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| Artwork by Jorge Cucco |
Chapter 25
Mosiah 25:2-4 -- The People of Nephi
Mosiah 25 provides us some insight into the demographics of the Nephite civilization. We learn from verses 2-4 that the Nephites were the lowest in pollution, followed by the Mulekites, and the Lamanites.
Additionally, we learn that when Mosiah called the people of Zarahemla together, they organized themselves in two different bodies. Although we don't know much about the secular history, particularly surrounding relationships between the Nephite and Mulekite, verse 4 informs us that they might have been divided to some degree. This division is not necessarily acrimonious, but shows that that wasn't complete unity either.
It's worth mentioning that before the reign of the judges and after king Mosiah (king Benjamin's father) taught the Mulekites, the only kings in Zarahemla were of Nephite lineage.
As a reminder the kings in power have been Mosiah, king Benjamin, and Mosiah. All of these people were Nephites.
Mosiah 25:7-11 -- Example of Empathy
The Nephites (both people of Nephi and people of Mulek) demonstrate empathy in their responses to the account of both Zeniff and his people and Alma and his people.
We read their reactions as follows
Verse 7 -- Struct with wonder and amazementVerse 8 -- Filled with joy to hear of those who were delivered out of bondageVerse 9 -- Filled with sorrow for those who were slain by the LamanitesVerse 10 -- Gave thanks to GodVerse 11 -- Filled with pain to think about the state of the Lamanites
The example of the Nephites is an example for us to emulate. Not only did the Nephites feel pain from the experiences of Alma or Zeniff's people, but also pain for their enemies.
Chapter 26
26:13-24 -- Poured Out His Whole Souls
Alma's example of receiving answers from the Lord concerning what to do about transgressions members is illustrative for us.
13 And now the spirit of Alma was again troubled; and he went and inquired of the Lord what he should do concerning this matter, for he feared that he should do wrong in the sight of God.14 And it came to pass that after he had poured out his whole soul to God, the voice of the Lord came to him, saying (Alma 26)
We learn in verse 14 that the Lord didn't respond to Alma until after Alma had "poured out his whole soul."
Alma's example then shows the effort required to receive answers from the Lord. It often requires us to exert all our effort -- the pouring out of our soul.
26:15-16 -- Blessed Art Thou
Alma was blessed because he chose to believe in the words of Abinadi. As a wicked priest, he could have rejected the words of Abiandi, and decided to remain in his sin and iniquity. He chose to act differently. Hugh Nibley explain the significance of the Lord's statement to Alma:
As Alma sought the Lord in prayer in order to know what to do in a matter of judgment, the Lord responded with a somewhat puzzling statement in Mosiah 26:15: "Thou [Alma] art blessed because of thy exceeding faith in the words alone of my servant Abinadi."... I would emphasize his. You are blessed because of the things you choose to believe--not by the act of believing, not just by faith. You weren't blessed because you believed, but because you chose what to believe. Everybody chooses what to believe. The atheist is a very strong believer. He is the most passionate arguer you can possibly find, and the positivist. Where will you find greater faith and firm conviction than among economists? . . . You must believe in something and everybody does. But the Lord said, blessed are you [Alma] because of the things you chose to believe; you chose to believe in the things that Abinadi taught. [Hugh W. Nibley, Teachings of the Book of Mormon, Semester 2, pp. 177-178]
Each day we are confronted with things to believe in or disregard. If we discover and believe in truth, we are blessed by the Lord.
26:20-- I Covenant With Thee
In response to Alma's inquiry of how to handle the apostatizing members, the Lord, before answering Alma's question, grants him a special promise.
20 Thou art my servant; and I covenant with thee that thou shalt have eternal life; and thou shalt serve me and go forth in my name, and shalt gather together my sheep.
Here, the Lord promises Alma that he has received eternal life. This is significant. Because Alma has the promise of eternal life; his hope is greater than before. Hope in the scriptures refers to having a confident expectation of a future promise. Because Alma has received a promise of eternal life he has a confident expectation that he'll receive eternal life.
The hope of eternal life is the hope that Moroni refers to in Ether 12, where he writes:
4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.
Verse 4 breaks down as follows:
First -- Those who believe in God might hope.
...whoso believeth in God might with surety hope
Second -- And what do those who believe in God hope (have a confident expectation of) for? They hope (having a confident expectation) for a better world. A world at the right hand of God. A better word is thus a heavenly one (celestial?).
....hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God,
Third-- And how does one receive a confident expectation that they'll live in the celestial kingdom (better world)? The confident expectation (hope) is produced by faith (trust in God).
...which hope cometh of faith,
Fourth--Having a confident expectation (hope) that one will live in the celestial kingdom then acts as an anchor. A confident expectation means that one knows that what they've been promised will come true if they remain faithful. This confidence incentivizes the person to be steadfast, because if they do they will receive eternal life.
...maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.
Promise of Eternal Life
All disciples of Christ are to seek for what Alma received -- a promise of eternal life. God works through assurances of blessing one has received. If one has been born of God, signs will attest to that. One sign is the promise of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. You will know if you received the gift of the Holy Ghost if you manifest sign of having received it.
Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby God hath ordained for man to come to Him to be saved, and enter into the Kingdom of God, except faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins, and any other course is in vain; then you have the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg 198)
Likewise the assurance of eternal life comes through a promise. Joseph Smith calls this promise the "more sure word of prophecy".
Though they might hear the voice of God and know that Jesus was the Son of God, this would be no evidence that their election and calling was made sure, that they had part with Christ, and were joint heir with him. They then would want that more sure word of prophecy, that they were sealed in the heavens and had the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of God. Then, having this promise sealed unto them, it was an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast. Though the thunders might roll and lightnings flash, and earthquakes bellow, and war gather thick around, yet this hope and knowledge would support the soul in every hour of trial, trouble and tribulation. Then knowledge through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the grand key that unlocks the glories and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. (Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 298)
Hearing the voice of God is not enough to guarantee one eternal life. To know whether one has received eternal life, the Lord must promise it to them.
Seeking out Other Promises
The principle of receiving promises from the Lord also underscores the principle of seeking after promises in general. While there are certain promises we should seek, such as the promise of receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost and eternal life, there are also promises unique to us and our situation.
Abraham is one example. At one point in Abraham's life he received the promise that he would have great posterity. In chapter 1 of the book of Abraham, we learn that he likely received the promise of great posterity because he desired it.
2 And, finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers.
Abraham desired many things. One of them was to be a father of many nations.
Enos is another example. Recall that after Enos received a remission of sins, he began to pray for the Nephites and then the Lamanites. He later desired a promise from the Lord.
12 And it came to pass that after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy faith.13 And now behold, this was the desire which I desired of him—that if it should so be, that my people, the Nephites, should fall into transgression, and by any means be destroyed, and the Lamanites should not be destroyed, that the Lord God would preserve a record of my people, the Nephites; even if it so be by the power of his holy arm, that it might be brought forth at some future day unto the Lamanites, that, perhaps, they might be brought unto salvation
Enos desires that the Lord would preserve the Lamanites through the preservation of a record. Enos further remarks
15 Wherefore, I knowing that the Lord God was able to preserve our records, I cried unto him continually, for he had said unto me: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive in the name of Christ, ye shall receive it.16 And I had faith, and I did cry unto God that he would preserve the records; and he covenanted with me that he would bring them forth unto the Lamanites in his own due time.
After struggling to receive assurance from the Lord, Enos receives it by a covenant (or promise). In verse 16, the Lord promises Enos that the Lamanites would have records preserved for them.
Why Should We Seek For Promises
We should seek for promises for a few reasons. First, obtaining promises is an act of faith. To receive a promise from the Lord requires us to first trust in the Lord. Trusting in the Lord involves experiencing trials. If we remain faithful our trust in the Lord has increased.
Second, obtaining promise gives us hope to endure the challenges that come. How was Abraham able to sacrifice Issac, the son of the promise? He trusted in the promise from the Lord. He knew that he would be a father of many nations. Thus if he had to kill Issac, the Lord would still make him a father of many nations. The Book of Hebrews suggests that Abraham reasoned that God would raise Issac from the dead in order that Abraham's promise of being a father of all would be fulfilled.
One place for us to look for promises is the scripture, but also our patriarchal blessings. There, we will find promises that are unique to us. These promises will give us hope to endure the challenge we face.
