The people of Anti-Nephi Lehi were again in jeopardy because the Lamanites, fueled by the hatred and anger of the Amalakites (Nephites who had fallen away), were coming again to attack them.
Ammon and his brethren, who had spent so much time teaching and serving these people were loathe to just watch them perish, so after consulting with the king, and the Lord, they all went up to the land of Zarahemla, and appealed to the Nephites to take them in and protect them. The Nephites put it to a vote, and they decided to give them some land and go ahead and provide protection for them going forward. Then, they are described in this way:
"And they were among the people of Nephi, and also numbered among the people who were of the church of God. And they were also distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men; for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end." (Alma 27:27)
I can't think of a better tribute to an entire group of people, to be described this way. They were wonderful people, for the rest of their lives.
I have to say, that it makes me want to live my life in such a way that someone could get up at my funeral and say "Shawn was distinguished for his zeal towards God, and also towards men; for he was perfectly honest and upright in all things; and he was firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end." I have a long way to go before these things could be said of me, but it gives people hope to see this people, who were wicked, murderous, bloodthirsty people, totally change their lives and desires, and become a people that can be described this way. This is indeed the epitome of what the atonement is for. That we can learn and grow, and become better all the time, until eventually we can become perfect.
No comments:
Post a Comment