The Great Call of Diligence

The people of Anti-Nephi Lehi, now known as the Ammonites had settled into the land of Jershon, the land given to them by the Nephites so they would have a place to stay and be protected from the wicked Lamanites. 

A battle occurred. A very large battle. It is described as being such a tremendous battle that one such battle had never been known from the time Lehi left Jerusalem. Tens of thousands of Lamanites were slain, it says. That's just one side of the fight.

Anyway, there is a description about the people after the battle is over. Everyone was mourning because of the loss of people that were dear to them, but not everyone felt the same way about it. Because it is a different thing to mourn the loss of someone who you are worried about because of how they acted, the choices that they made, in this life. To be worried about their eternal state is a far bigger worry than not having them around for the rest of this mortal life. On the other hand, it talks about how there are some who "rejoice and exult in the hope, and even know...that they are raised to dwell at the right hand of God, in a state of never-ending happiness."  Who wouldn't ultimately rejoice if there was confidence that they would fine themselves in a "state of never-ending happiness"?

The conclusion of this chapter seems fitting to write about.

"And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor in the vineyards of the Lord; and thus we see the great reason of sorrow, and also of rejoicing—sorrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ unto life." (Alma 28:14)

See, we start to see how it all connects. We know that not everyone is righteous, and we know that we are worried about them, and want them to wind up in a state of never-ending happiness. THIS is why we work hard in the vineyard, whether that particular vineyard be the full-time mission we are called to and assigned to labor in. Or if it is our own ward. Or our friends and neighbors. Our co-workers. Our families. This is why we reiterate and discuss frequently the "GREAT CALL of DILIGENCE". Because it's about the people and the love and care we have for them.

I could definitely be better in this area. I'm pretty open about my faith, and I'm willing to have that conversation any time, but it's hard for me (for some reason?) to just open my mouth and start the conversation. I hope I can answer that great call of diligence myself and also in doing so, be an example to those around me.