First Fruits of Repentance

At this point, Moroni decides to include a letter from his father Mormon in the record he was finishing up. He and his father were both basically hiding away from the more wicked people because their wickedness had reached the point, basically, where any true follower of Christ would be put to death, if they were discovered.

Even with this, though, they both were involved with a community of saints. I think I have always imagined them being completely alone at this point in the history of the Book of Mormon, but it occurred to me as I read this chapter that perhaps there were more believers at this time than I thought. Mormon's letter to Moroni kind of makes it sound like there is a congregation, and they are doing something that is incorrect, so Mormon wants to correct this behavior. Mormon's main message to Moroni is that little children don't need baptism to be saved, because they are not accountable yet. But why correct this behavior unless there's at least a small following of saints who are doing this thing? (This is just a quick side note...I just found it interesting.)

So Mormon talks a lot about baptism, and what it's for, and why it's not really applicable for little children. But the biggest point he makes, I think, is that baptism is for the remission of sins. When we sin, we must repent and draw closer to Christ. Through this, we make use of the Atonement, which Christ made for us, so that we can be forgiven of our sins and have them washed away, or remitted.

One quick side note here. What is the easiest way to identify an apple tree as an apple tree? The easiest way is to look and see that there are apples growing on the tree. In other words, identifying something is often easier if you can see the fruit of that thing.

People are no different. When you see what a person "produces", or what they actually do, that is a pretty good indication of the kind of person they are. Mormon here talks about the first fruits of repentance. In other words, how can you tell if a person is repentant?

"25 And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins;

26 And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God." (Moroni 8:25-26)

Repentance leads to baptism, which comes by faith and obedience. This is the fruit of repentance, which brings a remission of sins.

The remission of sins brings about a change of heart, which leads to having the Holy Ghost in our lives, which gives us hope and charity.

Honestly, I think the key to living the life the way God would want us to is exactly this. To repent when (not if) we make mistakes, to receive a remission of our sins, and to do our best to be obedient, with the help of the Spirit, and a heart that is prepared to follow the promptings we get.

God Manifests Himself

I've been thinking a lot lately about the way God is present in my life, even in the little things. It's been something that has been pretty neat to witness. I of course have noticed the times where it was easily recognizable in my life, when God would bless me in large ways. But while He indeed does that a lot, there are also so many very small things that happen that show that He is there and loves me and cares about me, and I have to be careful not to miss those as well.

"And behold, there were divers ways that he did manifest things unto the children of men, which were good; and all things which are good cometh of Christ;" (Moroni 7:24)

I think I started noticing the smaller things a little more clearly a number of years ago when President Eyring spoke in general conference about a practice he put into place many years ago, where each night he would reflect back on the day and try to recognize the way that God's hand had been in his life. He said: 

"I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done." (O Remember, Remember, Henry B. Eyring, October 2007)

I have had this talk, and this concept come up a number of times more recently, and I actually have tried to at least think through this exercise regularly. I haven't yet started to methodically write this stuff down, though I want to get to that point. But I have noticed even small and simple things.

Just last night, I experienced another one of those things. Wesley thought he left a cell phone charger in the car, so after Josh got home, I went out to see if I could find it, and by doing so, I also realized that he had left his backpack and binder in the car. Since Josh leaves early, he would have just gone to school without realizing that Wesley's school stuff was in there, and then we would have had to try to figure out how to get Wesley his stuff. This wouldn't have been a huge problem, but it definitely is nicer to just have the stuff in the first place. Anyway, as I got his things out of the car, including his charger which I found, I had the distinct impression that this was one of those times that God's hand has been manifest in my life.

God watches out for us and cares about us and our trials and problems. He wants us to be happy, and so He blesses us. We gain so much from our Heavenly Father, and it always amazes me the level of detail that He cares about. Even small and simple things in my life, God cares about. I am grateful for this individual care that I receive from Him.

The Church and The Members

What is the next step after baptism? What happens? Is that it? Definitely not. There is so much that must be done. Baptism is a lifetime commitment. Your covenants are permanent. So do we go it alone? How do we stay on the right path?

"And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith." (Moroni 6:4)

First, Moroni mentions the Holy Ghost. When we are baptized, we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is an invaluable tool to help us navigate the challenges of this life. We must constantly face choices and obstacles, and the Holy Ghost is a powerful ally that we can have constantly, if we are worthy.

