Marred Because of Them

Reading:   3 Nephi 21:1-15

I was not able to get a lot of reading in today as I drove from Jackson to Omaha; however the thought process in regards to the scripture I have chosen has definitely been stirring.

3 NEPHI 21:10

10    But behold, the life of my servant shall be in my hand; therefore they shall not hurt him, although he shall be marred because of them. Yet I will heal him, for I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil. 

In this verse, the Savior talks about his servant Joseph Smith.  He speaks of how Joseph will be "...marred because of them (those opposed to his teachings)" and yet they will not hurt him. In fact, "...I will heal him," He goes on to say.  This is interesting because Joseph received lots of persecution at the hands of mobs and angry citizens, and he did get "marred," as they say: bruised, hurt, damaged.  How then is he "...not hurt." Possibly, the wounds of the body, physical hurt, was not a concern for Joseph.   The following excerpt is taken from Doctrine & Covenants 135:1-3...

To seal the testimony of this book and the Book of Mormon, we announce the martyrdom of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and Hyrum Smith the Patriarch. They were shot in Carthage jail, on the 27th of June, 1844, about five o'clock p.m., by an armed mob-painted black-of from 150 to 200 persons. Hyrum was shot first and fell calmly, exclaiming: I am a dead man! Joseph leaped from the window, and was shot dead in the attempt, exclaiming: O Lord my God! They were both shot after they were dead, in a brutal manner, and both received four balls.  

John Taylor and Willard Richards, two of the Twelve, were the only persons in the room at the time; the former was wounded in a savage manner with four balls, but has since recovered; the latter, through the providence of God, escaped, without even a hole in his robe.  

Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord's anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated! 

Caught up in the work of The Lord even to the point of physical disregard, Joseph was not hurt and ultimately healed in Jesus Christ.  His last words, "O Lord my God!" Speak to his acceptance of death  and embrace of life through the atonement.  Anyway, that's how I see it...

~Kipling

Apostles and Disciples

Reading:   3 Nephi 18-20

Jesus chooses twelve Disciples from among the people.  He teaches them about the sacrament, partaking of bread and wine in remembrance of Him, teaches also that they partake so that his spirit might be with them.  On the following day, the sacrament is shown and discussed again, to all the congregation, along with baptism and receiving baptism of fire through the confirmation of the Holy Spirit.

A lot of good stuff; but what caught my eye especially today was the frightening fact that I could not name the twelve Apostles.  When I read about the chosen Disciples I thought it would be cool to memorize their names, thought also about the reason why they were called disciples instead of apostles (because the twelve Apostles were still alive in the old world), and then realized that I could only name seven of the Apostles...shameful...so that is today's goal - memorize the twelve Apostles (old world) and twelve Disciples (new world).

3 NEPHI 19:4

4    And it came to pass that on the morrow, when the multitude was gathered together, behold, Nephi and his brother whom he had raised from the dead, whose name was Timothy, and also his son, whose name was Jonas, and also Mathoni, and Mathonihah, his brother, and Kumen, and Kumenonhi, and Jeremiah, and Shemnon, and Jonas, and Zedekiah, and Isaiah-now these were the names of the disciples whom Jesus had chosen-and it came to pass that they went forth and stood in the midst of the multitude. 

MATTHEW 10:2-4

2    Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 

3    Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 

4    Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

So there are the scripture listings of the Apostles and Disciples.  I plan on committing them to memory over the next few days as I drive to Atlanta - if you see me, test me, keep me honest.  I will also memorize the current Twelve Apostles and First Presidency...again, I should know this stuff, and will soon...what's your hold up?  Here is a useful link for the current leadership of the church.

http://www.ldsapostles.org/

Apostles ~ Old World

Simon (aka Peter)

Andrew (brother of Simon)

James (son of Zebedee)

John (the beloved; son of Zebedee)

Philip

Bartholomew

Thomas

Matthew (tax collector/publican)

James (son of Alpheus)

Lebbaeus Thaddeus (aka Jude)

Simon (Canaanite)

Judas Iscariot

Disciples ~ New World

Nephi

Timothy (brother of Nephi; raised from the dead)

Jonas (son of Timothy)

Mathoni

Mathonihah (brother of Mathoni)

Kumen

Kumenonhi

Jeremiah

Shemnon

Jonas

Zedekiah

Isaiah

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles ~ Today

Boyd K. Packer

L. Tom Perry

Russell M. Nelson

Dallin H. Oaks

M. Russell Ballard

Richard G. Scott

Robert D. Hales

Jeffrey R. Holland

David A. Bednar

Quentin L. Cook

D. Todd Christofferson

Neil L. Andersen

~Kipling

Law of Moses Fulfilled

Reading:   3 Nephi 15-17

During His visit with the Nephites in the new world (the Americas), Jesus ended the Law of Moses as practiced by the Nephite people.  Not completely comfortable in my knowledge of the law, I looked it up in the Bible dictionary and discovered its purpose and the need for its fulfillment in Christ. I'd paraphrase but why...

LAW OF MOSES

he name assigned to the whole collection of written laws given through Moses to the house of Israel, as a replacement of the higher law that they had failed to obey. The law of Moses consisted of many ceremonies, rituals,and symbols, to remind the people frequently of their duties and responsibilities. It included a law of carnal commandments and performances, added to the basic laws of the gospel. Faith, repentance, baptism in water, and remission of sins were part of the law, as were also the Ten Commandments. Although inferior to the fulness of the gospel, there were many provisions in the law of Moses of high ethical and moral value that were equal to the divine laws of any dispensation. The law of carnal commandments and much of the ceremonial law was fulfilled at the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The law functioned under the Aaronic Priesthood and was a preparatory gospel to bring its adherents to Christ. See JST Ex. 34: 1-2; Rom. 3: 20; Gal. 3: 19, 24; Eph. 2: 14-16; Heb. 7: 11, 18-19; Heb. 9: 7-14; 2 Ne. 25: 24-30; Mosiah 12: 27 to 13: 32; 3 Ne. 9: 17; 3 Ne. 15: 1-8; D&C 84: 23-27.  

