How to Get a Perfect Understanding of Events

I read 2 Nephi chapter 1 this morning as part of my daily study regimen. The contrast between 2 Nephi 1:30-31 and Alma 54:17, 23 about Nephi and Zoram’s relationship is instructive. From Nephi’s account of his experience, we read that he and Zoram ended up being good friends. It’s not hard to believe when you think that had not Nephi come along, Zoram would’ve spent the rest of his life as a servant to Laban. Instead, he and his descendants lived as free men as part of the Nephites in the New World.

Contrast that with how Ammoron, and Amalikiah's explanation of that relationship, was used to win over the Lamanites. They claimed Zoram was “pressed and brought” out of Jerusalem. They tell the story as if he was forced against his will to become a victim of Nephi's ambitions. While it's true Nephi gave Zoram a “join us or die” ultimatum, it was to travel with them as an equal, not a slave. That’s the difference in the telling of the stories. 

Zoram was better off for joining Nephi. Since that reality didn’t fit Amalikiah’s agenda, that was never mentioned. Ammoron wanted the Lamanites to believe Zoram was a slave while the Nephites knew he was a friend. That way, the Lamanites would consider Ammoron as an equal and not as an oppressor.

We see the same today in the news. The Republicans will describe something in one way to suit their agenda. Democrats will describe the same thing differently to suit theirs. How do you tell who is telling the truth? As is the case with Zoram, there are going to be elements of truth in both versions, but discerning the whole truth of the story requires study. Most of us don’t take the time to study events so we have a clear understanding of an issue. The flood of soundbites in the 24/7 new cycle doesn’t contain enough substance to give understanding. So, what to do?

While more study is good, President Nelson’s counsel in April 2018 General Conference is best. He said: improve your ability to receive revelation from the Lord. Live righteously. Make the time to study things out because good information leads to good revelation. Ask the Lord to show you where to look. Act on His answer.

That is the path to a “perfect understanding” as Captain Moroni had, of the political turmoil of our day.

Helaman 1 - Humanity on Display

This chapter has human nature on display for all to see. My time in the Air Force showed me most military planners prepare to fight the last war. Not only generals and admirals, but also politicians (especially so) and defense contractors are prone to this. The people who change the face of warfare are the underdogs who are so desperate to win, they'll fight in a way no one expects.

When Russia invaded Afghanistan, its tactics were based completely upon how they beat the Germans in WW2. They couldn't deal with anti-tank and shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles. The US Navy is still committed to aircraftcarriers because that's how they won the war in the Pacific. But cruise missiles are a daunting challenge for them.

This trait even happens in Helaman. Moronihah believed the Lamanites would attack just like they did when his father was in command. Only they didn't and as a result, the City of Zarahemlah fell to the Lamanites.

The Lamanites, thought the key to victory was the shields, protective garments, and weapons of the Nephites. Divine aid was something they couldn't grasp or imagine. So, while they capture Zarahemlah they still lost big by getting themselves surrounded. The armor and weapons they'd put so much trust in didn't help them at all.

It's vignettes like this which are so unerringly accurate in showing the humanity of the good guys that lead me to the conclusion, this book is not made up. Tolstoy maybe could have pulled it off. Joseph couldn't.

Alma 47-48 - The difference one person can make

If you ever wondered what difference one person can make, this section in the Alma should convince you that one person can make a BIG one! On one hand you have Amalikiah who’s ambition and lust for power was insatiable. He was Machiavellian in that whatever moved him closer to his goal, regardless of the cost on other people, was acceptable. Murder, betrayal, fraud were all on the table. In contrast, you have Moroni who lead by example, personified sacrifice, hard work and always making the harder right choice.

It’s worth pointing out, they both needed help of other people. One of the greatest differences between them is how they inspired other people. Amalikiah appealed to people’s sense of justice, their self interests and their patriotism. Moroni appealed to the same, including religious duty, but unlike Amalikiah, he told the truth.

To discern between the two is the challenge. I pity the Lamanites to a degree because they were deceived and went to war under false pretenses. They gave their lives for a lie.

So, how do you tell the two apart? We are faced with similar dilemmas in our day. We have many voices appealing to our self-interest, patriotism and sense of justice. Which is the safe way forward through all these competing messages? Ultimately, it comes down to the basics it always does: prayer, talking to God. Scripture study and pondering, where we listen to Him and by serving others, which gets us more in tune with God’s spirit.

Mosiah 4 - The Great Sermons

While the Book of Mormon is filled with many truths, there are within it, sermons which rise above the rest. Benjamin's sermon on charity is one. I’m also pretty certain, Mosiah 4 is on your list too. What makes it great? For me, it’s Benjamin explaining God’s definition of charitable giving. “What is it?” you ask.

This: Give according to the need. Don’t judge the recipient. Especially don’t withhold your help because you think they deserve the problems they have. Give according to your means. This is how God helps us. To be like Him, do it the same way with the same intent.

For what t’s worth, here’s my list: (Listed in the order in which they appear)

The Coming of Jesus Christ - Nephi’s vision in 1 Nephi 11

The Role of Agency and Opposition - Lehi’s benedictory admonitions to his sons  in 2 Nephi 2-3

The Evils of Pride and the Proper Role of Fathers - Jacob’s exhortation to the Nephites in Jacob 2-4

The Future History of the World, a recitation of Zeno’s prophecy by Jacob - Jacob 5.

The Power of Prayer - Enos

The Meaning of Charity, King Benjamin’s benedictory address - Mosiah 4

The Coming of Christ by Abinadi to King Noah’s court - Mosiah 13

The Proper Role of Government: an essay by King Mosiah II - Mosiah 29

The Saint’s Checklist for a Christ-like Life, a sermon by Alma the Younger - Alma 5

An Exposition on Faith, a sermon by Alma the Younger to the humble Zoramites - Alma 32

Who Is God, a dissertation by Ammon to King Lamoni - Alma 18

Repentance and Forgiveness and the Plan of Salvation, Alma the Younger’s letter to his son Corianton - Alma 39-42

Man’s role in defending Liberty. A letter to Pahoran by Captain Moroni - Alma 60

Faith, Hope and Charity. A sermon to the righteous Nephites of Mormon’s day - Moroni 7.

Mosiah 3 - Speaking, again, of Christ

Such a goldmine! I read Mosiah 3 this morning. From a spiritual point of view it’s like trying to drink from a fire hydrant because of the great density of doctrine it contains.

In here is a scriptural definition of the torment the wicked will endure. There are comments about what the Savior will/did go through for us. There is more about our relationship with Him. Again and again, the message is said, that only through Christ can we enjoy all the Father has for us. Only through Him can we find lasting and true joy in this life and in the life to come.

There are stern warnings to those who know better who turn away from Christ and seek their own path through life. Open rebellion is a weighty phrase. Yet that’s what Benjamin uses to describe the actions of those, who having been taught the truth turn away from it to seek their own way through life. The consequences are dire.

This is one of those passages where I hear Elder Maxwell’s voice saying Jesus is not only the God of Love, but also the God of the straight and narrow path.