are slain; but behold, they do enter into the rest of the Lord their God (v. 13).”  Moroni felt that the righteous were allowed to be slain because this would allow the wicked to justly be judged for their wrong-doings.  Our lives have value, but the eternal consequences of how we live our lives is even greater.  The judgement of our acts and the consequences of that judgement is eternal, where this life is short and will come to an end.

What weakens a nation?

Moroni tells some of the reasons that the Nephites were not being successful in their battle against the Lamanites.  ”Yea, had it not been for the war which broke out among ourselves; yea, were it not for these king-men, who caused so much bloodshed among ourselves; yea, at the time we were contending among ourselves, if we had united our strength as we hitherto have done; yea, had it not been for the desire of power and authority which those king-men had over us; had they been true to the cause of our freedom, and united with us, and gone forth against our enemies, instead of taking up their swords against us, which was the cause of so much bloodshed among ourselves; yea, if we had gone forth against them in the strength of the Lord, we should have dispersed our enemies, for it would have been done, according to the fulfilling of his word (v. 16).”

“But behold, now the Lamanites are coming upon us, taking possession of our lands, and they are murdering our people with the sword, yea, our women and our children, and also carrying them away captive, causing them that they should suffer all manner of afflictions, and this because of the great wickedness of those who are seeking for power and authority, yea, even those king-men (v. 17).  But why should I say much concerning this matter? For we know not but what ye yourselves are seeking for authority. We know not but what ye are also traitors to your country (v. 18 ).”  Moroni knew that they would have been stronger if the nation could stand together against the Lamanites.  He felt like the government was dividing the nation, just as the king-men had.

When an army is not united, it is not as strong as it could be.  When they stand together in purpose, they fight together and help one another to overcome their enemy.  This same principle applies in our families, both in our homes and at church.  When we are divided temptations will work easily against us, but when we are strong and one in purpose, we help each other to stand up against Satan and his traps.  I think the things that truly unite a family are scripture study, prayer, going to church together, having family home evening and family council, and doing worthwhile things together to show support for one another.  If we always helped and supported one another, our family would have great love and care for each other.  There would be little selfishness and I think the family would be happier if this were the case.

Cleansing the inner vessel

“Yea, will ye sit in idleness while ye are surrounded with thousands of those, yea, and tens of thousands, who do also sit in idleness, while there are thousands round about in the borders of the land who are falling by the sword, yea, wounded and bleeding (v. 22)?  Do ye suppose that God will look upon you as guiltless while ye sit still and behold these things? Behold I say unto you, Nay. Now I would that ye should remember that God has said that the inward vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also (v. 23).”  Moroni is concerned that God will see that their inner vessels are not clean, and that will bring their destruction.

Moroni tells Pahoran what he plans to do, if the government does not respond appropriately.  ”And now, except ye do repent of that which ye have done, and begin to be up and doing, and send forth food and men unto us, and also unto Helaman, that he may support those parts of our country which he has regained, and that we may also recover the remainder of our possessions in these parts, behold it will be expedient that we contend no more with the Lamanites until we have first cleansed our inward vessel, yea, even the great head of our government (v. 24).”  If they do nothing, then Moroni will turn his army inward to cleanse their inner vessel.

“And except ye grant mine epistle, and come out and show unto me a true spirit of freedom, and strive to strengthen and fortify our armies, and grant unto them food for their support, behold I will leave a part of my freemen to maintain this part of our land, and I will leave the strength and the blessings of God upon them, that none other power can operate against them (v. 25)—”  He says that he will have his freemen take over.

“And this because of their exceeding faith, and their patience in their tribulations (v. 26)—And I will come unto you, and if there be any among you that has a desire for freedom, yea, if there be even a spark of freedom remaining, behold I will stir up insurrections among you, even until those who have desires to usurp power and authority shall become extinct (v. 27).”  Moroni will wipe out those who stand against the cause of freedom.

“Yea, behold I do not fear your power nor your authority, but it is my God whom I fear; and it is according to his commandments that I do take my sword to defend the cause of my country, and it is because of your iniquity that we have suffered so much loss (v. 28 ).”  He blames the wickedness of the government for the loss they have suffered.