Next, the people who are baptized are numbered among the people of the Church of Christ, and their names were taken. It is important that we keep track of this stuff, not just for record-keeping (although this is important as well), but so that we can help take care of each other. Joining the Church is a personal, individual decision, but it requires a lot of change in that person's life. One that becomes much easier with support. There are several important reasons that the names are taken and the people are numbered: 1) That they might be remembered. This is something that everyone needs: to be remembered and loved. The strongest of convictions can be dissuaded by a lack of inclusion and care. 2) That they might be nourished by the good word of God. Testimony and Gospel experience happens like nutrition in our bodies. We constantly need pick-me-ups and strengthening. It is easier for all of us to strengthen each other than it is for me to strengthen myself all on my own. 3) To keep them in the right way. When we all work together, it is easier to see the "right way". The path can get obscured sometimes, and we can help each other find our way back when we stray. 4) To keep them continually watchful unto prayer. We need to pray always. Everything we do should be at least with a prayer in our hearts. When I think of the word "watchful" I think of someone on alert, watching for dangers. This is part of what he's talking about here. Satan is always trying to lead us away carefully, so we don't notice, so we need to be continually watchful. 5) Relying alone on the merits of Christ. I think this is something that we can help each other do also. There is strength in numbers, but we each have to work out our own salvation, making use of the atonement of Christ. We can help each other do this by teaching and loving and ministering to one another.

"5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.

6 And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus." (Moroni 6:5-6)

There are really two reasons we actually go to church regularly. First, to get together with other members of our faith and talk to one another and strengthen one another, and fast and pray together. Second, to partake of the sacrament. This is right in line with changes we are anticipating to shorten the length of the Sunday meeting block, and bolster the gospel learning in the home. We will still be meeting often, to fast and pray, and speak with each other about the welfare of our souls, and also to partake of the sacrament.

"And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done." (Moroni 6:9)

I think out of all the things about church meetings that I've seen, by far the most effective ones, whether they be classes, or leadership meetings, or one-on-one meetings, when they are led by the Spirit. God knows what we need to be doing and discussing. He will tell us if we are willing to listen.

I have heard a number of people say they were "spiritual, but not religious", or that they didn't need to go to church to feel close to God. Some of this might be true. You certainly can feel close to God in places other than Church, but these points Moroni makes are some pretty persuasive arguments why going to church is important. It's not just about you. It's about everyone around you. Your neighbors and friends. Your family. You work together to help each other and strengthen each other when you hit a low point or something. This is what being a member of the Church of Christ is all about.

Ready for Baptism

Moroni also took some time to talk about baptism, and becoming a member of the Church, and what that meant.

"And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it." (Moroni 6:1)

One key point that Moroni brings up is that to be baptized, you need to be worthy. Something that jumps out at me is that it says they brought forth fruit. I think this is saying that they were able to demonstrated their worthiness. First and foremost, we don't parade our worthiness around as some sort of badge of honor, or anything like that. We don't "show off" our worthiness to make us seem worthy. It means we act worthy, rather than just saying the right things to people that might ask. I also think a worthiness standard is more of a blessing than a barrier to baptism. If someone were to be baptized unworthily, that puts them at a disadvantage right out of the gate.

"Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins." (Moroni 6:2)

As part of demonstrating worthiness, they witness that they have repented. This is done with baptismal interviews by a priesthood authority. These interviews are special. As a district leader on my mission, I had the opportunity to do several such interviews and I was always blown away by the baptismal candidates humility and willingness and desire to do the right thing. The spirit was always there and it was always a good experience. It was humbling to be in that position. These people definitely filled this part of what Moroni was describing.

"And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end." (Moroni 6:3)

The other aspect of baptism is making the covenants that I just wrote about in relation to the sacrament, because we renew these baptismal covenants when we take the sacrament. I think that the key word here that Moroni uses is "determination". I think this is great, because I am a flawed human being, just like all but one human being who has ever walked this earth. I have to begin new resolve and show new determination all the time. I mess up. I don't always do things the way I should. But I want to. And that's a start. Some day, with enough determination, and action to move me in the right direction, I hope to get there. And be the kind of person that I can be, the kind of person that God wants me to be.

Sacrament

I read this in the context of thinking about Moroni, wandering the area, staying away from the Lamanites (who would kill him if they found him), and writing a few things that are important for him to write, and I wonder if he suddenly realized (probably by revelation) "Hey, there's no written instruction how to administer the sacrament!"