The law as given through Moses was a good law, although adapted to a lower spiritual capacity than is required for obedience to the gospel in its fulness. However, the Jewish leaders had added many unauthorized provisions, ceremonies, and prohibitions to the original law, until it became extremely burdensome. These innovations were known as the "traditions of the elders." By N.T. times among the Jews the law had become so altered it had lost much of its spiritual meaning almost to the point that the law was worshipped more than the Lord. It is this form of the law that is so harshly spoken against by Jesus and by Paul (see Matt. 15: 1-9; Mark 7: 1-13; Gal. 2: 16-21). There is no evidence that the law of Moses had become as altered among the Nephites as among the Jews, and this may partially explain why the Nephites had less trouble in giving it up when the Savior came. 

Interesting right?  Like the slow erosion of the Bible as handed down from age to age, so to was the Law of Moses altered and changed over time - especially in Jerusalem and the old world.  Joseph Smith renewed the purity of the Bible through the spirit of God, adjusting a missinterpreted word here and there and, in some cases, returning whole lines of verse that were missing.  Jesus doesn't adjust the Law of Moses, he simply deems it fulfilled and sets up a new plan, a new law...

3 NEPHI 15:4-5

4    Behold, I say unto you that the law is fulfilled that was given unto Moses. 

5    Behold, I am he that gave the law, and I am he who covenanted with my people Israel; therefore, the law in me is fulfilled, for I have come to fulfil the law; therefore it hath an end. 

I set up the law and now I am saying it is finished, it has run its course, I am Alpha and Omega, hear me!  The law given unto Moses is fulfilled in me - it hath an end.  Enough said...

-Kipling

The Edge of Kipling

Reading:   3 Nephi 14

There is an interesting twist in the thinking of the verse today - a twist for me anyway.  I have often come across this verse and wrestled with its meaning because I feel as though my mind works a little differently than most in cases of confrontation...

3 NEPHI 14:12

12    Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them, for this is the law and the prophets. 

So how does this work when there are times I have truly desired for some idiot to throw a punch or kick at me so that I can reciprocate with like aggression?  I admit my attitude here does not lean in the right direction but I can't say I want, or even wish, to think otherwise.

I am not saying that I am going to aggressively assault someone (I'm not 18 anymore) what I mean is that I don't necessarily "want" my fellow men to treat me with kindness and love all the time.  If someone approaches me with disdain and anger I don't immediately wish he treated me with kindness and love, I greatly desire for him to assault me, JUST DO IT! That is what I want him to do unto me so that I can feel justified in doing the same unto him.  That's just me.

In the case of aggressive behavior, contention, and the like, I want to make it clear that I do not find cause to enflame or propagate such action, exactly the opposite; I like to think of myself as more of a cooler, wanting to end such outbursts amongst others swiftly (bouncer mentality).  Fight breaks out, I end the fight.  But there has to be an edge to someone like me.  A hint of malice and danger, I know that I'm not a real approachable guy and because of that I don't socialize in lots of circles but I'm okay with that.  I like the edge of me and don't feel like it is a negative trait but one that is needed - we can't all be Gandhi.  Moroni, Helaman, Teancum, Gidgidoni; these are The Lord's Generals and proof that peace is not always possible and that aggression is sometimes met with the like.

Now I know that The Lord is right and that I must elevate above that carnal need to repress my oppressors.  I can maintain the edge of me but need also to want only love and kindness from all and to dole out the same - I'm working on it.

~Kipling

Sufficient is the Day

Reading 3 Nephi 13

I love that one of my all time favorite scriptures revealed itself today...timing is everything and I am definitely in need of this reminder!

3 NEPHI 13:34

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof. 

Why am I, once again, stressing about tomorrow?  Allowing myself the concerns that creep up and drag my thoughts to those things that I cannot seem to control...those things that await me in the future.  I had plenty of problems to deal with today and found myself unprepared, I snapped a bit, lost my cool, and it is no wonder...I'm looking too far ahead and not focusing on what is currently in my way - the hours and minutes of now - Sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof!

I spend time building up my spiritual armor, strengthening it, preparing for attacks and watching for missiles and darts - problem is my focus, as of late, has been far-sided.  I'm looking too far ahead when there are jabs coming at me from inches.

Okay, reset, refocus, don't worry about tomorrow.  Gauge the armor for the next few minutes and hours - make it through today!

~Kipling

Ritual Prodigalism

Reading:   3 Nephi 12

I often here the expression, "My cross to bear" in reference to some burden one has to carry.  I've never really dwelt on it much - took it in stride sort of speak; but is it accurate to use the expression in such a way or does it dimminish the real meaning?  There are many scriptural references to "carrying your cross daily" and I think it is important not to belittle what is meant...

3 NEPHI 12:30

30    For it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into hell. 

So what is meant?  Keep in mind that in this particular case it is Jesus telling the people to take up their cross, so, what experience did He have...what is it He would mean in relation to His experience?  The Romans used crucifixion as the ultimate means of punishment, those sentenced to die by the cross had to carry their cross to the place where they would ultimately die upon that same cross.  While carrying the cross, those sentenced, would be ridiculed and taunted by people on the streets - sometimes physically abused.  This was extremely cruel and done in order to deter others from committing such crimes. One was not sentenced to carry a cross but to die, carrying the cross was simply a peripheral part of the sentence.

So, what is meant?  I can assure you it isn't the slight of carrying some burden as used in modern expression. We are being asked to forsake evil, deny ourselves of the things that tempt us, and follow Jesus.  By so doing, by taking up that proverbial cross, we also submit ourselves to the ridicule of others along the path - we may lose friends, family, even close loved ones because we choose to follow Jesus.  We may be verbally abused for our choice and possibly even physically assaulted but must be willing to accept such things - even unto death!  Is that better than the Savior's promised alternative, "...that ye should be cast into hell."

I like to speak as much as possible from my own thoughts but sometimes find it enlightening, interesting even, to add a quote in order to better make a point.  Neal A. Maxwell is one of my favorite Apostles and thinkers.  His ability to explain was always fascinating and educational; this quote is from a conference talk he gave on a Saturday afternoon session in October 1988...

