Mosiah
29:17
In the day of King Noah and King Mosiah, a king could cause much wickedness OR righteousness. Noah and Mosiah demonstrated this clearly. “For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be committed, yea, and what great destruction!” There are two points I want to make about this:
It is easier for a wicked leader to drive wickedness than it is for a righteous leader to drive righteousness. Why is this? It is because we are in a fallen world. The pull of this world is to give in to our natural urges. If a leader okays wicked behavior, people will be quick to settle. On the other hand, a righteous leader is pulling in the opposite, heavenly direction. This leader is fighting against the pull of the world in which we live. He/She is pushing others to fight against their natural urges. This is harder for us humans. The righteous leader and the righteous follower are fighting an uphill battle. It’s much easier to just give in to gravity.
Now, you don’t have to be a king to have an influence on a large group of people. Back in the days of Noah and Mosiah, you had to have a pedestal to stand on. You had to have a bully pulpit. Your position of influence was being king in a kingdom. You had real power. Today, all you need is a YouTube channel or a podcast station. You can influence a large group of people from your basement. You don’t even need to leave the house to sway the masses! Again, since it’s easier to pull someone downward, influencers have a an easier time promoting wicked or selfish or lazy or prideful ways of living.
29:20
God does involve himself in our lives in real ways. He doesn’t place the roadblocks but he often can remove them. He can bless us. He isn’t just an observer and cheerleader. “But behold, he did deliver them because they did humble themselves before him; and because they cried mightily unto him he did deliver them out of bondage; and thus doth the Lord work with his power in all cases among the children of men, extending the arm of mercy towards them that put their trust in him.” The Lord “extended the arm of mercy” to those who:
Humbled themselves.
Cried mightily unto him.
Put their trust in him.
If we are humble and ask with faith, the Lord will bless us. It may not always be according to our timing or our specific desires, but he will bless us IN THE EXACT WAY THAT WILL BLESS US.
29:27
We are approaching the time of this happening in the USA. “And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land.” We see public opinion shifting towards wickedness. Over the last few decades, we’ve seen:
A disavowal of religion. It is becoming increasingly lame to say you go to church.
Acceptance of same-sex marriages, polyamorous relationships.
Increased abortions, divorce, infidelity, single-parent homes and fathers who abandon children.
Allowance of “gender affirming care” and support of transgender principles.
Legalization of “recreational “drugs.
A dramatic increase of pride and entitlement in the pursuit of “fairness and equity.”
A wide acceptance of pornography.
The rise of child abuse - including child sexual abuse and trafficking.
In one form or another, the world is choosing more and more iniquity. However, currently, the majority of people have righteous, simple desires for their lives. But, it’s changing. It won’t be long before the “voice of the people doth choose iniquity.”
Alma
1:1
“Now it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, from this time forward, king Mosiah having gone the way of all the earth, having warred a good warfare, walking uprightly before God…” We need to see ourselves as being in a battle against a very clever and influential adversary. Satan has been manipulating us for millennia. He’s good at it. We cannot simply glide through the minefield that is this world. It is currently his kingdom. We are sojourners here. We are on his turf. We are embedded spies of heaven and must have our guard continually up.
1:3
Nehor was a man who “was large, and was noted for his much strength.” He has a strength that he didn’t earn but likely gave him additional respect among men according to those things which the world values. When we get respect that wasn’t earned, it can sometimes backfire.
His physical strength drew people to him. That likely stroked his pride and he wanted more of it. His method for gaining popularity was to challenge religion with his own religion. “And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people.”
He used what he “termed to be the word of God” to fight against the church. If he can twist spiritual principles to serve him, that could be influential. Manipulating religious people will require religious-sounding words. It is a way to hijack people’s beliefs. The same exact thing is being done now. We are using Christ’s words about unconditional love to “bear down against the church” and its policies.
1:4
On top of twisting truth, he’s also using flattery to influence people. “And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life.” There’s nothing more comforting than hearing that, no matter what you do, you’ll have eternal life. That is a free pass for any type of wicked behavior. Of course this teaching was popular. Of course Nehor was popular.