"Most assuredly...the ancients...obtained from God promises of such weight and glory [eternal life] …and though we cannot claim these promises which were made to the ancients for they are not our property...yet if we are the children of the Most High, and are called with the same calling with which they were called, and embrace the same covenant that they embraced, and are faithful to the testimony of the Lord as they were, we can approach the Father in the name of Christ as they approached Him, and for ourselves obtain the Same promises...[and] it will be because we, ourselves, have faith and approach God in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, even as they [the ancients] did; and when these promises are obtained, they will be promises directly to us, or they will do us no good." (The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith)
26:25-27 -- The Second Trump
Once again, the Lord, in explaining the day of judgement and resurrection notes that there are only two resurrections -- those who are raised up to be at the Lord's right hand and those who are not.
This statement continues the theme of only two options -- serve God or serve the Devil. There is no middle ground.
Further notice how the Lord characterizes those who are of the second resurrection. He says that he "never knew [them]."
What might he mean by that? Based on what's been discussed in previous posts, all disciples of the Lord are to know Christ personally and physically (in the flesh). The knowing of Christ extends from just hearing his voice, but having him minister unto us.
Given that we are to actually know Christ (i.e., know of him), when Christ says that he never knew the people of the second resurrection, could he mean that he never actually knew them?
If so, this possibility reveals how narrow and strait is the way. It also shows that if we fail to know Christ personally, we are grouped among those of the second resurrection.
Would Not Be Redeemed
Particular of interest is how Christ describes those who are of the second resurrection. He explains:
25 And it shall come to pass that when the second trump shall sound then shall they that never knew me come forth and shall stand before me.26 And then shall they know that I am the Lord their God, that I am their Redeemer; but they would not be redeemed. (Mosiah 26)
Those of the second resurrection are those who did not seek for redemption.
The Book of Mormon teaches us of two types of redemption. There is redemption from our sins and there is redemption from the fall.
Alma's Statements -- Redemption From Our Sins
24 For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit
Lord's Statement to Brother of Jared -- Redemption from the Fall
11 And the Lord said unto him: Believest thou the words which I shall speak?12 And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie.13 And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you.
My view is that to be redeemed of the Lord requires us to be redeemed from our sins and redeemed from the fall. Redemption from sins happens with the baptism of fire which leads to a remission of sins and receiving the Holy Ghost. Redemption from the fall occurs when a person enters the presence of the Lord.
The purpose of the baptism of fire is to cleanse the vessel so that the Holy Ghost can abide with the person. And because the Holy Ghost can abide with the person, the Holy Ghost is able to guide the person into the presence of the Lord. Enduring to the end doesn't just mean keeping the commandments absent trials. But it means to continue on the path the Holy Ghost has set us on and to not give up until we finally enter into the Lord's presence (until we partake of the Tree of Life).
26:32 -- Excommunication
Although the practice of excommunication may sound harsh as it seems to run counter to the idea of a loving God, the practice is actually one of justice and love that is justified.
The Lord explains to Alma that there are only two groups of people. Those who he will recognize and know at the day of judgment and those he won't. Those who he will know at the day of judgment are those who are numbered among his people.
But why would the Lord, if he is seeking to bring people unto him, exclude certain people from his fold? The answer can be found in Matthew 5:29. There the Lord in the Lord's discussion of adultery he explains:
And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. (KJV)
Here's another translation that may be helpful:
If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. (World English Bible)
Although the Lord is discussing adultery, he is also teaching a universal principle about sin and how to avoid it. From Paul, we learn that the church is the body of Christ. And for the body to function properly all parts need to be in agreement. In our case, for the body of Christ to function properly all disciples need to be in agreement. One way one the parts can work improperly is if they are infected by a disease or virus (transgression, iniquity, and teaching false doctrine). To avoid corruption, the disease must be removed.
This concept of removing a disease to avoid corruption of the body is the same principle of removing those who transgress form the body of Christ. If we don't, their behavior and actions will corrupt the body. This same principle was expressed in the Zenos' allegory of the vineyard, where we learned how the evil branches overtook the good ones.
Thus the reason why Christ commanded Alma to excommunicate the unrepentant was because they were corrupting the body of Christ and causing it to stumble. It would be unjust for the Lord to allow a disease to infect the entire body. It would also be unloving for a God to allow his people to be corrupted by those within the fold of GOd. Therefore the preserve and protect the body of Christ, and to show justice and love, the disease must be removed.
Moreover, it's important to note that the removal is not permanent. If the person who was excommunicated (blotted out) repents, the Lord will forgive them and allow them to re-enter the fold, further showing the love of God.