Why do some think adultery and similar sins are permissible as long as anything else they do is commendable? The Lord's focus is not on the one thing we do which is good, but, instead, on the one or more things we still lack in order to have eternal life. (See Mark 10:21; 2 Pet. 1:9.) To compose a symphony, to win a battle, or to save a company-each can be a commendable and worthy entry in the book of life, but these do not fully compensate for breaking the seventh commandment. In the arithmetic of heaven, several commendables do not cancel out one inexcusable! The clear command from Jesus is to deny ourselves immorality and "to take up [the] cross daily," not to indulge ourselves and to take up the cross occasionally! (Luke 9:23; see also 3 Ne. 12:30.) The Old Testament advises, "He that ruleth" himself is better "than he that taketh a city." (Prov. 16:32.)

Why do some of our youth risk engaging in ritual prodigalism, intending to spend a season rebelling and acting out in Babylon and succumbing to that devilishly democratic "everybody does it"? Crowds cannot make right what God has declared to be wrong. Though planning to return later, many such stragglers find that alcohol, drugs, and pornography will not let go easily. Babylon does not give exit permits gladly. It is an ironic implementation of that ancient boast, "One soul shall not be lost." (Moses 4:1.)

The philosophy of ritual prodigalism is "eat, drink, and be merry, ... [and] God will beat us with a few stripes." This is a cynical and shallow view of God, of self, and of life. God never can justify us "in committing a little sin." (2 Ne. 28:8.) He is the God of the universe, not some night-court judge with whom we can haggle and plea bargain!

There are so many things that can be said about these few paragraphs but in regards to the scripture of the day I want to repeat just three:

1. Several commendables do not cancel out one inexcusable!
2. Babylon does not give exit permits gladly.
3. [Jesus] is the God of the universe, not some night-court judge with whom we can haggle and plea bargain!

Point made, right?

~Kipling

Defeat the Mind of Contention

Reading:   3 Nephi 11

The people are visited by the Savior and I love the first thing He says after descending from the heavens,

3 NEPHI 11:10

10    Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. 

Makes the point immediately that all the prophets were right and that He is the very one prophesied of.  He then goes on to discuss the ordinance of baptism, no small talk or discussion of anything else, directly into baptism!  Must be important...

He then discusses contention and that, my friends, is what I find poignant today...

3 NEPHI 11:29

29    For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. 

The spirit of contention is serious - more so when it's personal.  What do I mean?  I'm talking about those fights within, the inner battles with personal choice and struggle.  I find more contention and anger caused externally when I'm at odds with myself internally - make sense, doubt it, but I know what I mean.  Okay, how to explain, the father of contention knows that in order to swindle us mortals to commit acts of serious contention and anger against our fellow man he must first flame a spark of frustration within us personally.  If I am stressed or frustrated about something in my personal life it's easier for me to lash out at others, join in riotous talk about sensitive issues, or verbally bash those I don't particularly like.

By what other means might a man grow in anger than by having his heart stirred first...Satan knows the weaknesses of us all, he knows the buttons to push, he has the keys to mix our emotions into a frenzy of action.  So how do we avoid the stirring of our inner pot? How do we temper the boiling of our soul?

"There are no contests in the Art of Peace. A true warrior is invincible because he or she contests with nothing. Defeat means to defeat the mind of contention that we harbor within." 

           -Morihei Ueshiba (founder of the martial art of Aikido)

Each of us are aging and changing and what might have worked yesterday may not work today and what works today may not work tomorrow; however, as Satan will ever find the means to stir us with new and exciting captivation and frustrations we too must find ways to constantly stir our minds and hearts to righteousness.  I have found a way to damper my contentious stirrings by writing this blog.  I pray, that as the father of contention finds a new way to assault me, that I might be ready, arm myself sufficiently, and be a true warrior in the art of peace...


~Kipling

Laughter of Angels

Reading:   Helaman 9-10

Not the angels you think!  While those who survived the great tumultuous nightmare of a storm sat in their vapor of darkness whining and moaning and wishing that they had heeded the words of the prophets and made an effort to be more righteous, a voice is heard by all...

HELAMAN 9:2

2    Wo, wo, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent; for the devil laugheth, and his angels rejoice, because of the slain of the fair sons and daughters of my people; and it is because of their iniquity and abominations that they are fallen! 

The devil laugheth and his angels rejoice.  Another moment of proof that the captivation and never-ending enticements of the devil and his corps of minions (I prefer corps of minions over angels), gain you nothing in the end!  Death sealed the deal for the fair sons and daughters who died in their iniquity.  The devil won the battle in their regard and his laughter has a number of edges to it:

1. Laughter at God's failure to choose the right plan for this world, Lucifer's plan. 
2. Laughter at God's willingness to destroy so many, yeilding them over to the bondage of their sins.
3. Laughter at the foolish mortals that gave in to his trickery.
4. Laughter in his understanding that God would not give up his futile belief that man could and would choose the right path in the eye of so much temptation.  

The corp of minions, Lucifer's angels (the third host of heaven that followed him in discension from God), were rejoicing because they saw their ranks swelling with the deaths of so many in sin - they, of course, including Satan, were celebrating a battle but the war is far from over...

The sway of time will continue on its ebb and flow, righteous days and wicked ones, rolling forth in waves.  Mortals will continue to follow the enticements of evil and many have and will die in their sins.  however; the atonement, that single act of sacrifice, can and will save all who look upon it with faith - living and dead. 

Laugh it up Lucifer, you and your horde of thieves - your time swiftly comes to an end.  The fire of your laughter will burn you from within and incinerate your veangefull pride into an ash of nothingness.

~Kipling

Vapor of Darkness

Reading:   3 Nephi 7:16-26, 3 Nephi 8

THANKSGIVING!

I am thankful for light, in all its forms; sunshine, electricity, fire, whatever - all is welcome and appreciated.  Especially after reading today and trying to visualize how it would be to actually feel the vapor of darkness...

Unrighteousness is at an all time high and, as prophesied for years, signs of the crucifixion of Jesus begin to weigh down upon the people.  Three hours of the most ridiculous storm ever imagined, rages throughout the land, followed by three days of darkness...

3 NEPHI 8:20-22

20    And it came to pass that there was thick darkness upon all the face of the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof who had not fallen could feel the vapor of darkness; 

21    And there could be no light, because of the darkness, neither candles, neither torches; neither could there be fire kindled with their fine and exceedingly dry wood, so that there could not be any light at all; 

22    And there was not any light seen, neither fire, nor glimmer, neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, for so great were the mists of darkness which were upon the face of the land. 