Christ taught the disciples how to do it when he was with them in the Americas, so they could administer the sacrament. They had been administering the sacrament for a few generations at this point. But we have been given by revelation that the proper way to administer the sacrament includes a specifically-worded prayer, and so it is good for us to be given that and have it written down.

So Moroni simply gives us that direction. First, with the bread:

"1 The manner of their elders and priests administering the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church; and they administered it according to the commandments of Christ; wherefore we know the manner to be true; and the elder or priest did minister it—

2 And they did kneel down with the church, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ, saying:

3 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen." (Moroni 4)

Then Moroni went on to explain the other half of the sacrament:

"1 The manner of administering the wine—Behold, they took the cup, and said:

2 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen." (Moroni 5)

I'm grateful for the sacrament, and what it both represents, as well as what it actually is. The main thing is the opportunity for me, a sinner, to renew covenants I made at baptism.

I promised at baptism, and renew with taking the sacrament each week, to keep the commandments, which I am never perfect at. This is one reason for the need to renew my covenants. Each week, I (hopefully) resolve to do better than I have in the past, and keep the commandments.

I also promised to always remember the Savior. This is important because He's the one that made it possible for me to repent, and try again. It also helps to remember the Savior's example. He lived a perfect and sinless life, and I am far from that, but remembering Him helps me to remember that example.

Finally, I promised to take upon me the name of Christ. To represent Him, if you will. My actions should reflect the Savior's life, teaching, and example.

Covenants go two ways, and if I do these things, God has promised that I can always have His Spirit. Constant, recognizable direction from the Spirit is something I would love to have, and it is on me to hold up my end of the bargain, because I know God always holds up His end.

I am not great at keeping these covenants. I make mistakes often, and I often get casual about my commitments. It is a constant struggle for me to create and maintain the habits that I should have, and rid myself of the habits I need to avoid. But I am grateful that this is the opportunity that weekly partaking of the sacrament gives me. The chance to always strive to do better, recognizing that I can't fix it all in a day, but if I continue on each week, trying to hold up my end of my covenants better than I have, I will always be making progress in the right direction.

The Next Important Thing

In keeping with the theme of Moroni just adding a few things he felt to add that were important for us (future generations who would receive these writings), Moroni seems like he just starts adding little blurbs. The first was about how the Savior gave His disciples power to give the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Now, he adds some administrative information about how to ordain new priesthood holders.

"1 The manner which the disciples, who were called the elders of the church, ordained priests and teachers—

2 After they had prayed unto the Father in the name of Christ, they laid their hands upon them, and said:

3 In the name of Jesus Christ I ordain you to be a priest (or if he be a teacher, I ordain you to be a teacher) to preach repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end. Amen.

4 And after this manner did they ordain priests and teachers, according to the gifts and callings of God unto men; and they ordained them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which was in them." (Moroni 3:1-4)

I think one big thing  to note here is this phrase: "and they ordained them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which was in them".

This is one of those things where I know that the ordination and associated blessing can come directly from God, through the Holy Ghost. It is His power, and His authority to use it that we are conferring and ordaining these brethren with. It only makes sense that it is done with His direction.

Important Things

Once Moroni decides to add more to his writings, it seems important to see what it is he felt like he needed to include. After explaining he was going to add more, he went on to just clarify something the Savior said to his disciples when he was visiting the Nephites. I am not sure if this was something that was included in the record but left out by Mormon in his abridgement, or it if was something that Moroni was taught by the spirit. Either way, it’s pretty cool to understand this.

“1 The words of Christ, which he spake unto his disciples, the twelve whom he had chosen, as he laid his hands upon them--
2 And he called them by name, saying: Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for thus do mine apostles.
3 Now Christ spake these words unto them at the time of his first appearing; and the multitude heard it not, but the disciples heard it; and on as many as they laid their hands, fell the Holy Ghost.” (Moroni 2)

I just included the whole chapter, because it is so short. Moroni felt like it was important for us, the future generations who would read these words, to know. I know that having the Holy Ghost is important and a wonderful opportunity to get direction from Heavenly Father.

The gift of the Holy Ghost is given by the laying on of hands, and by the Priesthood authority. This seems like something the Savior was teaching His disciples: how to give the gift of the Spirit.

A Few More Things

Moroni had added a couple of chapters to the end of his father's (Mormon's) writings. He had given a description of pretty much the final destruction of the Nephites, and then he added an abridgment of the Jaredite record to the end. He thought this would be the end of his writing, and even sort of nicely finished off his writings. I think he wrote that and then went about his business, assuming that he would just live out the rest of his days, probably doing his best to avoid the Lamanites. But after some time, he was still around, and felt to write more.

