Mormon 9:31 - How to Learn from Imperfect Leaders

"31 Condemn me not because of mine imperfection, neither my father, because of his imperfection, neither them who have written before him; but rather give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been."

This poignant verse from Moroni demonstrates a humility after which all leaders and people should model themselves. It is easy for man, in his carnal nature, to point out and catalog the faults of other people, especially leaders. We mock and scorn at the mistakes, both real and fabricated, others make, yet we fail to recognize our own failures. In a church setting, some people allow themselves to be offended because of a leader’s action. Not only is this behavior churlish and immature, it also displays a certain sense of pride and lack of faith in the offended individual or group. Some profess that if a church truly was true, everything within it would be perfect, including the decisions of the leaders. This statement and all variations thereof not only show an ignorance of human nature and the Plan, but also demean the role of Christ as our only perfect example. He, alone, led a sinless life so that He could fully atone for all of us.

Another important designation to make concerns the true leadership and origin of power of the Church. Many mistakenly believe that the Bishop, Stake President or even Prophet is the ultimate authority of all happenings of the Church and its doctrine. While these individuals do play an integral role in the implementation of doctrine and Church practices, it is imperative that all members and nonmembers alike recognize that the true ultimate leader of the Church is Jesus Christ. This is such an important concept for people to understand. Once a person has a testimony of that, many issues can be easily resolved.

Moroni leaves the reader with an invitation to learn from his mistakes as well as those of his father. This shows his humility because he openly admits that he is not perfect. His example should be applied in a modern setting in which people take ownership for their actions instead of finding ways to blame others. It is important to note that Moroni does not simply berate himself, but he uses this as an opportunity to help others become better. It would be good for all of us to focus on uplifting ourselves and others too instead of being demeaning. Moroni continues to serve as an example of how we can become more Christ-like in our church membership.

Repent and Hearken

3 Nephi 7:14-15 - Actions and Consequences

“14 And it came to pass in the thirty and first year that they were divided into tribes, every man according to his family, kindred and friends; nevertheless they had come to an agreement that they would not go to war one with another; but they were not united as to their laws, and their manner of government, for they were established according to the minds of those who were their chiefs and their leaders. But they did establish very strict laws that one tribe should not trespass against another, insomuch that in some degree they had peace in the land; nevertheless, their hearts were turned from the Lord their God, and they did stone the prophets and did cast them out from among them.

15 And it came to pass that Nephi—having been visited by angels and also the voice of the Lord, therefore having seen angels, and being eye-witness, and having had power given unto him that he might know concerning the ministry of Christ, and also being eye-witness to their quick return from righteousness unto their wickedness and abominations;”

There is a distinct parallel between the occurrences found in Helaman the first part of 3 Nephi to today’s environment. Just as Christ manifested Himself to them long ago, He will similarly return to the earth in our day. As we investigate the behaviors and consequences of the people in these books, we can gain a better understanding of how God wants us to act today.

Specifically, in these verses we see a stark contrast between those who divided into tribes and Nephi. Many of the people settled into tribes because the government was corrupted. Ironically enough, it was the same evil that broke the government that now caused the people to “stone the prophets” and “cast them out from among them.” Instead of humbling themselves, they turned to anger which eventually led to their destruction. While we may not necessarily witness people actually killing the modern-day prophet, there are many examples of people attempting to slander and revile him. Essentially, they “stone” his authority and cast out his teachings from all faucets of their lives.

Conversely, Nephi shows us how believers can survive in tumultuous environments. It is significant that angels visited him to comfort. While we may not see physical beings around us, we can have faith that they are indeed there. Nephi was also given power, the Priesthood, to “know the ministry of Christ” meaning that He saw the acts that Christ performed while in the flesh. We can read about those accounts in the scriptures and by acting upon those teachings we can be strengthened by God. Ultimately, it is our choice to follow God or not. This is a decision that needs to be made as His coming is imminent. 

Helaman 5:17-19 - Another Marvelous Work and a Wonder

17 And it came to pass that they did preach with great power, insomuch that they did confound many of those dissenters who had gone over from the Nephites, insomuch that they came forth and did confess their sins and were baptized unto repentance, and immediately returned to the Nephites to endeavor to repair unto them the wrongs which they had done.

18 And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did preach unto the Lamanites with such great power and authority, for they had power and authority given unto them that they might speak, and they also had what they should speak given unto them—

19 Therefore they did speak unto the great astonishment of the Lamanites, to the convincing them, insomuch that there were eight thousand of the Lamanites who were in the land of Zarahemla and round about baptized unto repentance, and were convinced of the wickedness of the traditions of their fathers.

The Book of Mormon contains many accounts of conversion. Notable examples among these include the people of the Ammon as well as the family of Ishmael. However, as Mormon had written several times, he could not write everything that was contained in the records, but rather only a hundredth part. These verses provide a glimpse of the many other conversions in the Book of Mormon, whose stories are not fully shown.

