Amulek begins teaching the people in his town. First, he reminds them all that people know him and that he has a reputation to uphold. I think reminding people of this kind of helps them believe the words that follow. Amulek talks about the mysteries of God. He talks about how he has seen much of the mysteries of God and His marvelous power. He goes on to say:
"Nevertheless, I did harden my heart, for I was called many times and I would not hear; therefore I knew concerning these things, yet I would not know; therefore I went on rebelling against God, in the wickedness of my heart..." (Alma 10:6)
Amulek explains where he was spiritually before Alma came along and taught him.
The main point of focus in my mind as I read this verse is how important it is to do things like listen to the promptings of the Spirit. I have had times where I have a prompting, "yet I would not hear" because of one reason or another. I think to say "I would not hear" or "I would not know" points out that we have to take ownership of what we are doing, and acknowledging that it is our choice to hear and know and do the things that the Lord wants us to. It is ultimately up to us.
So if we feel we are not learning or understanding the things we should, or we feel like we don't have access to the power that we should have as children of an all-powerful God, it isn't because God doesn't want to give us these things. He does. We are His children. He loves us. He wants to give us everything He can. He wants us to be successful, and so sometimes He holds back a few blessings so we can learn and grow.
But when He gives us a blessing, a gift, we are responsible to accept it and use it in our lives. It is up to us.
In my life, it is up to me.
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