I Cannot fathom such a complete darkness, especially after the world is turned upside down by a storm; whirlwinds, earthquakes, a whole city buried under a new mountain, another ravished by fire.  Now the darkness, the crying of the injured, lost, alone, and the wailing for the death of so many.  Unable to move for fear of injury, a struggle to even breath - oppressed by the vapors of darkness!

So yes, on this day, I am especially thankful for the majesty, the gift, the freedom, and blessing of light!  For me that light includes, and goes without saying, my friends, extended family, brothers and sisters, Mom and Dad, Ellie, Brenner, Xander, Cienna, and my companion, on our first years of an eternity - Angela.  I love you all!!

~Kipling

Like an Addict to Desire

Reading:   3 Nephi 7:1-15

I guess ultimately this blog is for me, the challenge is no longer to read the scriptures (not a problem anymore) but to learn something, write a blog that interests me, that teaches me and hopefully along the way, teaches others as well; but if nothing else - causes thought and contemplation. 

When I first started reading the scriptures I set a mark of 30-days straight to prove personal commitment.  I achieved that aim and started the blog to compliment my reading.  I originally made it accessible only to those I emailed or invited, primarily family (my kids especially).  I then set another goal of 30-days, writing the blog consistently before I went public. I have again reached that goal - this is blog number thirty! So, with this blog, I change my settings.  Words of Kipling goes public today, becomes searcheable, available to others.  I am a bit apprehensive, as I was when I published my first book, Bouncer, but the challenge is the key and I'm ready for action.

My greatest concern is that there will be disparaging comments on the blog, not geared toward me but toward my faith, my belief in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (yes, the Mormons) and though I love a challenge, a fight, I have decided that this is not the place...that being said, if you see a comment and then it is gone, well, I have removed it.  I will not engage in unhealthy debate in this forum - healthy debate absolutely!

I would love to receive comments, questions, remarks of any kind, on my posts.  I know that my written thoughts aren't always clear, that I may drift a bit, or sprinkle too much humor as to cover the point, so please, if you are confused or find something particularly interesting, post it!  Why is this encouraged - let me explain.  when you read a scripture you may ponder it for a time but eventually the spark fades, here, you read the scripture and then contemplate the verse with additionally reference from whatever I ramble on about - keeps the spark lit a bit longer.  Now, throw in some external comments from you and we have a discussion that may go on for days, the spark might catch fire and burn for some time...that's the idea!    
Today was a challenge.  I started reading early this morning and managed fifteen verses before I had to return to work.  I planned to read more but never found the time, that being said, as per my personal blogging rule, I had to write from those fifteen verses.  I reread the verses hoping something would give me a jab - nothing.  Finally, I settled on verse eight and wrote some opening lines but still couldn't dig into it the way I would like so I walked away, pondered, started looking things up, pondered some more, and finally started tracking an idea that I wanted to explore (this all of course after midnight otherwise I would have read more scriptures).

3 Nephi 7:8

8    And thus six years had not passed away since the more part of the people had turned from their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire.

Okay, briefly, the people were all righteous six years ago!  They were doing great, had defeated GNR (Gadianton Robbers) soundly and became quite prosperous.  Pride, this time, worked insane magic in a tremendously short period to the end that the system of government was abolished (100 year reign of judges ended).  Tribes were established, talk about sliding backwards?  Anyway, as verse eight describes, the people turned from righteousness, comparing their actions to that of a dog returning to vomit or a pig to mud.  There are similar verses in the Bible (2 Peter 2:22 and Proverbs 26:11) and therefore these similitude's must be significant.

A dog and a pig are natural beasts with natural instincts; a dog eats what is edible and vomit is certainly edible and the smell, to a dog, quite delectable.  So the idea off a dog returning to its vomit, though foul, is quite natural.  The sow too is acting in a natural way, mud is cooling and protects the skin, it feels good.  I've played in mud and it is indeed all those things.  It's a natural inclination.  Is that it then, a natural instinct, I submit that there is more...it is also an easy answer to a natural need.  The dog doesn't have to hunt for nourishment when it sits in an available pile before it - instant gratification.  The pig doesn't care about filth, it too wants instant gratification and the easiest answer is mud.

Are there similitudes that we could use in our day:
...like an alcoholic to liquor
...an arousal addict to porn
...a hoarder to filth
...a gambler to cards
...the lazy to couches and television

What is the guiding similarity - EASE!  Fighting urges, natural or learned, is difficult.  It requires work; constant, continual and ever active, work!  All of these examples are addictions. Each can be easily lumped into one encompassing example, "like an addict to desire."  We are natural beings, like the dog and pig, and prone to finding the easy way.  The righteous people, prospered, had no more physical concern for their lives, and therefore found it difficult to remain humble, upright, and unselfish, it became work - pride bullied them forth to unbelief.

Returning to righteousness becomes a mountain of work, or so it seems, but that is not the case...turn away from addictions, turn away from the natural enticements of man, find faith, accept the atonement of our savior in your life, believe - that's when the work begins...

~Kipling 

Hanged Upon a Tree

Reading:   3 Nephi 1-6

Got to love the title of this blog, eh!  So who was the lucky cat that died in such an ignominious (look it up kids) way?  You recall the Gadianton Robbers, well this guy took over as leader after his successor was sought out and killed in another great battle to end all battles.  This time the combatants are a combination of righteous Lamanites and Nephites against the not-so-righteous, okay, downright abhorrent (look that up too kids), robbers of Gadianton (also comprised of both Lamanites and Nephites).  

A new general, righteously ruthless, named Gidgidoni, rallies his people to repentance and preparation for war.  They recede from their vast lands to one place, the stronghold Zarahemla, and have provisions enough to survive for seven years (talk about food storage).  There they prepare for the coming assault of GNR (my new acronym for the Gadianton Robbers and yes a slight jab at Guns n' Roses as well).  The GNR army approaches and our, now thoroughly righteous, humble, and prepared, army kneel in prayer thanking God for all they had and asking for strength and protection - they were not fearful of the enemy.  The GNR army sees this act and assumes they are scared out of their whits and therefore charge with much exuberance...much to their chagrin...the righteous army rises and they too charge - with greater exuberance, and win the day!