There is a pattern with which missionaries teach and baptize converts. By understanding their methods, we today can be better representatives of Jesus Christ. In verse 17, we see that Nephi and Lehi, much like the previous companionship of Alma and Amulek, “did preach with great power.” This power comes from God, which is also called the Priesthood. Therefore, this shows that the missionary faucet of the Church also operates under Priesthood authority.

These verses are also interesting because it shows the reactions and baptisms of both the Nephites and Lamanites. While the Nephites, who were privileged to have the gospel already in their lives, were confounded, the Lamanites conversely were only greatly astonished. While people may have different reactions to the gospel, depending on their background, everyone can listen to the spirit if they let it into their lives. Each person needs the gospel and as they soften their hearts and act upon the words of Christ, they will become happier and more like our Heavenly Father.

This passage is brief, but it shows a significant amount of people committing to follow His gospel. The Book of Helaman itself is like our day in that the gap between the righteous and the non-believers widens. We can choose to be like these converted people or remain in wickedness. There is no gray area in this regard. Just as the coming of Christ was imminent for these people, His second coming is near for us too. A decision must be made. We need to commit. As we choose Christ over the world, we can be more assured of peace and love in this life and for eternity.

Song of Redeeming Love

Alma 33:9 - Worship Anywhere

2 And Alma said unto them: Behold, ye have said that ye could not worship your God because ye are cast out of your synagogues. But behold, I say unto you, if ye suppose that ye cannot worship God, ye do greatly err, and ye ought to search the scriptures; if ye suppose that they have taught you this, ye do not understand them.

In this exchange with the impoverished Zoramite people, Alma expounds upon his teachings about faith. In the previous chapter, he compared faith to a seed and metaphorically taught how to plant it and nurture it. However, in this chapter, the people, still somewhat confused, inquire Alma how they can develop faith if they are not allowed in the synagogue. This verse specifically shows Alma’s swift response and the rest of the chapter details what he and other prophets have said about worshipping anywhere.

Alma makes a great point wherein he directs their inquiry to the scriptures. This is an excellent pattern after which we too can follow when others ask us questions. It is important to note that Alma stresses searching the scriptures instead of passively meandering. Many people suppose many doctrines from the scriptures, but just like the Zoramite people, they “do not understand them.” To be able to adequately understand the scriptures we must cultivate the spirit in our lives such that it can reveal to us the doctrine as we read. Additionally, God has ordained prophets and other leaders who are charged with interpreting the doctrine how God would want. By following these leaders, like Alma or our modern-day prophet, we can know of a surety what we are learning is true.

To reflect on the core doctrine presented in this verse, Alma explains to the people that one does not have to be inside a synagogue to communicate with God. He later references prophets like Zenos and Zenock who both explain that God has heard them in the wilderness and other places. This doctrine is equally important for our day. Far too often, people reserve their prayers for Sunday service. However, an omnipotent God is fully capable of hearing His children wherever they are. As we keep in constant communication with Him, we can more fully feel His love and receive greater direction. To worship means to give one’s full self to another. We can do that by praying and following His commandments everywhere we go.

Alma 16:9-10 - Destruction of Ammonihah

9 And thus ended the eleventh year of the judges, the Lamanites having been driven out of the land, and the people of Ammonihah were destroyed; yea, every living soul of the Ammonihahites was destroyed, and also their great city, which they said God could not destroy, because of its greatness.

10 But behold, in one day it was left desolate; and the carcasses were mangled by dogs and wild beasts of the wilderness.

This gruesome description of the destruction of the people of Ammonihah serves as a reminder to all the consequences of ignoring the Lord’s prophets and living in wickedness. Alma and Amulek preached to many cities converting thousands, however, upon arriving in Ammonihah, they were not as kindly received. The people there followed after the manner of Nehor, meaning that they thoroughly rejected the teachings of the prophets and lifted themselves in the pride of the world. In addition to outright rejecting the teachings of Alma and Amulek, they also imprisoned them, violently beating them. Alma prophesied to them that if they did not repent, their city would be utterly destroyed. They mocked him for this, proclaiming the greatness of their city. However, as seen through these verses, Alma’s prophecy was fulfilled and not only was the city and all its inhabitants destroyed, but the stench was so bad that everyone else called the land Desolation and never sought to settle it.

There are many lessons one can ascertain from this example. The primary point to understand focuses on prophetic counsel and one’s adherence to it. The Ammonihahites were given many chances and opportunities to change and repent, however, so great was their wickedness that they actively sought to tear down any righteous person. While entire cities are not being destroyed today, one still needs to be weary of those who seek to disobey the prophet. There is a myriad of ways people show this abhorrence for the Lord’s servants. Some protest, both in person and on social media. Others cultivate that attitude in their own homes, allowing their descent to dictate their thoughts and actions. Many of these doubts begin subtlety as people get caught up in little ideas that fester until the foundation of their testimony is crumbled. To prevent this, one must remember to not turn to the world for answers, but rather to the prophet and God Himself. Seldom hard questions resolve quickly without sacrifice and effort. This search for truth and commitment for obedience is worthwhile as the prize is exaltation in the presence of our Heavenly Father.