This is the philosophies of men mingled with scripture. This is using truth to confuse. This is twisting correct principles into something truly diabolical. We SHOULD rejoice. We ARE redeemed. But, we all WILL NOT have eternal life. Some of us will certainly choose another path based on the character we’ve built in this life. God isn’t forcing everyone into his presence. We must choose and some will choose another way.
So, Nehor told a lot of truth with what he said but just twisted a part of it to take away any responsibility we have to follow the teachings of Christ. Pretty messed up. Pretty effective.
1:5-6
People love to be flattered. They will even pay for it. “And it came to pass that he did teach these things so much that many did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give him money.”
Of course, additional followers is flattering to Nehor. He wants more adulation and compliments. As he flatters more, he is flattered more. It’s kind of a wicked feedback loop. Pride is like a drug. Once you get used to a certain level of pride, you need more of it. Nehor had already felt pride because of his large stature, now he feels more pride because of his followers. The question becomes, how can he be lifted up even more?
“And he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear very costly apparel, yea, and even began to establish a church after the manner of his preaching.” It’s interesting that costly apparel is a common theme attached to pride. Why is costly apparel such a strong indicator of pride? I think it’s because clothing is centered on the outward appearance. It is an immediate status symbol when seen by others.
Clothing is literally about the outward appearance. It is a focus on the beautiful things that the world has to offer. It isn’t about the inward man. There is no connection between costly apparel and wisdom or faithfulness or honesty or integrity. When someone wears costly apparel, it is a worldly symbol of worldly success. We sometimes conflate costly apparel and riches with wisdom and righteousness. There is no connection. Costly apparel has nothing to do with heaven.
I am willing to pay more for a brand name. I enjoy the status of expensive clothing. This is a flaw in my character. One thing I love about Marci is that she doesn’t like clothes that have brand names displayed. She is not buying clothing for the status that an expensive brand can offer. There’s nothing wrong with expressing yourself with your clothes - which Marci certainly does. :) The clothing itself isn’t the problem. It is that process of using clothing to feel better than others. The problem is the comparison. If you’re wearing clothing to be lifted up above others, you’re focusing on something that is harmful to your soul.
Nehor wanted to take it a step further and establish a church organization. This is another reflection of his pride. It is another way that he can promote his brand and lift him even higher in that society.
1:7
“And it came to pass as he was going, to preach to those who believed on his word, he met a man who belonged to the church of God, yea, even one of their teachers; and he began to contend with him sharply, that he might lead away the people of the church; but the man withstood him, admonishing him with the words of God.” I am working to get better at being familiar with the scriptures so that I can use them more regularly to teach, uplift and encourage. The words that have been inspired and written can teach principles better than I ever could. If I am familiar enough with the scriptures that I can strengthen others by sharing them, that’s a good place to be. I’ve got a long way to go but I’m working on it.
We once had a stake president that could wrap scriptures into ANY conversation. It was impressive and very helpful. I want to be like him.
1:16
Nehor’s “ignominious death” didn’t dissuade others from attempting priestcraft. “Nevertheless, this did not put an end to the spreading of priestcraft through the land; for there were many who loved the vain things of the world, and they went forth preaching false doctrines; and this they did for the sake of riches and honor.” There are some folks who are very good at sharing gospel principles to a large group of people. Some of those same people are also very good at monetizing their teachings. There is a YouTube/Podcast channel that started out as just a duo teaching according to the Come Follow Me schedule. It appears to have morphed into a serious money-making enterprise. It seems the first ten minutes of every episode is them pushing their products.
I can’t suggest what their inward motivations are. I can see how easy it would be to take advantage of opportunities to make money from spiritual instruction. There are many televangelists who I can say definitely are doing it to make money. They continually ask for people to “sow seeds” and send them money. If you mail a gift of money and fill out a form, they will pray for whomever you’ve listed. Some of these televangelists teach a “prosperity gospel.” These same preachers will own one or two private jets with multiple homes. It’s a scam. They teach popular teachings so they can be popular. They use their popularity “for the sake of riches and honor.”
1:24-25
This verse reminds me of what we see happening now. “For the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were blotted out, that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And also many withdrew themselves from among them.” How many people are withdrawing their names from the records of the church? We all know someone who has. It’s an action that is spreading.