30 Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.
As long as we repent for our sins, the Lord will forgive us.
And further note that success of the church after Alma excommunicated those who would not repent
37 And it came to pass that Alma did regulate all the affairs of the church; and they began again to have peace and to prosper exceedingly in the affairs of the church, walking circumspectly before God, receiving many, and baptizing many.
By removing the rotten fruit, the church was free from sinful examples and false doctrine, allowing the church to prosper.
26:38-39 -- Practice of the Church
In describing the practice of the church, Mormon notes:
38 And now all these things did Alma and his fellow laborers do who were over the church, walking in all diligence, teaching the word of God in all things, suffering all manner of afflictions, being persecuted by all those who did not belong to the church of God.39 And they did admonish their brethren; and they were also admonished, every one by the word of God, according to his sins, or to the sins which he had committed, being commanded of God to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all things.
Chapter 27
27:24, 28, 29 -- Born Again
Those who have been reading the commentaries from the beginning of the Book of Mormon until now may have noticed that one major theme repeated over and over again is that of being born again. In verses 24, 28. 29, and 32 Alma the Younger explains his experience of being born again.
However, before proceeding, I would like to clarify some of the language that he been used to describe being born again.
Born Again
To be born again means that one has received the gift of the Holy Ghost. The reception of the Holy Ghost changes the person so that they become a new person. They become a new person because their desire for sin is gone.
When the Book of Mormon refers to receiving a remission of sins, being baptized by fire, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, becoming new creatures, it is generally talking about the same thing, although there are slight differences between these terms. What follows is my attempt to map out the process.
Baptism of Fire --> Receiving the Holy Ghost --> Remission of Sins --> Becoming a New Creature/Being Born Again/Born of the Spirit --> Become a Son of God
Alma's Experience
Having clarified the different terms used, let's proceed to look at Alma's experience.
First, he notes that he repented:
24 For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit.
Alma links repentance to being redeemed and born of God/born of the Spirit. This is what it means to truly repent. And this is what the Lord expects people to do when he calls them to repentance. Resuming activity in the church but not being born again means that a person has not repented.
Second, he explains the process
28 Nevertheless, after wading through much tribulation, repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God.
Alma goes through a period of godly sorrow. Due to his gross wickedness, his sorrow and pain was likely greater than others. Nevertheless, he still had to wrestle with the Lord to receive a remission of sins.
Third, he explains how he has changed
29 My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more.
His soul is not more pained. And,
32 And now it came to pass that Alma began from this time forward to teach the people, and those who were with Alma at the time the angel appeared unto them, traveling round about through all the land, publishing to all the people the things which they had heard and seen, and preaching the word of God in much tribulation, being greatly persecuted by those who were unbelievers, being smitten by many of them.
He teaches and seeks for others to experience what he has, even facing persecution.
27:27- All Humans Must Be New Creatures
Alma the Younger repeats one of the key messages of the Book of Mormon: receive the Holy Ghost (be changed) or be damned
25 And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;26 And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.27 I say unto you, unless this be the case, they must be cast off; and this I know, because I was like to be cast off.
Why are those who don't change cast off? Because they are not part of God's family.
27:35 -- Instrument in the Hand of God
How was Alma the Younger an instrument in the hands of God? He brought people to the knowledge of Christ.
Chapter 28
28:1-2 -- The Sons of Mosiah and Their Mission to the Lamanites
Verses 1 and 2 explain the reason for the sons of Mosiah went and preached to the Lamanites.
Mormon states that the sons of Mosiah went up to the land of Nephi to "preach the things which they had heard so that they might impart the word of God" to the Lamanites.
In verse 2, Mormon then explains their purpose in doing so and this is indicated by the conjunction that which, in this instance, is expressing a result/outcome of their efforts. Mormon explains there are three results the sons of Mosiah sought to achieve.
First result: Bringing the Lamanites to the knowledge of the Lord their God.
That perhaps they might bring them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and convince them of the iniquity of their fathers; and...
Second result: convincing them of the iniquity of their fathers
...that perhaps they might cure them of their hatred towards the Nephites, that they might also be brought to rejoice in the Lord their God...
