Alma 38
Alma 38
It's never too late to gain a testimony and live righteously, but how blessed are they who learn in their youth. how much more work they can do, more good they can do as the grow in the gospel. Alma was pleased that Shiblon was faithful, but he still wanted to emphasize a few things:
It's never too late to gain a testimony and live righteously, but how blessed are they who learn in their youth. how much more work they can do, more good they can do as the grow in the gospel. Alma was pleased that Shiblon was faithful, but he still wanted to emphasize a few things:
- Obedience brings blessings of prosperity
- They that endure will be blessed
- Bear afflictions with patience and long-suffering
- Trust God
- Testimony comes from the Spirit
- Salvation only can come through Christ
- Teach others
- Be diligent and temperate
- Be humble
- Be bold
- Bridle passions
- Work hard (don't be idle or lazy)
- Be filled with love
- Pray sincerely
- Be sober (serious)
That's a pretty good To-Be and To-Do list, one that I think all could benefit from following.
I read this chapter through the eyes of a parent. How would it be to know that my own son was stoned and imprisoned. It could not have been easy for Alma. And yet, his testimony remains strong, and he points his son to the source of strength and deliverance. I know it's hard for me to see my children suffer. None of them have been stoned or imprisoned (yet- fingers crossed) but they have had their little share of difficulties. It's hard when I can't make it go away. I shouldn't try to. All I can do is follow Alma's example and point the way to where thy can receive strength, deliverance, peace and rest. I can teach them how to receive their own testimonies, and live and and teach in a way that prepares them to feel the Holy Ghost testify of its truthfulness.
What did you think/learn today?
It is painful to watch our children go through rough times because they are standing up for what is right. But it is harder when they are being bruised and battered because of unrighteous choices.
ReplyDeleteThe interesting thing is, they often have the opinion that it is much harder to be singled out, feel lonely, be criticized or otherwise condemned for standing up for righteous principles. But, they don't often correlate the negatives in their life with the unrighteous choices!
Of course, it is always 'easier' when we are looking in from the outside.
I like verse 8 and 9 where it talks about Christ. There was a question on facebook the other day, "Describe what Christ means to you in 5 words or less." I was thinking about this and these verses contain many words that describe him well. "peace, life, light, truth, righteousness, saviour, Lord." Many people answered this question with "he is my everything." What a beautiful statement and oh so true to the world. He is everything.
ReplyDelete