Our weeks reading has covered a "LOT" of great stuff. It covers King Benjamin's address, Abinadi's address to King Noah and Alma's conversion. Three really great men.
I love King Benjamin! His address to his people covers one of the greatest accounts of the Atonement of Jesus Christ ever given. If you want to understand the Atonement, read this.
King Benjamin talked the talk and then walked the walk. I have great appreciation and respect for men like that.
We had a Stake President in Oregon (President Blake) who was, upon first aquaintance a little intimidating and actually without being disrespectful a little dry when he spoke. I came to love and respect this man because like King Benjamin he also talked that talk and walked the walk. He never asked of us anything that he didn't do himself. He was a great example of faithfulness and humility. I grew to love him so much. I think he was aware of his dryness when he spoke and I remember him adding a few quotes from "Harry Potter" I believe it was, in one of his talks to catch the attention of the youth. I believe it worked.
Talk about "faith" and "faithfulness"! Abinadi was a great example of both. He was obedient even unto the peril of his life. He spoke the truth with boldness and conviction and was the cause of one of the great conversion stories in the Book of Mormon. It is amazing the power that one faithful person can have. We never know when our testimony, whether it be spoken or by example, can affect another. It's interesting how fear can interfere with this. Abinadi had reason to fear for his life but his faith in God replaced any fear he may have had. When we truly have faith (TRUST GOD) it takes away fear.
Pslams 56:4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my atrust; I will not bfear what flesh can do unto me.
Alma stood up to kind Noah and defended Abinadi. Noah feared judgement and was about to let Abinadi go but gave into pride and the "arm of flesh". Alma had to fled and immediately wrote all the things that Abinadi had said. Alma repented and then went out and testified of that which he knew to be true. Again, it is amazing the power of one. Alma let faith overcome fear and caused the conversion of many.
I think all three of these men were great examples of the "Power of one". We can never underestimate our influence on those around us. People are watching us, so let's make sure that what they see and hear is worth imitating. Let us be an "example of the believers" in ALL THINGS, at ALL TIMES and in ALL PLACES.
KIM
“By studying pages of the Book of Mormon, you will learn the messages that have been divinely placed there for you and your families, and for those you supervise. You will know how to correct the influences of false traditions. There are problems and challenges but they were all seen beforehand by the Lord. He has given you the way to correct these deficiencies, but they are of little value if they remain locked in a closed book. It is not sufficient that we appreciate it nor that we testify that the Book of Mormon is of God. We must know its truths and make them a part of our lives.” ~Elder Richard G. Scott~
Makes us reflect on our own worth and remember we always need to be strong and a good example, cause we never know who's watching or who will be inspired by our example!
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