In this current environment, it is easy and even stylish to leave the church. This time isn’t unique. There have been many times of falling away. We should expect to see more of it.
Strangely, those who leave like to heap upon persecution to those who remain. “Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them.” We must be steadfast and immovable. Those of us who are not actively, consistently, diligently maintaining our faith will lose it. Truly, this church will not be comprised of the lukewarm. If you are lukewarm to any degree, you’ll leave in the next ten years.
1:30
What is the insurance against becoming proud when we are rich? Alma describes the answer. “And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need.” The key to keeping ourselves from setting our hearts upon our riches is to freely give it away. If the primary thing we do with our excess money is help others, we will completely break the connection between pride and money. The problem with riches is pride and selfishness. If we help others with our money, the money can’t be a source of pride. If we give the money away, we protect ourselves against selfishness.
1:32
Often, those who leave the church get involved in other “spiritual” avenues. This happened with the Nephites. “For those who did not belong to their church did indulge themselves in sorceries, and in idolatry or idleness, and in babblings, and in envyings and strife; wearing costly apparel; being lifted up in the pride of their own eyes.” We’ve had friends who have left the church. Prior to leaving the church, they’ve become involved in:
Crystals and energy healing.
Psychics.
Shamanism.
Astrology.
God becomes “energy.” God becomes nature. God becomes ourselves. God becomes the universe. God becomes un-understandable. God becomes mysterious. It seriously sounds like babbling. The gospel, and God, are not un-understandable. Yes there are mysteries but the plan of salvation is straightforward. Our relationship with God is very clear. Our potential and future is spelled out.
This new/old religion attempts to replace gospel principles with weird, mysterious, invented stories.
Listening to the Spirit becomes “resetting my chakra to the vibrations of crystals.”
Returning to live with Heavenly Father becomes “becoming one with the universe.”
Studying the scriptures becomes “listen to your own inspiration.”
Aligning our will with God becomes “be true to your own, unique truth.”
Prophecies from prophets becomes “stars and planets aligning.”
It’s all counterfeit and appears, on the surface, to be silly and childish. But, it is attracting many intelligent people. Satan is good at this.
2:28
I personally believe that the most common way that the Lord blesses us is by strengthening us. “Nevertheless, the Nephites being strengthened by the hand of the Lord, having prayed mightily to him that he would deliver them out of the hands of their enemies, therefore the Lord did hear their cries, and did strengthen them, and the Lamanites and the Amlicites did fall before them.” The Lord could have easily struck the Lamanites and Amlicites dead. That’s not how the Lord works. He strengthens and asks that we do what we can. If he removed all of our trials and obstacles, how strong would we be.
Being faithful, making good decisions, being humble and ASKING FOR HELP is the path to being strengthened. It is a natural consequence of our effort. However, the Lord does intervene. He strengthens us beyond what we can do to strengthen ourselves. I didn’t used to think this. I used to think that strength was just a product of our effort. It isn’t.
2:30
I like a phrase here describing Alma. “Alma, being a man of God, being exercised with much faith…” We receive much faith by exercising what faith we have. We stretch our faith. We run faster through faith. We reach further and lift higher through faith. It definitely sounds like exercise. Alma exercised his faith.
3:18-19, 26-27
“Now the Amlicites knew not that they were fulfilling the words of God when they began to mark themselves in their foreheads; nevertheless they had come out in open rebellion against God; therefore it was expedient that the curse should fall upon them.” Open rebellion is not good. Open rebellion is what caused Lucifer and his followers to be cast down. They knew what God wanted and they rebelled. These Amlicites, who were not as accountable as Lucifer, were firmly on their way in becoming like him. They knew that their bad behavior was foretold, prophesied and yet they did it anyway. Knowing the will of God and actively working against His will is a character-shaper that my extend into eternity.
Certainly, in this life, it will lead to a curse. “Now I would that ye should see that they brought upon themselves the curse; and even so doth every man that is cursed bring upon himself his own condemnation.” A curse is not something that is arbitrarily given by God. A curse upon man is always brought upon himself. In other words, we earn our curses. Any condemnation is earned through rebellious choices.
