Sneaking into Borders and Securing Strongholds

”And thus because of iniquity amongst themselves, yea, because of dissensions and intrigue among themselves they were placed in the most dangerous circumstances.” -Alma 53:9

While reading the account of Pahoran, the king-men, and the freemen, I found many parallels to our time. Although people are not seeking a king, they do seek the same thing the king-men were seeking - power and authority. While fighting amongst themselves, their enemies, the Lamanites, invaded the bordering lands, killing many, taking women and children prisoner, and securing strongholds.

We live in a very turbulent time. There are so many voices, opinions, and causes that vie for our time and attention. Social media makes it almost impossible to wade through what is real and what is not. So much of the information we are barraged with is confusing or altogether unreliable. It’s heartbreaking to see family, friends, and neighbors fighting amongst each other and developing hard feelings where there was once love and mutual respect. I have found myself, at times, feeling distracted towards anger and pride rather than focusing on how I can be loving, tolerant, and focused on my Savior, Jesus Christ.

It’s normal for us to form opinions and to do what we feel is best for ourselves and our families. But we would do well to remember that we are still commanded to be kind and loving. “And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in equity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth the all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” -Moroni 7:45

I am grateful that before any of this, our prophet, Russell M. Nelson, asked us to increase our capacity to receive personal revelation and to focus on how we Hear Him. I know that as we keep our focus on our Savior and His perfect example, we can have peace and hope even during difficult times. 🧡

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A new take on a well-known story

artwork credit

Alma 53:19, “And now behold, as they never had hitherto been a disadvantage to the Nephites, they became now at this period of time also a great support...”

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I’ve never considered this verse before. Probably because it’s smack in the middle of some of the more well-known verses about the stripling warriors.

However, this time, it caught my attention. In speaking about the people of Ammon, we learn that the Nephites had never considered them a disadvantage. The Nephites had taken in the Ammonites and given them lands for their inheritance. Also, from that time forward, they protected them from the Lamanites at great personal cost. But, they had never been considered a disadvantage!

Now, when the Nephites found themselves in “dangerous circumstances,” the Ammonites were able to offer support by way of their young sons. Wow! What a lesson we can learn from this account about our attitude while serving others.

How often do we see meeting another’s needs as a burden or a chore, especially when those needs might come at the cost of our time, talents, or energy? When we minister to those we are assigned, do we see it only as a sacrifice? Do we feel disadvantaged and begrudgingly serve out of a sense of duty?

As I choose to serve with a heart of love and kindness, I build valuable, lasting relationships that can be symbiotic. Service and sacrifice cannot always be reciprocated in like manner, but if my intentions are pure, I can gain strength and hope from individuals I have served when I need it most.
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Artwork credit: They Did Not Doubt by Joseph Brickey
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