“Behold it is time, yea, the time is now at hand, that except ye do bestir yourselves in the defence of your country and your little ones, the sword of justice doth hang over you; yea, and it shall fall upon you and visit you even to your utter destruction (v. 29).  Behold, I wait for assistance from you; and, except ye do administer unto our relief, behold, I come unto you, even in the land of Zarahemla, and smite you with the sword, insomuch that ye can have no more power to impede the progress of this people in the cause of our freedom (v. 30).  For behold, the Lord will not suffer that ye shall live and wax strong in your iniquities to destroy his righteous people (v. 31).  Behold, can you suppose that the Lord will spare you and come out in judgment against the Lamanites, when it is the tradition of their fathers that has caused their hatred, yea, and it has been redoubled by those who have dissented from us, while your iniquity is for the cause of your love of glory and the vain things of the world (v. 32)?”  Moroni says here that the judgments of God will be worse for the government of the Nephites then any of the Lamanites, because the Nephites know the truth and go against it and the Lamanites are just following what they believe to be truth.

“Ye know that ye do transgress the laws of God, and ye do know that ye do trample them under your feet. Behold, the Lord saith unto me: If those whom ye have appointed your governors do not repent of their sins and iniquities, ye shall go up to battle against them (v. 33).  And now behold, I, Moroni, am constrained, according to the covenant which I have made to keep the commandments of my God; therefore I would that ye should adhere to the word of God, and send speedily unto me of your provisions and of your men, and also to Helaman (v. 34).  And behold, if ye will not do this I come unto you speedily; for behold, God will not suffer that we should perish with hunger; therefore he will give unto us of your food, even if it must be by the sword. Now see that ye fulfil the word of God (v. 35).  Behold, I am Moroni, your chief captain. I seek not for power, but to pull it down. I seek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God, and the freedom and welfare of my country. And thus I close mine epistle (v. 36).”

In D&C 112:23-26 we read, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, darkness covereth the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people, and all flesh has become corrupt before my face (v. 23).  Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord (v. 24).  And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord (v. 25); First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord (v. 26).”  The Lord said here that the vengeance starts with His house first and then from there all the earth.  The inner vessel must be clean first, before the outer vessel can be cleaned.

The same thing applies in our lives.  We cannot expect to help the things around us to remain clean and wholesome, unless we are first.  In Mark 7:14-23 we read, “And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand (v. 14):  There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man (v. 15).  If any man have ears to hear, let him hear (v. 16).  And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable (v. 17).  And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him (v. 18 ); Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats (v. 19)?  And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man (v. 20).  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders (v. 21), Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness (v. 22):  All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”  If the inner vessel is clean, than evil things cannot enter a person’s heart.  If we want our inner vessel to be clean, we must listen to the word of God.

Once we work on ourselves, we can turn our attentions to cleansing the things in our families and homes, and then the outside influences of our lives.  We must be strong and faithful first, for this to work.  There is always room for improvement in ourselves and we should be constantly working to keep ourselves clean, so that we can experience the true blessings that have been promised by God.

Alma, Chapter 59

Why was Moroni angry?

Apathy is described as not caring, or boredom in the manual.  The dictionary defines it as a lack of interest or concern, especially regarding matters of general importance or appeal, or a lack of emotion or feeling.  This is believed by some to be the real crisis of our world today.  Why is this such a concern?  Because people have become apathetic towards God, the Savior, and the gospel.  People have become uninterested in living righteously towards an eternal goal of exaltation.  When we become apathetic, we stop believing in those things that are a matter of faith and we forget our God, which is the thing to lead to sin and corruption.

“Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, after Moroni had received and had read Helaman’s epistle, he was exceedingly rejoiced because of the welfare, yea, the exceeding success which Helaman had had, in obtaining those lands which were lost (v. 1).  Yea, and he did make it known unto all his people, in all the land round about in that part where he was, that they might rejoice also (v. 2).  And it came to pass that he immediately sent an epistle to Pahoran, desiring that he should cause men to be gathered together to strengthen Helaman, or the armies of Helaman, insomuch that he might with ease maintain that part of the land which he had been so miraculously prospered in regaining (v. 3).”  Pahoran was part of the government over the Nephites and Moroni sent him a request that men should be sent to help keep the army of Helaman strengthened.

