These are among my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon. At first glance, these chapters are fraught with war and destruction. For me, a closer reading reveals some of the most insightful scripture on relationships: how to cultivate them, how to maintain them, how to repair them and warnings against how one can harm them.
In the early chapters of this week’s reading we learn powerful lessons from 2,060 young men, who along with devoted parents, lived the principle stated in Old Testament script, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Sam 15:22).
Having never gone to war, these young men went in defense not only of their liberty and freedoms, but their parents’ covenant to never again take up weapons of war. Elder Packer has reminded us that few, if any of us, will ever be required to give our lives for the gospel in this day and age, but all of us will be required to live for the gospel every day. A very different but equally difficult challenge.
In the chapters leading up to this reading, we learn of the devotion these young men displayed to God and family. They were young men who learned not only to trust their mothers, but they also learned to trust God’s promises through their mothers’ faith: “they did not doubt their mothers knew it.” Later we learn that these young men, boys really, “did observe to perform every word with exactness,” obeying not only their military leader, Helaman, but demonstrating great faith that God would deliver them. The battles did not come without consequence, however, and I think it is easy to gloss over the statement that, although not one soul of the 2,060 had been slain, there was also not a single soul of them who had not received many wounds. How like our individual lives this passage reads.
The battlefield of mortality is rife with conflicts of all sorts as we strive to live faithfully. At the end of any given day, we may still be standing, but we may also find ourselves pierced and wounded in many ways as we strive to hold fast to the iron rod. The Atonement and its healing qualities will often be the only salving balm on such days.
These heroic endeavors by the striping warriors are followed by arguably the most instructive chapters on leadership recorded in scripture. Captain Moroni, on the battle front with dwindling resources, began to fear and doubt (Alma 59:11-12) as a result of the wickedness of the people. Moroni’s fear and doubt boiled up into blistering questions and criticism of his file leader. Moroni’s response in chapter 60 is a sharp contrast to Helaman’s fears raised in the previous chapter. Helaman was also concerned and also raised questions about support, but he did so in a way that reflected not only concern for his government but the trust he had in leaders that he knew personally and loved. In his epistle to Pahoran, Captain Moroni leveled over 30 unique accusations of neglect and slothfulness in supporting the Nephite army’s attempts to fend off Lamanite incursions and recover lost Nephite cities. From Captain Moroni’s perspective, the political leadership of Zarahemla had failed and must be held accountable.
What happens next would be awe-inspiring under any circumstance, but in the context of the goings on in Zarahemla it becomes almost unbelievable. Under siege himself and having to flee to Gideon for safety, Pahoran responds to Moroni’s scathing rebuke in kindness.
Referring to Moroni more than once as his beloved brother, Pahoran acknowledged the shortcomings of the government as it pertained to support and strength lent to the Nephite army. Then Pahoran explained the battle that he was waging with the kingmen in Zarahemla as the source of delays and lack of provisions. This was merely an explanation, not a complaint. Pahoran sent what scant provisions he could cobble together, in spite of his own need.
Pahoran’s response reminded me of something Elder David A. Bednar, then President of BYU Idaho said:
“Perhaps the greatest indicator of character is the capacity to recognize and appropriately respond to other people who are experiencing the very challenge or adversity that is most immediately and forcefully pressing upon us. Character is revealed, for example, in the power to discern the suffering of other people when we ourselves are suffering; in the ability to detect the hunger of others when we are hungry; and in the power to reach out and extend compassion for the spiritual agony of others when we are in the midst of our own spiritual distress. Thus, character is demonstrated by looking and reaching outward when the natural and instinctive response is to be self-absorbed and turn inward. If such a capacity is indeed the ultimate criterion of moral character, then the Savior of the world is the perfect example of such a consistent and charitable character.” The Character of Christ, January 25,2003
The character described by Elder Bednar and demonstrated by Pahoran softened Captain Moroni’s heart. It always will. Moroni raced to Pahoran’s aid and together they conquered the kingmen and regained their lands.