"Now I, Moroni, after having made an end of abridging the account of the people of Jared, I had supposed not to have written more, but I have not as yet perished;..." (Moroni 1:1)

The climate he lived in was one of wickedness. The few people that believed in Christ were being put to death if they wouldn't deny him.

"And I, Moroni, will not deny the Christ; wherefore, I wander whithersoever I can for the safety of mine own life." (Moroni 1:3)

This is probably why he assumed he wouldn't write any more, because he probably couldn't stay in one place for very long.

"Wherefore, I write a few more things, contrary to that which I had supposed; for I had supposed not to have written any more; but I write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord." (Moroni 1:4)

I love the humility of Moroni. We will soon see that some great things were written in the rest of the book of Moroni. I think it's safe to say that the Lord wanted him to write more, and prompted him what to write. I'm glad Moroni listened to the Lord and was willing to even risk his life to go back and add more to the plates, so that the Lamanites, and everyone, could have these wise words in some future day.

Complete Destruction

These wars among the two sides of the Jaredites ultimately culminated in one final battle. They gathered all the people of the land together, either on the side of Shiz or the side of Coriantumr.

"Wherefore, they were for the space of four years gathering together the people, that they might get all who were upon the face of the land, and that they might receive all the strength which it was possible that they could receive." (Ether 15:14)

They fought day after day, reducing the size of their armies, pursuing and slaying one another until the armies had been destroyed and it was just Shiz and Coriantumr left.

"Wherefore, he did pursue them, and on the morrow he did overtake them; and they fought again with the sword. And it came to pass that when they had all fallen by the sword, save it were Coriantumr and Shiz, behold Shiz had fainted with the loss of blood." (Ether 15:29)

The battle had destroyed everyone. Shiz had fainted. Coriantumr had to lean on his sword before he could even kill Shiz to end the war. Ether had been in hiding (as he had been instructed by the Lord to do), observing the fulfillment of the prophecy that Coriantumr would live to see everyone else destroyed.

The words of the Lord will always be fulfilled. The Jaredites were wiped out, and Ether's record was basically all that was left, when the Nephites found them. This seems like it could have been a very poignant lesson for the Nephites to learn, because they had basically been given the same promise as the Jaredites: that if they kept the commandments, they would prosper, but if they didn't, they would be destroyed. The Nephites had been given the same guidance, but they didn't listen very well either and ended up being destroyed as well. It is at this point in the Nephite history, in fact, that Moroni, who abridged the plates of Ether and added them to the Book of Mormon record. The Nephites had all been destroyed by the Lamanites, and Moroni was in hiding, finishing up the record to be hid and then brought forth as part of the restoration in the latter days.

History can teach us, if we're willing to learn from its patterns and lessons.

The Prophecy Had Been Heard

The end is near for the Jaredites. There is a lot of wickedness, and very little (if any) righteousness among the people. People don't trust anyone, and there are a number of murders to get to lead the people.

Lib, a large man, fought the people of Coriantumr, and he even wounded Coriantumr himself, but ultimately, Coriantumr was able to defeat him. Lib's brother, Shiz, took command of Lib's army, and he quickly got a reputation that struck fear in his enemies' hearts.

At this point, pretty much every man, woman, and child was swept up in the war, either on the side of Shiz, or on the side of Coriantumr.

"Nevertheless, Shiz did not cease to pursue Coriantumr; for he had sworn to avenge himself upon Coriantumr of the blood of his brother, who had been slain, and the word of the Lord which came to Ether that Coriantumr should not fall by the sword." (Ether 14:24)

So Shiz had two motivations. First, Coriantumr had killed his brother, and he was seeking vengeance for that. This is a typical reaction in history. The other motivation has to do with Ether's prophecy to Coriantumr. At some point, Ether had gone and spoken with Coriantumr about the gospel, and warned him to repent. If he did not repent, however, he prophesied that Coriantumr would live to see the destruction of all his people.

I find this second motivation interesting, because it seems word had got out about this prophecy. Shiz, I imagine, was just trying to "prove" something by killing the man who the prophecy had said would be the last man standing, so to speak.

Why Shiz put such stock in that prophecy, we may never know, but it's worth considering. I've always thought that was basically just a private conversation between him and Ether.

