My sister-in-law BE suggested that I read Alma 22 in the Book of Mormon. She said it's one of her favorites and it wasn't on the list that had been suggested to me. Checked it out but it didn't resonate as much with me (at least right now) as Alma 32 (see prior post). There was one part, however, that did stand out:
15 And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.
16 But Aaron said unto him: If thou desirest this thing, if thou wilt bow down before God, yea, if thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest.
Bowing down before God is certainly one of my challenges at the moment (see prior post) so I certainly have a lot of growth to go before I "may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day."
One man's humble attempt to become a happier, more balanced person.
By Category
- religion (142)
- misc (54)
- kids (46)
- society (45)
- spirtuality (45)
- family (43)
- key post (23)
- climate change (21)
- personality (20)
- marriage (18)
- career (17)
- balance (16)
- science (16)
- fat2phat (15)
- motivation (12)
- india (10)
- happiness (9)
- purpose (9)
- biofuels (7)
- leisure (6)
- friends (4)
- analytics (3)
- organization (3)
Behind?
Click on the "key post" category above to catch up.
Visitors since
June 25, 2006
1 comment:
Comment received via email:
The verses you quoted are my favorite part of the chapter, along with the verse that follows:
God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day.
I love the sincerity of the king, who first says that he will give up all he possesses to be born of God, and later that he will give up all his sins to know God. I think that’s a very powerful statement – how many of us are willing to really give up all of our sins? I think everyone has a few special sins that they cherish and are very reluctant to give up (or maybe have an incredibly difficult time giving up, even if they don’t like having the sin). To me, this teaches the principal of total submission to God and also that we come to know God as we repent of our sins and become more like God. I also really love the king’s prayer “if there is a God, and if thou art God. . .” The king isn’t even sure if there is a God, he says – which reminds me of Alma 32 – even if you can no more than desire to believe. And also a favorite verse in Mark: Lord, I believe; help thou mine aunbelief.” It really shows the mercy of God in helping us to have faith. Even the smallest particle of faith allows God to manifest himself.
Post a Comment