“And it came to pass when Moroni had sent this epistle to the land of Zarahemla, he began again to lay a plan that he might obtain the remainder of those possessions and cities which the Lamanites had taken from them (v. 4).  And it came to pass that while Moroni was thus making preparations to go against the Lamanites to battle, behold, the people of Nephihah, who were gathered together from the city of Moroni and the city of Lehi and the city of Morianton, were attacked by the Lamanites (v. 5).  Yea, even those who had been compelled to flee from the land of Manti, and from the land round about, had come over and joined the Lamanites in this part of the land (v. 6).  And thus being exceedingly numerous, yea, and receiving strength from day to day, by the command of Ammoron they came forth against the people of Nephihah, and they did begin to slay them with an exceedingly great slaughter (v. 7).  And their armies were so numerous that the remainder of the people of Nephihah were obliged to flee before them; and they came even and joined the army of Moroni (v. 8 ).”  The Nephites lost the city of Nephihah because the Lamanites outnumbered them and caused them to flee.

“And now as Moroni had supposed that there should be men sent to the city of Nephihah, to the assistance of the people to maintain that city, and knowing that it was easier to keep the city from falling into the hands of the Lamanites than to retake it from them, he supposed that they would easily maintain that city (v. 9).  Therefore he retained all his force to maintain those places which he had recovered (v. 10).”  Moroni had assumed that the government would have sent aid to the city of Nephihah, so he kept his men to maintain the strongholds that they had made.

“And now, when Moroni saw that the city of Nephihah was lost he was exceedingly sorrowful, and began to doubt, because of the wickedness of the people, whether they should not fall into the hands of their brethren (v. 11).  Now this was the case with all his chief captains. They doubted and marveled also because of the wickedness of the people, and this because of the success of the Lamanites over them (v. 12).  And it came to pass that Moroni was angry with the government, because of their indifference concerning the freedom of their country (v. 13).”  Moroni was sorrowful and doubted, because of the wickedness of the people.  He was angry because he felt the government was indifferent or in other words apathetic towards their freedom.

Moroni assumed that the government, or that Pahoran, was being apathetic, although he did not know the reasons behind why help was not sent to Nephihah.  We learn in the next few chapters, a humbling lesson for Moroni because of the assumptions he made.  The word “Apathy”, in the Topical Guide, references scriptures that talk about being lukewarm, turning backs on the needy, procrastinating repentance, rejecting God because of the cares of the world, not seeking earnestly for eternal goals, and not being valiant.  I think it is connected to selfishness.  I think we become apathetic towards the gospel, when our concerns are self-centered.  We begin to worry about all our problems for today and we do not focus on the effects of all things as they fit into the plan of salvation.  I think if we focus more on others, rather than ourselves, we can avoid the downfall that comes from apathy.

 

Alma, Chapter 58

The “guess how many” game (Q&A)

