Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Alma 31

Taking two of his sons and three other brethren, Alma goes among the Zoramites who were formally righteous but have now turned to a false worship that justifies their unrighteousness. In telling us what brought this about, Mormon's words are a good warning to all of us. He says that Zoramites did not keep the commandments, participate in the activities of the church, and continue in prayer. Because of this, they were not protected from temptation. Once a wrong behavior is acceptable, our religious beliefs are affected and it becomes natural to live in inappropriate ways. Living a natural rather than religious life is the opposite to living in faith where the reasons for keeping commandments isn't always obvious.

One of the things that impresses me as Mormon recounts the prayers of Alma as he begins the mission to Zoramites is how much Alma cares for the Zoramites, and especially how personal the Lord is to Alma. To the Zoramites, the Lord is an abstract idea. But to Alma, he is a personal God to whom Alma can personally converse with. It's obvious that Alma has no doubt that the Lord is listening, understanding, andactively involved in what Alma is doing. Alma is not attempting to do something on his own. He knows that any hope for success depends entirely on his being in partnership with the Lord. Without the Lord, Alma could still accomplish much good. But with the Lord, he as the possibility of accomplishing much beyond his own capabilities. That's a lesson I too often forget. I can accomplish much good on my own. But I could accomplish much beyond that if I bring the Lord into all I'm doing. And knowing I'm not alone brings a comfort and confidence that can help me make it through both the mundane and the difficult things of life.

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