Practice What You Preach

Abinadi preached and prophesied for 2 years after King Noah decided he wanted to kill him. He would disguise himself and everything, just so he could preach without getting pulled into the King to answer to him.

Finally, though, Abinadi was brought before the King. King Noah and his wicked priests were there to question him. They had a discussion about the meaning of a scripture, which caused Abinadi to start asking the questions. First, he asked them what they taught the people as priests if they had questions about this. They told him that they teach the Law of Moses (which was appropriate at the time because this was before Christ came to the earth and fulfilled that law).

"And again he said unto them: If ye teach the law of Moses why do ye not keep it? Why do ye set your hearts upon riches? Why do ye commit whoredoms and spend your strength with harlots, yea, and cause this people to commit sin, that the Lord has cause to send me to prophesy against this people, yea, even a great evil against this people?" (Mosiah 12:29)

He points out that they themselves don't keep the Law of Moses, and even mentions some of the things they do that is not in keeping with that law. I assume that they don't actually teach the Law of Moses to the people, just because of how wicked they were.

I think this is a good question to go through my mind as I prepare lessons on Sunday for my class. I should have a little introspection whenever I teach a principle or commandment. I should be living them. If I expect the people I teach (my kids, the kids in my class, or anyone) to learn about and live these principles, I should be willing to as well.

If I find, upon thinking about this, that I'm not keeping it as well as I should, I need to repent and make a plan of action to keep that law. I need to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. I want to be a good, living example of how to live these laws. Moreover, as Abinadi points out, the priests sins actually caused the people to sin. I don't want to cause anyone to sin because of my personal choices. Being a good example is the best teacher of all.