Showing posts with label liberty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label liberty. Show all posts
December 21, 2010
I read Alma 62:1-11 which is about Moroni going to the aid of Pahoran and raising the standard of liberty along the way. He gathered more men along the way and when he met up with Pahoran all their men together were very strong and they succeeded in regaining control over Zarahemla, against their own people, the "kingmen" who had rebelled and taken control of the city. What I find fascinating about this story is how much freedom is valued and how it literally was against the law to deny your freedom, punishable by death. Comparing that to our day, I wonder how many people today would fall under that category of those who are denying their freedom. I think people do it in a more subtle way today. I, for one, am very grateful for the freedom I have. I am grateful to live in the country I live in and to have the freedom to worship how I wish. I want to teach my children to have respect and honor for their freedom, just like Moroni did with his standard of liberty. I want to be involved in my community affairs to help give back and do my part to contribute and help maintain the freedoms I enjoy.
October 29, 2010
I read Alma 43 tonight which is an account of a war between the Lamanites and Nephites. The war accounts are a very interesting part of The Book of Mormon. I believe they were included by Mormon for an inspired reason, so I try to find meaning in them and ways I can apply things from even these chapters into my own life.
In this chapter, I noticed in verse 19 it speaks of how prepared the armies of Moroni were, with breastplates, arm shields, shields, and thick clothing. On the other hand, all the opposing army had was their swords, bows and arrows, stones and slings, and they were naked except for their loincloth. I really like the imagery of this comparison in thinking of the importance of preparation and dressing ourselves with armor of God... the armor of daily, righteous living. Even though there were more Lamanites than Nephites, the Lamanites were "exceedingly afraid" of the Nephite armies because of the way they were prepared, compared to their own vulnerable nakedness.
Another thing that stood out to me was described as "designs" of the Nephite army compared to the Lamanite army. The Nephites designed to support their families, their lands and houses, their rights and liberty. The Lamanites designed to instill great anger in their armies in order to usurp power over the Nephites. The Nephites' main focus was on family and liberty and the Lamanites' main focus was on anger and power. The Lord supports those who fight with designs such as the Nephites had. At some point, sooner or later, all will be held accountable before God for their actions. Even if every war isn't won by those fighting for liberty and family, that doesn't mean those fighting on that side will never see justice meted out. I believe that justice will always be served and I want to always be found on the Lord's side of fighting for liberty and family.
In this chapter, I noticed in verse 19 it speaks of how prepared the armies of Moroni were, with breastplates, arm shields, shields, and thick clothing. On the other hand, all the opposing army had was their swords, bows and arrows, stones and slings, and they were naked except for their loincloth. I really like the imagery of this comparison in thinking of the importance of preparation and dressing ourselves with armor of God... the armor of daily, righteous living. Even though there were more Lamanites than Nephites, the Lamanites were "exceedingly afraid" of the Nephite armies because of the way they were prepared, compared to their own vulnerable nakedness.
Another thing that stood out to me was described as "designs" of the Nephite army compared to the Lamanite army. The Nephites designed to support their families, their lands and houses, their rights and liberty. The Lamanites designed to instill great anger in their armies in order to usurp power over the Nephites. The Nephites' main focus was on family and liberty and the Lamanites' main focus was on anger and power. The Lord supports those who fight with designs such as the Nephites had. At some point, sooner or later, all will be held accountable before God for their actions. Even if every war isn't won by those fighting for liberty and family, that doesn't mean those fighting on that side will never see justice meted out. I believe that justice will always be served and I want to always be found on the Lord's side of fighting for liberty and family.
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