The GNR army retreats and regroups, naming a new general, our hanged friend Mr. Zemnarihah (I shall call him agent Z).  Agent Z decides the best course would be to cutoff supply lines to the great city of Zerahemla (obviously unaware that they have a seven year supply of provisions) and therefore he surrounds the city.  Not too long afterward the GNR boys run out of supplies and decide to call off the Great War and return home.  Our good general, Gidgidoni (now ranked among our favorite generals; Moroni, Helaman, Teancum) discovers this plan and sends out a portion of his army to cutoff the retreat.  The tactic works and the GNR army is routed quite convincingly.  As for Agent Z...

3 NEPHI 3:28-29

28    And their leader, Zemnarihah, was taken and hanged upon a tree, yea, even upon the top thereof until he was dead. And when they had hanged him until he was dead they did fell the tree to the earth, and did cry with a loud voice, saying: 

29    May the Lord preserve his people in righteousness and in holiness of heart, that they may cause to be felled to the earth all who shall seek to slay them because of power and secret combinations, even as this man hath been felled to the earth. 

That is a serious execution!  They even cut down and burned the tree he was hanged from...Dagum!  The great and endearing point here is that Gidgidoni wanted to make a statement, he knew that his people were prone to the enticements of pride during long stretches of righteousness and he knew that one of those stretches was about to take place so, in his wisdom, he devised the extra portion of the execution as a reminder to the people that secret combinations would not be tolerated in the least amount - well played sir!

~Kipling

Who do You Want to Be?

Reading:   Helaman 12-16

I have been struggling with what to write today because there are three great points that I would like to touch on, one of which is common and has been heard and taught continually, the other two, not-so-much.  I have formulated thoughts concerning these other points and yet I can't get the nagging feeling out of my brain that the common lesson needs to be addressed again...I have decided not ignore the little hobbits of thought (I like that) and therefore, agency it is.

Agency, our right to choose, our gift in this probationary state called mortality...Samuel the Lamanite stood on a high wall, rocks and arrows zinging past his head and body as the crowd tried to shut him up.  He preached and preached and thorough the spirit spoke many things that The Lord wanted the wicked to hear - agency was part of this great speech!

HELAMAN 14:30-31

30    And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free. 

31    He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you. 

We have the right to do whatever it is we please!  Even in captivity choices can be made that are good or evil, and that means every type of captivity; idolatry, addiction, imprisonment, 40-hr work week, unemployment, even church callings can be a form of captivity if you choose to see it in that light.  You are perishing unto yourself, your choices have brought you to the place where you currently stand and if it is someone you don't recognize or like, make a change, make a choice to step away from that person and seek out the better you!

"...God hath given unto you knowledge and He hath made you free."

In the words of Danny Elfman and the classic Oingo Boingo, "Who do you want to be today?"

~Kipling

A Shoe is a Shoe is a Sandal

Reading:   Helaman 9-11

"What spirit is so empty and blind, that it cannot recognize the fact that the foot is more noble than the shoe, and skin more beautiful than the garment with which it is clothed?" -Michelangelo

I love that quote!  It clearly attests to the ease by which we as mortals so often choose to see things.  It is so easy for us to be blind to the skin when we are so enamored by the clothing.  In other words, the warning here is to be more discerning - don't watch the show and instantly assume reality, contemplate a bit, allow for alternate perspectives, search for the truth and accept that not all is as it seems and also understand that sometimes things are exactly as they seem.

Nephi, through revelation, relays the assassination of the chief judge to a mob of onlookers and then, under serious scrutiny as a possible collaborator in the correctly prophesied murder, he reveals the assassin and exactly how to get a confession from him, word for word...everything goes exactly as Nephi predicted and some begin to look at him with greater esteem...

HELAMAN 9:41

41    And there were others who said: Behold, he is a god, for except he was a god he could not know of all things. For behold, he has told us the thoughts of our hearts, and also has told us things; and even he has brought unto our knowledge the true murderer of our chief judge. 

As a speaker for God, his mouthpiece, Nephi has been preaching the gospel and prophesying about Jesus for years.  Now, even after warning the people for days about God's wrath and their wickedness, even pleading with them to repent, finally, they start to listen but are blinded by the miracles.  They see Nephi as God not as a servant of God.  Talk about frustration, the man can't seem to win?

Perception is everything and in every circumstance if you allow yourself to understand that others might perceive things differently than you, well, you are on your way to a greater understanding of man, a greater tolerance for those who are different, and ultimately a greater love for all.  I'm not by any stretch of the word saying its easy I'm just saying - your way isn't the only way and someone else's way might even be better.  Be open to the possibility of difference!  Don't let the shoe get in the way of the foot...

~Kipling

These Are My Days

Reading:   Helaman 7-8

In every age there have been problems.  For that matter, in every generation there are things that cause contentions and issues for those that exist within it.  I have many times wondered what it would have been like to live in a different time.  To be a Viking (weird huh), a soldier in the Great War, a commander in the Civil War, yes maybe even a gladiator or bodyguard to a prophet or president.  I look at those times and feel like my stature and personality would better match the struggles then, that I could be of real help then, a better man then...I wonder why it is I was chosen for this time and wish the blindness of mortality could be lifted for a moment so that I could understand.

Reading through the scriptures it is fascinating to see the cycle of trouble in each generation and how the prophets, generals, and people of that time struggle to deal with whatever stresses them.  The verses that jumped out at me today address the issue of time and personal existence in a specific time...Nephi (the son of Helaman) has been preaching to the Nephites and is extremely distraught by their wickedness and his inability to arouse them to repentance...

HELAMAN 7:8-9

8 Yea, if my days could have been in those days, then would my soul have had joy in the righteousness of my brethren. 

9    But behold, I am consigned that these are my days, and that my soul shall be filled with sorrow because of this the wickedness of my brethren. 

Here is a righteous, enlightened, pillar of faith, a man that stood in the midst of a flaming fire and took part in a great conversion of Lamanites and yet, he, like me, wishes he had been born in a time where he might affect more good and witness more righteousness, wow!  His wish is to be with Nephi upon their first years in the promised land when life seemed so much easier...hold up, wait a minute, really?  I've read the struggles that the original Nephi had and, listen, it was not as easy as you think.  I am sure that Nephi often wished he had been blessed to live in Jeruselum in the age of his father, Lehi, when all seemed so much easier, hmmm?