Now, hopefully when we hear God's prophet prophesying, we take the opportunity to repent and follow God, rather than be like Coriantumr, who didn't listen, but just continued in wickedness and bloodshed, or even like Shiz, who actively tried to go against it and prove that Ether couldn't prophecy the future.

Even Experts Need God's Help

One thing we learn from the scriptures is that it's all about help and strength from the Lord.

For example, you get people like Coriantumr. 

"And now Coriantumr, having studied, himself, in all the arts of war and all the cunning of the world, wherefore he gave battle unto them who sought to destroy him." (Ether 13:16)

He was very learned and skilled in war. He knew what he was doing when it came to fighting.

"But he repented not, neither his fair sons nor daughters; neither the fair sons and daughters of Cohor; neither the fair sons and daughters of Corihor; and in fine, there were none of the fair sons and daughters upon the face of the whole earth who repented of their sins." (Ether 13:17)

On one hand, Coriantumr was very skilled. On the other hand, he wasn't following the commandments.

Ether was told to go straight to Coriantumr and give him a message that if he would repent, the Lord would spare him. If he didn't though, he and all his household would be destroyed. To make matters even worse, he was told he would live to witness their destruction.

Coriantumr didn't repent, and we later see that Ether's prophesy was fulfilled. Coriantumr was left on his own, the last of the Jaredites, and had a chance to share his story with some of the Nephites later on.

I sometimes wonder how he must have felt, realizing that the prophecy had been fulfilled, watching all his people be destroyed. I think it's best to listen when the Lord's servant speaks to us.

There are many times in the scriptures where someone who is very good at something ends up not being successful because they weren't on the Lord's side. On the other hand, there are even more stories where someone doesn't have much knowledge or skill, but they are helped by the Lord and are successful. This is a great lesson that I don't have to be great at something that the Lord asks me to do. I just have to follow Him and do what He asks, and He will make up the difference.

Writing About Destruction

This makes me feel kind of bad for Moroni. I just think about Moroni's circumstances at this time. He was on his own. He was either the only (or one of the only) righteous people left anywhere around. He had fought with and witnessed the destruction of his own people, the Nephites, who had become very wicked. And now he is writing a record that is meant for some future generation, who will at some point see the messages that he is writing or including. To top it all off, part of what he is writing is about the destruction of another group of people who had become wicked.

"And now I, Moroni, proceed to finish my record concerning the destruction of the people of whom I have been writing." (Ether 13:1)

He goes on to explain that they rejected the words of Ether, who had taught about and prophesied many things that would happen. At the end of the day, this must have been pretty disheartening for Moroni.

Whenever I dwell on the contents of the Book of Mormon, I am reminded that everything in there was meant for us in our day. Mormon and Moroni knew who it would go to and made sure to include things that would help us. So what lesson can I learn from this passage or story?

In this case, there are a couple of clear lessons. First, the Lord warned the Jaredites that the land of promise can only be inhabited by the faithful, and the Lord would not stand for too much wickedness in His promised land.

The other lesson is to follow and listen to the prophet. He will help us realize if we have gotten off track at all. He will help us understand God's will for us, and how to accomplish it.

So, now I have something to work on in my own life. Living in this awesome country/land, do I follow God's guideline that if I am not righteous, I will be cut off from this land? Do I listen to and do my very best to follow the counsel of living prophets? Do I seek revelation the way President Nelson implored during the last general conference? Do I minister the way I should?

Moroni Was a Very Good Guy

I just wanted to point out a couple of things about Moroni. His life was spent growing up and living basically in constant war and bloodshed. I was just thinking about the evil and wars that was all across the land. Moroni's father Mormon was captain of the Nephite army since he was a teenager, which means he was doing that for Moroni's entire life. The Nephites were wicked, being prideful and wanting bloodshed. The Lamanites were no better.

Mormon, a good man, raised Moroni right, and faithfully. Moroni was a good and faithful man who loved the Lord. After his father died, he took over the responsibility of the records. Mormon had abridged and compiled so many records, and now it was left to Moroni's care. He wrote a couple of things, and decided to add the record of the Jaredites. He interjected a few things he felt to add to that abridgement, and he just wrote a couple of last things. He knew the record was there for the gentiles, for some future generation. He wrote this message:

"And now I, Moroni, bid farewell unto the Gentiles, yea, and also unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood." (Ether 12:38)

First, one thing that he points out is the audience. He knew that this record would go to the gentiles, and also to some future generations of Nephites/Lamanites. He had faith that this would be true.