Both of these chapters are tender reminders to me. First, that wherever my ‘battle front’ is in this life, I will rarely have all of the information. My limited view and my surroundings might cause fear and doubt and could eventually lead to criticism and dissent of leaders or God, neither of which will contribute to my own salvation or anyone else’s. If I am going to see things clearly, I will need to maintain my faith and trust in the God whom I know and love and the leaders He has called and that I sustain.
Second, if, like Pahoran, I can maintain the Spirit, acknowledge weakness, plead for help from a loving God and those assigned to lead and serve those who are suffering I will not only find victory over fear and doubt, I will find peace in my heart and mind.
How I love the ancient prophets. As I read these chapters this time, I could see Helaman, Captain Moroni and Pahoran all in the heat of battle, with arrows flying and swords being swung looking for a safe, quiet place to dash off a plea for help, a rebuke and a loving reply, respectively. Now, that may be an over dramatization of events, maybe they were sitting lakeside sipping Nephite sodas and recounting the events in hindsight. In any case, they didn’t know me and I am certain that they could not have known then how much their faith and efforts to record their experiences would help me now. Or know how clearly the Spirit would teach me through their words. But on some future day, when I have opportunity to meet them, I pray that I will have the words necessary to convey my gratitude for their sacrifice.
This week's readings below:
Day 65 (11.29.15)
Read: Alma 57-59
Mark: 57:27, 58:11-12
“He whose name this church bears has promised that He will be in our midst, lead us along, go before us, and even fight our battles. He has further counseled, ‘Be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart … that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy’ (D&C 98:14).” ~ Elder Neal A. Maxwell
How can the Lord help you overcome fear?
Day 66 (11.30.15)
Read: Alma 60-61
Mark: Alma 60:20
“When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be remember…our greatest need is to remember.” ~ President Spencer W. Kimball
“Satan wants us to be slow to remember what we have received and heard. He wants us to minimize and even forget the quiet witnesses of the Spirit that have told us who we really are.” ~ Sister Susan L. Warner
What helps you to not forget the spiritual experiences you’ve had?
Day 67 (12.1.15)
Read: Alma 62-63
Mark: Alma 62:41
“These people all had basically the same experience. The war was the same length for all people; yet out of the same experience some were hardened and some were softened. What made the difference? It was what they thought of God and his Son.” ~ C. Max Caldwell
When you experience trials, do you feel your heart is hardened or softened? What can you do to improve your thoughts of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? How do you think this will help to soften your heart?
Day 68 (12.2.15)
Read: Helaman 1-3
Mark: Helaman 3:35
“If Satan can succeed in creating in us the pastime of arguing, quarreling, and contention, it is easier for him to bind us with heavier sins which can destroy our eternal lives.” ~ Elder Marvin J. Ashton
How can you avoid contention in your family and other relationships?
Day 69 (12.3.15)
Read: Helaman 4-5
Mark: Helaman 5:12
“We have an increasing number who have been convinced, through the Book of Mormon, that Jesus is the Christ. Now we need an increasing number who will use the Book of Mormon to become committed to Christ. We need to be convinced and committed.” ~ President Ezra Taft Benson
What are some things you can do to build upon the sure foundation?
Day 70 (12.4.15)
Read: Helaman 6-7
Mark: Helaman 6:3
“Every [convert] needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with the ‘good word of God.’ It is our duty and opportunity to provide these things.” ~ President Gordon B. Hinckley
What kind of friend are you to converts, members who are new to your ward, or the less-active? What things do you do to nourish others with the word of the Lord?
Day 71 – Catch Up or Extra Study (12.5.15)
Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Helaman 7
or
If you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: Helaman 5
What did Helaman name his sons? Why? Whose name have you taken upon yourself? How were the Lamanites converted through their ministry?
Day 72 (12.6.15)
Read: Helaman 8-10
Mark: Helaman 8:4, 7-9
“How we respond to the words of a living prophet when he tells us what we need to know, but would rather not hear, is a test of our faithfulness.” ~ President Ezra Taft Benson
Even though wicked men were arguing against Nephi, some righteous people knew he was a prophet and supported him. How can you sustain our living prophet?