1. What city was Helaman’s army trying to recapture?  ”And behold, now it came to pass that our next object was to obtain the city of Manti; but behold, there was no way that we could lead them out of the city by our small bands. For behold, they remembered that which we had hitherto done; therefore we could not decoy them away from their strongholds (v. 1).”  (The Lamanite army was larger, so the Nephites worked to keep their own lands and wait to receive strength and provisions (v. 2-4).)
2. Which army was receiving great strength and provisions?  ”But behold, this did profit us but little; for the Lamanites were also receiving great strength from day to day, and also many provisions; and thus were our circumstances at this period of time (v. 5).”  (The Lamanites continued to antagonize the Nephites for a period of many months (v. 6-7).)
3. Who brought food to Helaman’s army?  ”But it came to pass that we did receive food, which was guarded to us by an army of two thousand men to our assistance; and this is all the assistance which we did receive, to defend ourselves and our country from falling into the hands of our enemies, yea, to contend with an enemy which was innumerable (v. 8 ).”  (This was not enough to truly help the Nephites and they feared and grieved for their destruction (v. 9).)
4. When Helaman’s army was “grieved” for not receiving more strength, what did they do?  ”Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, yea, and also give us strength that we might retain our cities, and our lands, and our possessions, for the support of our people (v. 10).”
5. Helaman wrote that the Lord “did speak __________ to our souls.”  ”Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him (v. 11).”  (This helped the Nephites to have courage and go against the Lamanites in Manti.  The Lamanites sent out spies to see how many Nephites were about to attack (v. 12-14).)
6. Why did the Lamanites think they could “easily destroy” Helaman’s army?  ”And it came to pass that when they saw that we were not strong, according to our numbers, and fearing that we should cut them off from their support except they should come out to battle against us and kill us, and also supposing that they could easily destroy us with their numerous hosts, therefore they began to make preparations to come out against us to battle.”  (Helaman had Gid and a few men hide in the right part of the wilderness and then Teomner and a few men hide in the left part of the wilderness, while he stayed where they were camped (v. 16-17).)
7. What did Helaman have his men do when the Lamanites came to attack?  ”And it came to pass that the Lamanites did come out with their numerous army against us. And when they had come and were about to fall upon us with the sword, I caused that my men, those who were with me, should retreat into the wilderness (v. 18 ).”  (The Lamanites followed until they passed the places where Gid and Teomner were hiding.  Gid and Teomner’s groups came out of hiding and stopped the Lamanite spies from going back to Manti (v. 19-20).)
8. Why did Helaman have part of his army hide in the wilderness before the Lamanites came after them?  ”And it came to pass that when they had cut them off, they ran to the city and fell upon the guards who were left to guard the city, insomuch that they did destroy them and did take possession of the city (v. 21).”  The guards were left vulnerable to attack, so Gid and Teomner’s groups were able to retake the city.
9. How many Lamanites went to destroy Helaman’s arm from the city?  ”Now this was done because the Lamanites did suffer their whole army, save a few guards only, to be led away into the wilderness.”  (Helaman’s army turned towards Zarahemla (v. 23).)
10. Why did the Lamanite army stop chasing Helaman’s army?  ”And when the Lamanites saw that they were marching towards the land of Zarahemla, they were exceedingly afraid, lest there was a plan laid to lead them on to destruction; therefore they began to retreat into the wilderness again, yea, even back by the same way which they had come (v. 24).”  (The Lamanites assumed they could head back towards Manti, not knowing what had happened there (v. 25).)
11. What did Helaman’s army do in the night?  ”Now it came to pass that when it was night, I caused that my men should not sleep, but that they should march forward by another way towards the land of Manti (v. 26).”  (The Nephites went around the Lamanites and arrived before them at Manti (v. 27).)
12. How many Nephites were killed when taking the city of Manti?  ”And thus it came to pass, that by this stratagem we did take possession of the city of Manti without the shedding of blood (v. 28 ).”  No Nephites were killed, the Lamanites saw them and ran away out of the land, in fear, but they took many women and children with them.  All of the Nephite lands had been retaken from the Lamanites and all the Nephites were able to return to their homes, except for those that had been captured by the Lamanites (v. 29-31).  Helaman explained to Moroni that they have too small a number to protect all of the land at this point (v. 32).)
13. What did Helaman’s army believe was the reason they were victorious?  ”But behold, we trust in our God who has given us victory over those lands, insomuch that we have obtained those cities and those lands, which were our own (v. 33).”  (Helaman wondered why the government was not helping them (v. 34).)
14. Give one of the two possibilities Helaman believed was the reason he had not received more support.  ”Behold, we do not know but what ye are unsuccessful, and ye have drawn away the forces into that quarter of the land; if so, we do not desire to murmur (v. 35).  And if it is not so, behold, we fear that there is some faction in the government, that they do not send more men to our assistance; for we know that they are more numerous than that which they have sent (v. 36).”  He thinks that either Moroni’s army has not been successful, or that some part of the government does not want them to succeed.  (Helaman and his men trust God, even though they were weak, they were delivered.  Not one of the stripling warriors was killed (v. 37-39).)
15. Who were they “strict to remember . . . from day to day”?  ”But behold, they have received many wounds; nevertheless they stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has made them free; and they are strict to remember the Lord their God from day to day; yea, they do observe to keep his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments continually; and their faith is strong in the prophecies concerning that which is to come (v. 40).”
16. To whom was Helaman writing?  ”And now, my beloved brother, Moroni, may the Lord our God, who has redeemed us and made us free, keep you continually in his presence; yea, and may he favor this people, even that ye may have success in obtaining the possession of all that which the Lamanites have taken from us, which was for our support. And now, behold, I close mine epistle. I am Helaman, the son of Alma (v. 41).”