This is true in mortal life and also true at the judgment bar. “And in one year were thousands and tens of thousands of souls sent to the eternal world, that they might reap their rewards according to their works, whether they were good or whether they were bad, to reap eternal happiness or eternal misery, according to the spirit which they listed to obey, whether it be a good spirit or a bad one. For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey, and this according to the words of the spirit of prophecy; therefore let it be according to the truth.” We all are earning wages. Every day. In character building and consequence creating.
4:3
“And so great were their afflictions that every soul had cause to mourn; and they believed that it was the judgments of God sent upon them because of their wickedness and their abominations; therefore they were awakened to a remembrance of their duty.” Afflictions often result in repentance. In this way, struggle can be a blessing. It’s more difficult to be righteous in times of plenty than it is in times of adversity.
4:6, 8-9
Case in point to my previous statement: “And it came to pass in the eighth year of the reign of the judges, that the people of the church began to wax proud, because of their exceeding riches, and their fine silks, and their fine-twined linen, and because of their many flocks and herds, and their gold and their silver, and all manner of precious things, which they had obtained by their industry; and in all these things were they lifted up in the pride of their eyes, for they began to wear very costly apparel.” These people had earned their wealth through “their industry.” They began to see themselves as the source of goodness in their lives.
As we work hard and earn riches, we see a cause and effect between our effort and our “blessings.” We can replace God with ourselves as the fountain of blessings. This is when we begin to forget God and focus on ourselves.
“…the people of the church began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to set their hearts upon riches and upon the vain things of the world, that they began to be scornful, one towards another, and they began to persecute those that did not believe according to their own will and pleasure.” Wealth often changes people and not for the better. We we get prideful and set our hearts upon the things of this world, it’s easy to say that we lose our priorities. We love seeing ourselves as better than others. This deferential pride can lead to rudeness, judging, gossiping, mocking, persecuting those who aren’t as successful in the things of this world.
“And thus, in this eighth year of the reign of the judges, there began to be great contentions among the people of the church; yea, there were envyings, and strife, and malice, and persecutions, and pride, even to exceed the pride of those who did not belong to the church of God.”
4:14
A good way to keep your lives in perspective is to focus on Jesus Christ and the certain redemption in store for all of us. All of us will be delivered from death and hell. Those who are encircled by struggle can still maintain their discipleship by keeping their faith in Jesus Christ. “Yea, he saw great inequality among the people, some lifting themselves up with their pride, despising others, turning their backs upon the needy and the naked and those who were hungry, and those who were athirst, and those who were sick and afflicted. Now this was a great cause for lamentations among the people, while others were abasing themselves, succoring those who stood in need of their succor, such as imparting their substance to the poor and the needy, feeding the hungry, and suffering all manner of afflictions, for Christ’s sake, who should come according to the spirit of prophecy; Looking forward to that day, thus retaining a remission of their sins; being filled with great joy because of the resurrection of the dead, according to the will and power and deliverance of Jesus Christ from the bands of death.” If we keep our focus on Jesus Christ, there are no limits to what we can endure in this life. We can have a perfect brightness of hope in the darkest abyss. We can always “look forward” to a day of salvation because of Jesus Christ.
4:19
Alma was a good man. He had all power in his kingdom. He was willing to give up the worldly power to have a greater spiritual influence. Many people would not be able to give up power once they acquired it. But, Alma, left the judgment-seat. “And this he did that he himself might go forth among his people, or among the people of Nephi, that he might preach the word of God unto them, to stir them up in remembrance of their duty, and that he might pull down, by the word of God, all the pride and craftiness and all the contentions which were among his people, seeing no way that he might reclaim them save it were in bearing down in pure testimony against them.” He could see what needed to be done. He needed to dedicate his life full time to preaching the gospel. He saw that the pride needed to be pulled down. They needed to hear the word of God more - directly from him in “pure testimony.”
It’s so admirable that he was willing to give up his position of power to preach. He gave up his ability to rule for his ability to influence. I can’t help but think of myself and would I be willing to do that. I honestly don’t think so. I like the things of this world too much. I guess Alma is a much better man than I am. But, he gives me something to aim for.
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