November 24, 2010

I read chapter 53 of Alma tonight. In this chapter, it talks of the people of Ammon who had made an oath that they would never take up arms again. With all the wars going on, it was difficult for these people to watch the Nephites fight to defend them and feel they couldn't do anything to help. They almost broke their oath, but were convinced not to by Helaman and his brethren. In verse 19 it says, "they never had hither to been a disadvantage to the Nephites." I believe that because of their faithfulness and example in keeping the commandments and the promise they had made, that they were a great asset to the Nephites by way of being a shining example of righteousness. And they became "a great support, ... at this period of time also" because their sons, who had not made that oath, chose to covenant to "fight for the liberty of the Nephites." The power of those young men was great and I believe that power came more from their righteousness than from physical strength. They are a good example of what true strength and power looks like: "exceedingly valiant for courage," "true at all times, " "sober," they kept the commandments of God and walked uprightly before Him.