The lessons to be learned here, are that if we have faith and remember God, we will be delivered from our adversaries; that we may be weaker than our challenges, but God can make us stronger; and that our righteous leaders will not lead us astray, so we need to trust them and follow their guidance.

How does a soldier in God’s army act?

“And those sons of the people of Ammon, of whom I have so highly spoken, are with me in the city of Manti; and the Lord has supported them, yea, and kept them from falling by the sword, insomuch that even one soul has not been slain (v. 39).”  The stripling warriors were supported by God, because they were faithful.  They wanted to protect the liberty that God gave them.  They remembered God and followed His commandments daily (see v. 40 above).  In Moroni 4:3 we read, “O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.”  Every time we take the sacrament we promise, like the stripling warriors, to remember God and keep His commandments.  If we do this we too, will have the spirit of God with us always, and we will be delivered.

Alma, Chapter 57

How does the Lord deliver us from”the hands of our enemies”?

We all have trials in our lives.  As we struggle through them, it can be difficult to see anything good coming in the end.  If  we knew what would be the outcome of our trials from the beginning, I think we would be more willing to endure them.  If we knew the blessings that we would receive, I think that the lessons would not be learned, so Heavenly Father does not show us what the outcome will be.  Instead, we learn to have greater faith, especially in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, as we struggle through.  This is an important principle for each of us to learn.

In chapter 57, the heading reads, “Helaman recounts the taking of Antiparah and the surrender and later the defense of Cumeni—His Ammonite striplings fight valiantly and all are wounded, but none are slain—Gid reports the slaying and the escape of the Lamanite prisoners.”  The Nephites would retake Antiparah and Cumeni, two Nephite cities.

(Helaman continues telling Moroni what had happened to them.  He received a letter from Ammoron saying that he would exchange Antiparah for the Lamanite prisoners (v. 1).  Helaman refused the offer, unless the Nephite prisoners would be exchanged (v. 2).  Ammoron refused and went to take Antiparah (v. 3).  The people in Antiparah fled to other cities and Helaman took it without force (v. 4).  6,000 more Nephites joined Helaman’s army, along with 60 more of the people of Ammon, brothers of the stripling warriors (v. 6).  Helaman took his army and surrounded Cumeni (v. 7-8 ).  They stayed for several nights stopping the Lamanites at each attempt to fight (v. 9).  Helaman’s army took the Lamanite provisions sent to Cumeni (v. 10).  After many days, the Lamanites gave up the city to Helaman (v. 12).)

“But it came to pass that our prisoners were so numerous that, notwithstanding the enormity of our numbers, we were obliged to employ all our force to keep them, or to put them to death (v. 13).”  So many Lamanites were taken from those cities that all the Nephites had to work to contain them, or have them put to death.  ”For behold, they would break out in great numbers, and would fight with stones, and with clubs, or whatsoever thing they could get into their hands, insomuch that we did slay upwards of two thousand of them after they had surrendered themselves prisoners of war (v. 14).”  The Nephites had to protect themselves from outbreaks of the Lamanite prisoners.

“Therefore it became expedient for us, that we should put an end to their lives, or guard them, sword in hand, down to the land of Zarahemla; and also our provisions were not any more than sufficient for our own people, notwithstanding that which we had taken from the Lamanites (v. 15).  And now, in those critical circumstances, it became a very serious matter to determine concerning these prisoners of war; nevertheless, we did resolve to send them down to the land of Zarahemla; therefore we selected a part of our men, and gave them charge over our prisoners to go down to the land of Zarahemla (v. 16).”  They decided to send the prisoners to Zarahemla, and concern themselves with strengthening their own army.  ”But it came to pass that on the morrow they did return. And now behold, we did not inquire of them concerning the prisoners; for behold, the Lamanites were upon us, and they returned in season to save us from falling into their hands. For behold, Ammoron had sent to their support a new supply of provisions and also a numerous army of men (v. 17).   And it came to pass that those men whom we sent with the prisoners did arrive in season to check them, as they were about to overpower us (v. 18 ).”

It probably felt like a bad idea to have sent so many of their men to guard the prisoners, when they came under attack by the Lamanites.  But the men they had sent to guard the prisoners returned the next day, to help them.