I know there is a reason I am here, at this time, as surely as the need for the original Nephi to be born a brother to Laman and Lemuel and son to the visionary Lehi.  Certain also was the need of the current Nephi (son of Helaman) to live and struggle in the age of his existence.  I am getting older and feel my body aging and though I want to stay the strong, willing to take a punch, and fight the fight guy that I am - I feel it slipping away and the opprinities of what I envisioned my purpose to be, waning.  I accept that this is my time for a reason just wish that reason would be a little more obvious to me.  Hang in there Nephi, I'm with you bro!

~Kipling

Secret Combinations

Reading:   Helaman 6:21-41

This is a topic that can truly stretch into a lengthy discussion but I will try and exercise a degree of brevity in my longwindedness...deep breath...I have often found myself drawn to secret societies and the inner workings of such groups, not to be a part of one but to better understand their genesis and ultimately how they wield such power over people: Scientology, Ku Klux Klan, Opus Dei, Freemasons, Knights Templar, etc.

So to read in the Book of Mormon about Gadianton and his robbers and murderers has always been a fascinating journey for me.  The timing was perfect for this group, wars have ceased between the Lamanites and Nephites, prosperity reigns, faith is abundant among the people and yet there is a steady attraction to Gadianton and Kishkumen who glorify in their ability to create unrest through murder and theft.  The gang steadily grows...

HELAMAN 6:21-23

21    But behold, Satan did stir up the hearts of the more part of the Nephites, insomuch that they did unite with those bands of robbers, and did enter into their covenants and their oaths, that they would protect and preserve one another in whatsoever difficult circumstances they should be placed, that they should not suffer for their murders, and their plunderings, and their stealings. 

22    And it came to pass that they did have their signs, yea, their secret signs, and their secret words; and this that they might distinguish a brother who had entered into the covenant, that whatsoever wickedness his brother should do he should not be injured by his brother, nor by those who did belong to his band, who had taken this covenant. 

23    And thus they might murder, and plunder, and steal, and commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness, contrary to the laws of their country and also the laws of their God. 

Interesting stuff!  Now the Lamanites, growing stronger in their faith, recognize the effect this enticing gang is having on the less-then-faithful and can also foresee the danger of allowing such a mafia to grow in strength.  They promptly seek out and destroy the group from within theirs midst and become ever vigilant to their secret infiltrations.  The Nephites, however, don't seem to find concern and go about there business as the Gadianton Robbers grow ever stronger, even after two successive assassinations of their chief judges.  No one seems to know who might have committed such atrocities, really, they were so blinded by their own prideful desires that the cancer of Gadianton and his secret combination of men goes unnoticed!

Soon the tides have turned in these societies; the Lamanites grow ever faithful and the Nephites fall away and begin to dwindle in unbelief.  The prophesies of so many begin to take shape.  Satan tried and tried to destroy the faithful through external uprisings and attacks and never quite managed but now, through pride, he finds the combination that seems the most viable and wields it masterfully through internal dessension.  The mafioso of the time grows and, as we know, eventually causes the utter destruction of the Nephite people.

~Kipling

The Wiles of Pride

Reading:   Helaman 6:1-20

So my personal rule is that I can only write based on what I was able to read for the day and 20 verses was all I could manage...but, was there meat in those twenty verses, sure there was!

The Nephites and Lamanites prosper and trade freely with each other and many years pass without serious contentions...until...

HELAMAN 6:17

17    For behold, the Lord had blessed them so long with the riches of the world that they had not been stirred up to anger, to wars, nor to bloodshed; therefore they began to set their hearts upon their riches; yea, they began to seek to get gain that they might be lifted up one above another; therefore they began to commit secret murders, and to rob and to plunder, that they might get gain. 

The people prosper in wealth and began to seek greater riches and puff themselves up in prideful gain which, of course, opens the door to subterfuge and covetousness.  In the words of C. S. Lewis: "Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man. ... It is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of competition has gone, pride has gone." (Mere Christianity, New York: Macmillan, 1952, pp. 109-10.) 

It is the comparison that makes you proud! Whether you have the means to increase yourself over those around you, and do for that purpose alone; or if you covet the wealth or power someone else may have and act upon those desires through murder, theft, or otherwise - these are the leeches of pride that latch upon man, sucking them down to destruction.

"Pride goeth before destruction." (Prov. 16:18.)

~Kipling

Pierced to the Very Soul

Reading:   Helaman 4-5

When the earth shakes and the skies darken and all the elements seem at odds what type of voice would you expect to resonate from the heavens?  A booming, brain rattling, body quaking, mega phonic thump of a voice or something else?

A scenario of this very kind takes place in Helaman 5 - Two servants of The Lord (Lehi and Nephi) have been captured by the Lamanites and have been imprisoned and starved and are about to be executed when a circle of fire engulfs them without actually harming them.  The quaking and shaking of the earth follows, along with darkening of the skies, and ultimately a voice from heaven speaks three times...

HELAMAN 5:30

30    And it came to pass when they heard this voice, and beheld that it was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul- 

Not the voice you would expect, is it?  Everything has gone crazy for the poor lamanites.  Buildings shaking, dark clouds rapidly overshadow the area, they are unable to reach their prisoners do to a protective flame and then the voice kicks in, like a whisper, with perfect mildness amidst the chaos, and it pierces them, each one, to the very soul!

Sometimes the quietest voice can be the most effective!  The Lamanites saw the miraculous happenings round about, their captives glowing within the flames and speaking to unseen beings (angels no doubt) but the real kicker, the thing that will forever stay with them, was the mild piercing voice that shook their core and "very soul."

Got to love the workings of a true master! 300+ Lamanites witnessed and experienced the event and each, in turn, told others and many laid down their weapons of war, and hatred, never to take them up again...

~Kipling

Three Generals and a Judge

Reading:   Alma 62-63,  Helaman 1-3

Finally made it through the extensive book of Alma, and with the end of the book come the end of some of our best and brightest:

Moroni retires as commander general of the army and hands the reigns over to his son, Moronihah (I have seen enough of the "hah" suffix to claim, with reasonable confidence, that it literally means "Jr").  Not too long after his peaceful retirement, Moroni passes away - replete in glory and faith!  I know, I know, we all wanted one more angry epistle from Moroni threatening to destroy some unfaithful fool, but, alas, it didn't happen...I bet he gave Junior a good, "don't screw up" lecture before the end though!

