Freedom of Religion

I read this particular verse about what Lamoni did after he and Ammon returned back to Ishmael (Lamoni's kingdom):

"And he also declared unto them that they might have the liberty of worshiping the Lord their God according to their desires, in whatsoever place they were in, if it were in the land which was under the reign of king Lamoni." (Alma 21:22)

He had built up synagogues, and taught people and had Ammon teach people, because sure, he wanted them to have what he had, just like any good missionary.

However, the thing that jumped out to me was that this freedom of religion is super important. I don't always appreciate what I have, growing up in the United States. This right to worship is something that is worth fighting for. Really, it is just an earthly expression of what Heavenly Father wants for us -- our agency. We need the ability to choose for ourselves.

Anyway, not a long post, but I just thought I'd share that I had a feeling of gratitude as I read this verse, that I live where I live and have the freedoms that I have. I love that I can just worship the way I choose, without any governmental entity telling me what I can and can't do in that regard.

I am blessed to be here in this place and alive in this time.