Second, I like the idea of meeting some of these scriptural heroes at the judgement seat. To meet Nephi, Moroni, Peter, Paul, Moses, and many more. Not to mention the Savior. I don't know exactly how that will work, but I would love to meet these guys. However, the question is how much would I love to run into one of these men and then realize that I didn't treat their words with the reverence and respect that they deserved? It would be pretty awkward. This just means I need to be better about taking things lightly.

If we were not convinced up to this point that Moroni was a pretty awesome guy, there's always this: 

"And then shall ye know that I have seen Jesus, and that he hath talked with me face to face, and that he told me in plain humility, even as a man telleth another in mine own language, concerning these things;" (Ether 12:39)

So Moroni had a face to face talk with Jesus. I mean, Jesus is a real man (although perfect and resurrected at this point), so it makes sense that this is how He would meet with (at least some) people. However, Jesus doesn't just meet with everyone. I mean, I would think you'd have to be a pretty amazing and important man to have a meeting with Jesus.

I think what Moroni is saying is that he was having this face to face conversation when they had the whole "I'm weak in writing and I'm afraid people will mock my words"/"fools mock but they shall mourn"/"I give men weakness that they may be humble" conversation. That changes my perspective on that conversation a little. They were actually sitting together talking about that face to face. Awesome.

Fear of Mocking

How many times have we had the feeling of inadequacy when being asked to fill a calling? Or given an assignment. Well, we're not alone. Moroni, who was faithful and brave, felt the same way. God had given him a commandment to write some stuff down on the plates, which were meant to come forth to the gentiles in the latter days.

"And I said unto him: Lord, the Gentiles will mock at these things, because of our weakness in writing; for Lord thou hast made us mighty in word by faith, but thou hast not made us mighty in writing;" (Ether 12:23)

He goes on to share his fears about how there would be all sorts of issues with writing. He even says things about how God had made their words very powerful when speaking, but harder to capture in writing.  He (Moroni!) just decides he has some fears/frustrations/complaints.

After emphasizing that he is worried that the Gentiles will mock him, He received some comforting words from the Lord.

"Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness;" (Ether 12:26)

I mean, if God says that to me, I would feel so much better! That phrase, "they shall take no advantage of your weakness", is amazing. "Shall" is the kind of language that you see in the commandments. This just underscores how serious He is when He says it that way.

Then, I love this explanation from the Lord:

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27)

I love this because if you think about it, we talk all the time about God-given talents and abilities. What about God-given weaknesses? It's important to remember that even our weaknesses come from a loving, caring, all powerful and all knowing Father in Heaven, who wants to give us the best chance for making it back to heaven with him while still giving us our agency. He, in all His wisdom, has given us weaknesses so we can be humble and so we can have stuff to work on. This totally changes my perspective on weakness though. It's just just something to hide or be ashamed of. It's something that God gave me (and everyone) to be humble and then strengthened (over time).

He will help us find our weaknesses, and learn about them. If we do, and we remain humble and faithful, God has promised to turn our weaknesses into strengths. I know that I have a lot of weaknesses, and God has promised to make them known to me if I come unto Him. I think I probably need to be better about asking Him what weaknesses I have and what I can do to improve on them.

Faith Needed for Miracles

Sometimes, there is a feeling or argument that the age of miracles has ceased. This describes the reason.

"For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them;" (Ether 12:12)

Personally, I have actually seen miracles. I have seen times when against all odds, something happened just the way it needed to. Or someone has been led down a path, unbeknownst to them, because it was what they needed 15 years in the future. I have seen medical miracles, where someone's major medical issue just sort of "resolved itself". I have experienced the miracle of forgiveness, and a thoughtful person who randomly thought to do a random thing at a random time, but it was just what I needed. I have been that random person before too.

I don't say this to sound like "Well, I have faith, so I've seen miracles." It's more like I have been blessed to see so many miracles, that I can't deny them. I know miracles happen, and I know they are just what we need (even if they are not exactly the way we want things to happen).

The opposite of the verse above really is true too. If there is faith, God can perform miracles.

"And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God." (Ether 12:18)

God cares and watches out for all of us. He is there for us, and He is all powerful, and all knowing. He can make things happen in just the perfect way to seem like a coincidence, so things just work out with perfect timing. He wants us to be happy, faithful, and productive. 

I'm grateful for the miracles that I've seen, and I have faith that I will continue to experience miracles throughout my life.