Helaman also dies, not as a general but as head of God's church.  Remember, he had two brothers, Shiblon and Corianton, and their father was Alma the younger (in case you forgot, actually, it was more for me because there is an insane amount of familial history in all this and I'm trying desperately to keep it locked in, right).  So, Shiblon becomes head of the church and he is succeeded by the son of Helaman (not one of the stripling warriors, his actual son), also named Helaman (should be Helamanhah).  Remember also that the vast amount of records, and the responsibility of recording the history of the church and people, is also conferred upon whomever becomes spiritual head olf the church (probably why Corianton disappeared and wasn't around to become leader after Shiblon died).

Pahoran dies as chief judge, a very righteous chief judge, and the empty seat is contested between his three sons.  Pahoran (Jr) is elected and is sustained by one of his brothers, Pacumeni, the third brother is not as sustaining.  The angry brother stirs up a rebellion and is put to death for trying to affect the people's liberty (again, how many uprisings have occurred and failed, stop people, just stop).  A murderous man, Kishkumen, prodded on by the disgruntled followers of the angry brother, kills Pahoran the second and Pacumeni succeeds him without dispute...of course he is killed not too long after by a sneak attack of the Lamanites.  Helaman, the son of Helaman, head of the church and record keeper, takes over as chief judge (busy guy).  The Lamanite attack is squelched by the able forces under the command of Moronihah.

Are you keeping up?

Teancum, our other favorite general, the man who snuck into the tent of Amalickiah and stuck a javelin in his heart, is very determined to also see the end of Ammoron and after much fighting, chasing, death, and mayhem...

ALMA 62:35-36

35 And thus they did encamp for the night. For behold, the Nephites and the Lamanites also were weary because of the greatness of the march; therefore they did not resolve upon any stratagem in the night-time, save it were Teancum; for he was exceedingly angry with Ammoron, insomuch that he considered that Ammoron, and Amalickiah his brother, had been the cause of this great and lasting war between them and the Lamanites, which had been the cause of so much war and bloodshed, yea, and so much famine. 

36 And it came to pass that Teancum in his anger did go forth into the camp of the Lamanites, and did let himself down over the walls of the city. And he went forth with a cord, from place to place, insomuch that he did find the king; and he did cast a javelin at him, which did pierce him near the heart. But behold, the king did awaken his servants before he died, insomuch that they did pursue Teancum, and slew him. 

That's right, Teancum ended Ammoron just like he did his sociopathic king brother Amalickiah, with a javelin through the heart.  Impressive sir, impressive, except for the part where you are killed by Ammoron's servants...the scriptural line of note here is, "...Teancum in his anger did go forth..." which means he probably went rouge, against the orders of Moroni.  Don't do things in anger - it never works out the way you would like it to!  Ammoron is dead, yeah, but Moroni, Helaman, Pahoran, and all the men who fought beside him are greatly saddened to see Teancum dead as well.

Whew!  Onward now to the book of Helaman and the boiling rise of Gadianton and his robbers...

~Kipling 

Rejoice in Great Privilege

Reading:   Alma 61

As my children are required to read this blog (our attempt, as a family, to maintain a daily intake of scripture to strengthen our non-visible armor against the constant barrage of darts from the great deceiver) it has been brought to my attention that the last few blogs have been quite lengthy, thank you Xander.  So, here is a relatively short one for you...

Things are not always as they seem...that is the lesson for the day.  Our good generals (Moroni and Helaman) were fighting and fighting and not getting reinforcements or provisions from home and assumed it was because the Chief Judge (Pahoran) had turned to idleness and cared not of the struggles on the outskirts of the land. Wrong!  Pahoran was fighting the good fight from within Zarahemla where an uprising of the king-men had seized control of the city and forced the government out.  So the angry letter from Moroni, rebuking him for his inaction (see yesterday's blog post), is received by Pahoran and he is somewhat relieved and rejoices that Moroni has been directed by God to return to the city.  He swiftly responds to Moroni by sending an epistle of his own explaining the grievous circumstances within Zarahemla.  He urges Moroni to return with arms and assist in the defense of God's faithful, the freemen...

ALMA 61:14

14    Therefore, my beloved brother, Moroni, let us resist evil, and whatsoever evil we cannot resist with our words, yea, such as rebellions and dissensions, let us resist them with our swords, that we may retain our freedom, that we may rejoice in the great privilege of our church, and in the cause of our Redeemer and our God. 

A great verse!  Resist evil as much as possible with words and then turn to the sword when words no longer suffice. A key though is resisting with the right frame of mind - in the service and cause of our Redeemer...

~Kipling

I Am Moroni - Do you feel lucky, punk?

Reading:   Alma 55-60

The incredible story of Helaman and the stripling warriors was part of the reading today along with some great contentions, battles, epistles of anger, and wickedness.  The thing that I found noteworthy, new if you will because the sons of Helaman is obviously a fantastic tale, was the lack of support and provisions provided to either faction of the Nephite army (Moroni and Helaman). Thousands are dying and the battles are insane, cities taken and lost, retaken, threatened, over and over these battles rage and seem never to end.  Helaman asks Moroni why they are not being supported and Moroni, in turn, sends a scathing letter back to Zerahemla threatening Pahoran (the chief judge).  I love his subtleness, okay he isn't subtle, he uses the same direct language and threats as he did in his epistle to Ammoron (king of the Lamanites).  I love his passion and absolute faith in God.

ALMA 60:23, 28, 34-35

23    Do ye suppose that God will look upon you as guiltless while ye sit still and behold these things? Behold I say unto you, Nay. Now I would that ye should remember that God has said that the inward vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also. 

28 Yea, behold I do not fear your power nor your authority, but it is my God whom I fear; and it is according to his commandments that I do take my sword to defend the cause of my country, and it is because of your iniquity that we have suffered so much loss. 

34    And now behold, I, Moroni, am constrained, according to the covenant which I have made to keep the commandments of my God; therefore I would that ye should adhere to the word of God, and send speedily unto me of your provisions and of your men, and also to Helaman. 

35 And behold, if ye will not do this I come unto you speedily; for behold, God will not suffer that we should perish with hunger; therefore he will give unto us of your food, even if it must be by the sword. Now see that ye fulfil the word of God. 