“And now it came to pass that after we had thus taken care of our wounded men, and had buried our dead and also the dead of the Lamanites, who were many, behold, we did inquire of Gid concerning the prisoners whom they had started to go down to the land of Zarahemla with (v. 28 ).  Now Gid was the chief captain over the band who was appointed to guard them down to the land (v. 29).  And now, these are the words which Gid said unto me: Behold, we did start to go down to the land of Zarahemla with our prisoners. And it came to pass that we did meet the spies of our armies, who had been sent out to watch the camp of the Lamanites (v. 30).  And they cried unto us, saying—Behold, the armies of the Lamanites are marching towards the city of Cumeni; and behold, they will fall upon them, yea, and will destroy our people (v. 31).  And it came to pass that our prisoners did hear their cries, which caused them to take courage; and they did rise up in rebellion against us (v. 32).  And it came to pass because of their rebellion we did cause that our swords should come upon them. And it came to pass that they did in a body run upon our swords, in the which, the greater number of them were slain; and the remainder of them broke through and fled from us (v. 33).  And behold, when they had fled and we could not overtake them, we took our march with speed towards the city Cumeni; and behold, we did arrive in time that we might assist our brethren in preserving the city (v. 34).  And behold, we are again delivered out of the hands of our enemies. And blessed is the name of our God; for behold, it is he that has delivered us; yea, that has done this great thing for us (v. 35).  Now it came to pass that when I, Helaman, had heard these words of Gid, I was filled with exceeding joy because of the goodness of God in preserving us, that we might not all perish; yea, and I trust that the souls of them who have been slain have entered into the rest of their God (v. 36).”

The Nephite guards were able to return to Cumeni because their prisoners had all been killed or fled from them.  The Nephites were blessed by the decision to take the prisoners to Zarahemla, because they were able to fight the Lamanites without the added rebellion of all the prisoners.  The Lord delivered the Nephites from their enemies by splitting the strength of the Lamanites up and then helping the guards to return and save the rest of the army from destruction.  When we have trials in our lives, we can be delivered by the Lord in the same ways.  The Lord is there to help ease our burdens and make it so we can focus on the things that are more important.  We may have many trials all at once, but the Lord will help us to deal with them by dividing them and lifting the burden of the simple trials in our lives.  We just need to have faith in God and Jesus Christ, and we will be able to focus and face our challenges head-on.  The Lord will deliver those who are faithful.

How can we develop faith in Jesus Christ in time of war?

I’ve heard of people training for months in preparation to run a marathon.  They work up to running the distance of 26 miles, by starting small and adding distance each day.  Without training, one would not be able to finish the race.  I’m sure that there are some who have begun a race and then given up without finishing because they were not aware of the endurance, energy, and strength that it takes to finish.

“And as the remainder of our army were about to give way before the Lamanites, behold, those two thousand and sixty were firm and undaunted (v. 20).”  All of the Nephite army that had joined with Helaman’s 2,060 stripling warriors were about to give up, but the 2,060 stayed firm in the battle.

“But behold, my little band of two thousand and sixty fought most desperately; yea, they were firm before the Lamanites, and did administer death unto all those who opposed them (v. 19). . . Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them; and I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had taught them (v. 20).”  The stripling warriors were firm because they followed the commands exactly and had firm faith because of what they had been taught.  Their mothers had taught them how to live and increase in faith.

“And now behold, it was these my sons, and those men who had been selected to convey the prisoners, to whom we owe this great victory; for it was they who did beat the Lamanites; therefore they were driven back to the city of Manti (v. 22).  And we retained our city Cumeni, and were not all destroyed by the sword; nevertheless, we had suffered great loss (v. 23).  And it came to pass that after the Lamanites had fled, I immediately gave orders that my men who had been wounded should be taken from among the dead, and caused that their wounds should be dressed (v. 24).  And it came to pass that there were two hundred, out of my two thousand and sixty, who had fainted because of the loss of blood; nevertheless, according to the goodness of God, and to our great astonishment, and also the joy of our whole army, there was not one soul of them who did perish; yea, and neither was there one soul among them who had not received many wounds (v. 25).  And now, their preservation was astonishing to our whole army, yea, that they should be spared while there was a thousand of our brethren who were slain. And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe—that there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power (v. 26).  Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually (v. 27).”  Their faith was so strong, that there was no room for doubt in God and His power to save them.

