Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Mormon Chapter 3--"Be thou an example..."

22 And I would that I could persuade all ye ends of the earth to repent and prepare to sand before the judgement-seat of Christ.

Mormon focuses on missionary work and his attempts to convince the people to repent throughout Chapter 3. In verse 2, he's commanded by the Lord  to "Cry unto this people--Repent ye, and come unto me..." Unfortunately, this was done in vain, as his people hardened their hearts against the words of Mormon and of the Lord.

In the middle of the chapter, the Nephites go to battle against the Lamanites, defeating the Lamanite armies several times before swearing unto God that they would seek vengeance for the death of their fellow citizens. Upon this declaration, Mormon relieved himself of his duties as a commander, and "utterly refused to go up against [his] enemies." He writes that the voice of the Lord expressed disappointment in the people of Nephi, as vengeance is something that only the Lord has a right to seek. .
In reading Mormon Chapter 3, I think what stands out is the necessity to follow impressions and promptings we receive from the Holy Ghost, regardless of what societal consequences may be. I'm sure Mormon, after refusing to continue his service as a commander in the Nephite military, was mocked and ridiculed, and maybe even declared a traitor by some. Yet he understood that the people were unrighteous, and their cause was unjust. He did not stand idly by and participate in what he knew to be wrong simply because it was popular, but rather, he stood as an example before the Nephite armies. Being an example unto others is perhaps the greatest method of missionary work that exists. It is the only way to show the blessings and effects that come through living the gospel of Jesus Christ and obeying the Lord's commandments.

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