"Send us food and men or I will come take it by the sword!"  Moroni is the greatest!  I can see him standing at a podium, addressing Pahoran, the citizens of Zarahemla, and all the king-men, and simply being frustrated.  He cannot understand after so many miracles and signs and the numerous tales from the past and revelations of the future (continuously coming true) that these people are still not getting it.  They slip back into sin and idleness like a comfortable blanket while thousands die to protect them...Exasperated he looks at them all, steely eyed, and says, "You know what makes me sad...YOU DO! Why don't we chug on over to mamby-pamby land where maybe we can find some faith in you, YOU JACKWAGONS!!"

Anyway, it's clear that he isn't happy and wants immediate action and I absolutely love the finale of his letter...

ALMA 60:36

36    Behold, I am Moroni, your chief captain. I seek not for power, but to pull it down. I seek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God, and the freedom and welfare of my country. And thus I close mine epistle. 

"I am Moroni!  Go ahead...make my day!"  The man is simply a spiritual tank...

~Kipling

Sword of Almighty Wrath

Reading:   Alma 54

Moroni wants to gain favorably in a prisoner exchange with Ammoron (Amalickiah's brother who  now leads the Lamanites) and strategically uses strong words and an intensely threatening tone...

ALMA 54:6, 11-13

6    Behold, I would tell you somewhat concerning the justice of God, and the sword of his almighty wrath, which doth hang over you except ye repent and withdraw your armies into your own lands, or the land of your possessions, which is the land of Nephi. 

11 But behold, it supposeth me that I talk to you concerning these things in vain; or it supposeth me that thou art a child of hell; therefore I will close my epistle by telling you that I will not exchange prisoners, save it be on conditions that ye will deliver up a man and his wife and his children, for one prisoner; if this be the case that ye will do it, I will exchange. 

12    And behold, if ye do not this, I will come against you with my armies; yea, even I will arm my women and my children, and I will come against you, and I will follow you even into your own land, which is the land of our first inheritance; yea, and it shall be blood for blood, yea, life for life; and I will give you battle even until you are destroyed from off the face of the earth. 

13    Behold, I am in my anger, and also my people; ye have sought to murder us, and we have only sought to defend ourselves. But behold, if ye seek to destroy us more we will seek to destroy you; yea, and we will seek our land, the land of our first inheritance. 

To this point there have been no attempts by the Nephites to take the war to the Lamanites.  All actions have been in response to attacks or threats and have never extended past the boundaries of their own land.  Moroni threatens to "...seek the land of our first inheritance," by arming all of his citizens and taking the fight to them.  He vows to ultimately destroy the Lamanites as the literal sword of God's almighty wrath!  Awesome!

I found an intersting reference to this in a talk by Vaughn J. Featherstone (October General Conference 1975; But Watchman, What of the Night)...

"...Not too long ago I saw a movie entitled Tora! Tora! Tora! This film is about the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. In one place in the movie the scene is a Japanese admiral standing on the captain's deck of an aircraft carrier. The planes have already taken off for their sneak attack. The radio message is transmitted back to the bridge of the carrier that the bombing had commenced and that the United States was caught sleeping and flat-footed. The admiral turns and looks out to the ocean and then with a faraway look in his eyes, he says, "I fear lest we have awakened a sleeping giant with a terrible resolve."  I think it is time we should all awaken. Our concern isn't about the flames of freedom which burn so brightly in our generation; the concern is that in the upcoming generation the fire has never been kindled. Our youth have never known anything but criticism of the United States of America. We need some faithful, free-loving patriots who will issue forth a clear, loud trumpet call. Remember Paul's counsel: "For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare ... to the battle?" (1 Cor. 14:8.) Freedom ought to ring in the heart of every Latter-day Saint regardless of his country..."

The Japanese definitely woke a sleeping giant in the United States and Moroni does an excellent job of threatening with his "sleeping giant."  Elder Featherstone, and I'm sure all the general and local authorities of the church today would agree, that we all need to "wake up" and fight for our freedoms and champion the cause of our Lord.

Oddly enough, Ammoron agreed to the prisoner exchange as dictated by Moroni but assures it is not because of Moroni's threat but for provisional purposes only...whatever Dude!

~Kipling

Compelled to keep their Oath

Reading:   Alma 53

The Anti-Nephi-Lehi's, also known as the people of Ammon, made an oath never to take up their weapons again (these are the people that preferred to kneel down and die against their attackers rather than fight).  So they have been living with the Nephites, for approximately 25 years, under their constant protection.  Now remember these people, "... never did look upon death with any degree of terror, for their hope and views of Christ and the resurrection; therefore, death was swallowed up to them by the victory of Christ over it (Alma 27:28)."  In other words, they weren't afraid to die because they knew that they would be blessed again in the presence of God; however, they are now beginning to feel bad - having watched the Nephites continually war against the wicked part of the Lamanites.  They are not afraid to die but are remorseful and sad that so many Nephites die in their protection.  They start to waver on their solemn oath...

ALMA 53:13-15

13    But it came to pass that when they saw the danger, and the many afflictions and tribulations which the Nephites bore for them, they were moved with compassion and were desirous to take up arms in the defence of their country. 

14    But behold, as they were about to take their weapons of war, they were overpowered by the persuasions of Helaman and his brethren, for they were about to break the oath which they had made. 

15    And Helaman feared lest by so doing they should lose their souls; therefore all those who had entered into this covenant were compelled to behold their brethren wade through their afflictions, in their dangerous circumstances at this time. 

I love this!  They were "...OVERPOWERED by the persuasions of Helaman and his brethren!"  Helaman would rather die himself and even sacrifice his brethren (good thing his brethren agreed with him) rather than see these people betray an oath they had so diligently kept for so long.

I want to be that guy; willing to do whatever it takes to compel my children, friends, family, to keep their covenants.  I sometimes wish I had the words, the power, to persuade someone from sin but often get so caught up in my own issues that I don't want to seem hypocritical.  I'm working on this weakness and feel so grateful for those that have compelled me to keep my covenants (often times not even aware that they are doing so).

I know that there have been times that the Lord has prompted me, strongly, to keep quiet.  "Now is not the time," I hear.  "Be patient.  The time will come - be ready."  I have been mindful of these promptings and truly hope that I am ready when the time comes for me to speak, act, even overpower and compel someone to righteousness...

~Kipling