When we are faced with adversity, it can be hard to stand firm and undaunted as the stripling warriors did, but if we can recall how we have been taught to be faithful, we can do it also.  In these times, we need to remember God and the blessings that come from being righteous.  If we have faith in the covenants that we make with God, then we will remember that He is bound to hold to the blessings if we do what is right.  With this faith, we can remain strong, even when those around us begin to fall away or give up the fight.  Faith is an action word.  It requires us to do as the Lord would have us do.  If we fight in our battles against adversity, we can overcome them.  If we are righteous, but stand to the side to let others do the work, we may not overcome.  If we give up and quit the fight, we will not overcome.  To be like these stripling warriors, we must act and have strong faith in God.  This takes coming to know God, through lessons at church, listening to the prophets, personal study and prayer.  The most important thing that we can learn from these warriors, is that no matter how hard it may seem, we must not give up.

Alma, Chapter 56

Review game

At the beginning of this chapter, it is the 30th year of the reign of the judges and Moroni got a letter from Helaman about how the war was going for them (v. 1-2).  He wrote of how he was asked to be the leader of the 2,000 warriors in defense of the Nephite country (v. 3-5).  He reminded Moroni of their parents covenant not to take up arms and told them how they wanted to defend the Nephites (v. 6-7).  He told them how he had warned them not to break their covenant (v. 8 ).

He writes that in the 26th year, he led the 2,000  to Judea to help one of Moroni’s appointed captains, Antipus (v. 9).  Antipus was being defeated at the time and many Nephites had died or been taken prisoner (v. 10-12).  When Helaman arrived, the Lamanites had taken the land and city of Mani, the city of Zeezrom, the city of Cumeni, and the city of Antiparah (v. 13-15).  The Nephites there in Judea were worn out spiritually and physically, and had decided to protect Judea to the death.  They had great joy when they saw the arrival of Helaman and the 2,000 soldiers (v. 16-17).

The Lamanites, seeing the 2,000, were ordered not to go against them in battle (v. 18 ).  ”And thus were we favored of the Lord; for had they come upon us in this our weakness they might have perhaps destroyed our little army; but thus were we preserved (v. 19).”  In the 27th year, Helaman’s army helped Antipus to fortify the city and they wanted the Lamanites to come to them to fight so they wouldn’t have the disadvantage in fighting against the Lamanite strongholds (v. 20-21).  The Nephites had spies watching the Lamanite movements, so that they could surround them if they tried to come against them by surprise (v. 22-23).  But the Lamanites did not come against them in any of the Nephite cities, but rather they protected the land they had taken (v. 23-26).  The Nephites were sent provisions and more men, so the Lamanites began to fear and wanted to stop the provisions from coming to the Nephtes (v. 27-29).

Review questions (according to the manual):

1. How did the Nephite military leaders communicate with one another?  They communicated with letters.
2. How many of the sons of Ammon were brought into battle?  2,000 joined the fight against the Lamanites.
3. Were these sons of Lamanites or Nephites?  They were 2,000 descendants of converted Lamanites.
4. Because of the Nephites’ afflictions, what were the people of Ammon ready to do?  They were prepared to break their covenant with God.
5. What army did Helaman and his 2,000 striplings join?  They joined the army of Antipus.
6. What were the cities and lands taken by the Lamanites?  They had taken the land and city of Mani, the city of Zeezrom, the city of Cumeni, and the city of Antiparah.
7. Why were the armies of Antipus depressed?  Because many of their numbers had been killed and taken prisoner, and they had suffered much in their fighting.
8. What did the Nephites do to keep track of the Lamanites?  They sent out spies to watch the Lamanite movements.
9. How large did the army of the Nephites become?  The small army of Antipus had the 2,000 stripling warriors added as well as 2,000 more from Zarahemla.

How can we be preserved from the evils of the world?

The manual asks what is defined as “a cunning plan to deceive an enemy”?  In verse 30 we read, “Now when we saw that the Lamanites began to grow uneasy on this wise, we were desirous to bring a stratagem into effect upon them; therefore Antipus ordered that I should march forth with my little sons to a neighboring city, as if we were carrying provisions to a neighboring city.”  I think the word they are defining is stratagem.  The following summary is about the Nephite stratagem used against the Lamanites.

