Alma 17
Alma 17
Verse 5 "...they did labor much in spirit." I envision that to mean their fasting and praying, their angst for the sins of the ones they were teaching, and their patience in their suffering as they faithfully wait for God's will to take place. Sometimes we think that being righteous is a ticket to a blissful, carefree life. Though there is joy in it, living righteously is work- hard work. But what a wonderful work it is.
Verse 18: The brothers were "set apart" for their callings. Much like we are today......except we teach primary, not murderous Lamanites. Lol.
I love Ammom. His greatest joy came from being an instrument in the hands of God (which we will read mo about later.) There were many keys to his success:
Verse 5 "...they did labor much in spirit." I envision that to mean their fasting and praying, their angst for the sins of the ones they were teaching, and their patience in their suffering as they faithfully wait for God's will to take place. Sometimes we think that being righteous is a ticket to a blissful, carefree life. Though there is joy in it, living righteously is work- hard work. But what a wonderful work it is.
Verse 18: The brothers were "set apart" for their callings. Much like we are today......except we teach primary, not murderous Lamanites. Lol.
I love Ammom. His greatest joy came from being an instrument in the hands of God (which we will read mo about later.) There were many keys to his success:
- He wanted to serve the Lord.
- He was willing to do whatever the Lord asked
- He was humble
- He looked at others as his brethren, and loved them (even his "enemies.")
- He looked at the tragedies in life as opportunities
I'm not a personal fan of collecting severed arms. Picture the reality of that situation: the force and strength of actually chopping a man's arm off. The blood and gore, the strength and determination.
It was not the conventional missionary moment. He didn't sit down with them and say,"Hey guys, the Lord teaches us to be nice. Wanna hear about it?" Nope. He chopped off their arms. Sometimes the Lord uses us in unexpected ways to fulfill His purposes.
Regardless, Ammom did what he knew what right, and Monday we get to find out the fantabulous outcome!
What did you think/learn today?
This story of Ammon reminded me of David and Goliath. In David's world the men were very afraid of Goliath and stood around whining instead of doing something about it. The men tending the sheep had the same attitude.
ReplyDeleteDavid stood up and said "I'll do it." So did Ammon. David was one against the giant. Ammon was one against many. They both were good with their slings. That enough is impressive to me because I have tried using one of their style of slings and it wasn't pretty.
Both Ammon and David stood with the power of God to make a point by being an example of courage.
Ammon was not a traditional missionary. He went into the land and decided to win the hearts of the people to God by being a servant.
Sometimes people forget that having a servants heart, instead of an in-your-face lecturing attitude, will win more people to God than lots of other things. I appreciate Ammon's example. It helps me have confidence that having a servant's heart can win people to God. It also helps me have courage to stand up against "giants" knowing that if I do it with the right attitude, it also sets a good example.
The sons of Mosiah prepared themselves before they went to preach to the Lamanites, by praying and fasting and seeking the spirit to help them. We need to do the same when we go out and do things like teaching a lesson or giving a talk at church, or visiting teaching.
ReplyDeleteOne of the first lessons in the George Albert Smith Relief Society book this year talked about how he used kindness and service to soften people's hearts to listen to and be accepting of the message of the gospel. This is the same thing that Ammon did in this chapter.
Many years ago some missionaries came to visit my great great grandparents and helped them with work on their farm, and then went on to convert them. Many generations have been saved as a result. Kindness can work miracles.
Sorry, that comment was from Jo.
ReplyDelete