They decided to pretend that the 2,000 stripling warriors were taking provisions to a city nearby the city of Antiparah, which had been previously taken by the Lamanites (v. 30-32).  Antipus marched with some of the rest of the army, towards Antiparah where the most numerous part of the Lamanite army was (v. 33-34).  Their spies were warned of the stripling warriors, so they went after them to fight (v. 35).  The stripling warriors fled northward and led the powerful part of the Lamanite army away (v. 35-36).    Then the Lamanites saw the army of Antipus following them, but the followed the stripling warriors to kill them before the army of Antipus could get to them (v. 37).  Antipus’ army marched faster to catch up, and the stripling warriors continued their march away from the Lamanites (v. 38-39). The Lamanites continued to follow them so that they would not be surrounded (v. 40).  The Lamanites came upon them, and the stripling warriors fled (v. 41).

The Lamanites followed the 2,000 stripling warriors because they wanted to stop the Nephites from getting provisions.

The Lamanite army stopped, and Helaman’s army did not know what was happening, so he asked his army if they would go and fight the Lamanites army (v. 41-44).  ”And now I say unto you, my beloved brother Moroni, that never had I seen so great courage, nay, not amongst all the Nephites (v. 45).  For as I had ever called them my sons (for they were all of them very young) even so they said unto me: Father, behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth; we would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone; therefore let us go, lest they should overpower the army of Antipus (v. 46).  Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them (v. 47).  And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it (v. 48 ).”

The Lamanites followed their march for 2 days and then a little of the third day.  This Lamanites army was the most powerful, but this did not stop the stripling warriors from having the courage to return and fight, so that the Lamanites would not destroy the Nephites of Antipus’ army.  They had great courage because they had been taught that if they believed in God, he would deliver them.

Helaman and the stripling warriors returned to the battle, where Antipus had met up with the Lamanites (v. 49).  Antipus’ army was tired from their march and without Helaman’s army, they would have been overtaken (v. 50).  Anitpus and many of the other Nephite leaders in his army had been killed, so the Nephites had began to give up their fight (v. 51).  Then Helaman’s army arrived and began to fight, killing many  Lamanites.  The Lamanites turned to fight Helaman’s army (v. 52).  Seeing this, Antipus’ men gathered together to surround the Lamanites (v. 53).  The Lamanites gave up the fight and became prisoners of war to the Nephites (v. 54).  Helaman then counted his men and all 2,000 remained.  ”… yea, and they had fought as if with the strength of God; yea, never were men known to have fought with such miraculous strength; and with such mighty power did they fall upon the Lamanites, that they did frighten them; and for this cause did the Lamanites deliver themselves up as prisoners of war (v. 56).”  They did not have room to keep the Lamanite prisoners, so they sent them to the land of Zarahemla, guarded by some of Antipus’ men.  The rest of Antipus’ army joined the stripling warriors and went back to the city of Judea (v. 57).

The things that their mothers had taught them, were true.  They had faith in God as they fought, which gave them great courage and strength, so they did not die.  It may not always be that we are saved from death by our faith in God, but we will be saved in one way or another.  As we believe in God, he will use us to accomplish his purposes by His will.  And we will ultimately be saved from the evils of this world, after this life.  This is the greater goal that all saints should have, and if we believe in God, all other principles of the gospel will begin to fall into place for us.

What difference can a righteous mother make?

The mothers of the stripling warriors were righteous women.  They were faithful and taught their sons to trust God.  They did not waiver in their belief, so much that their sons could say they knew, without a doubt, their mothers know it to be true (see v. 47-48 above).  My mother was a great example of consistency in reading the scriptures.  I remember my mother sitting down in our tv room, reading her scriptures very often.  This is a foundation for me.  Because of seeing her, I know that I can managed to be faithful in scripture study in my life, which is nowhere near as busy as hers was.  It is my scripture study that keeps me strong in the gospel.  It makes my testimony stronger each day and I know that scripture study gave my mother a strong testimony as well. A strong testimony affects a mother’s entire life.  It influences the way she talks to her children.  It influences how she acts towards them and the amount of love she shows towards them.  If a mother shares her testimony with her children, through words and actions, she can have the greatest effect on them.  I hope that my children will see me as a woman of faith and will want to follow the example I set for good.