Third result: reducing the enmity between the Lamanites and Nephites
...that they might become friendly to one another, and that there should be no more contentions in all the land
It's also important to note that the results 2 and 3 appear to be the result of 1. In other words, the sons of Mosiah sought to use the word of God to give the Lamanites knowledge of God. The knowledge of God would lead to removing the iniquities (false traditions) of their fathers and, hopefully, remove the enmity and hatred they felt to the Lamanites. Here's an outline below:
Word of God ---> Knowledge of God --> Convincing of Iniquities --> Removing hatred
These verses are then a strong statement about the word of God and its power. Not only does one have the knowledge of Christ through the word, but the word of God removes false traditions/iniquities and hatred.
Two-Edged Sword
The author of Hebrews describes the word of God as a two-edge sword.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Moreover, the Lord quotes Hebrews multiple times to Jospeh Smith in the Doctrine and Covenants, thus indicating that this concept is important. In verses 1 and 2 above, we saw a few reasons why the word of God is powerful, but let's consider some other reasons. Why is the word of God likened to a two-edged sword?
For one reason, two-edged sword can cut in both directions. Moreover, a "sword whose blade is sharpened on both sides is able to penetrate and cut at every contact point and with every movement. This means that is can thrust more quickly and deeply and can cut more easily." https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2017/02/a-two-edged-sword?lang=eng
Let's break down each aspect:
Penetrates:
"His word can also cut through culture, habits, biases, preconceptions, and doubts to speak to the innermost part of us, whether we are righteous or wicked. When people hear His word preached with power, they are often “pricked [or pierced] in their heart” (Acts 2:37) and desire to repent. In fact, the word of God has a more powerful effect on people’s minds than the literal sword (see Alma 31:5) and is one of the catalysts for developing faith (see Romans 10:17)." Id.
Divides
"God’s word can separate truth from error and “divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil” (Helaman 3:29). It can help us identify the half-truths and complications that cloud our thinking by setting them up against God’s plain and precious truths." Id.
Cuts in Any Direction
"The word of God...is versatile and applicable in many situations for our blessing or condemnation, our edification, inspiration, instruction, or chastisement. And as we “treasure up in [our] minds continually the words of life” (D&C 84:85), the word of God is then “quick and powerful,” “lively and active” as we share it with others and apply it in our own lives."Id.
Making the Sword of God Active In Our Lives
But just as a sword is ineffective if stored away, the same is true with the word of God. Despite the power of the word of God, it will do us no good if we don't use it. To utilize the word of God, we must study the word, meditate upon it, teach it, worship with it, and serve by it.
Study It
The scriptures contain a record of people's experience and interaction with God. If we want to understand God, we should read and study the words of those who have interacted with him.
18 And I, Nephi, have written these things unto my people, that perhaps I might persuade them that they would remember the Lord their Redeemer. (1 Nephi 18)
Moreover, Paul explained the importance of the scriptures to Timothy. Not only do the scriptures teach us truth, but they often teach us truth by correcting our previous understanding.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3)
Mediate Upon It
To mediate upon the scriptures is to pray and think deeply about what you've read and studied. The Psalms shows what this mediation looks like and the blessings that come from it:
Ponder upon what the Lord has said and done:
I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. (Psalms 77:12)
Relish and savor the time spent in mediation of the Lord
My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord. (Psalms 104:34)
Meditate upon his commands (what he has revealed) and his testimonies (what he has taught)
I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. (Psalms 119:15)
My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes. (Psalms 119:48)
O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. (Psalms 119:97)
Increase in understanding
I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. (Psalms 119:99)
Bring Forth "Fruit"
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalms 1)
Teach It
The Savior set the example for us. Having grown grace by grace in the light and truth (see D&C 93), he then spent his life imparting light and truth to the people. The son of Mosiah are also examples, as well as the apostles. Each one of these people sought to share their knowledge with others.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16)
We share truth and light to bring other out of darkness.
12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—13 Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven
Notice the word used by the Lord to describe the degree of effort we should take in teaching light and truth -- he says we should "waste and wear out our lives."
One definition of waste according to the 1828 dictionary is "to spend; to consume." Thus we are to spend and consume our lives in teaching light and truth.
Worship With It
Worship is more than attending church as a congregation, but also pertains to the attitude of our heart. It reflects our inner devotion to the Lord and his goodness. A show of humility and submission to the Most High.
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. (Psalms 95:6)But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (John 4:23)
Serve By It
Tithing is one way we can help, but we should not be fooled into thinking that we are helping others merely by paying our tithing (or even fast offerings).
In Mosiah 18, we read about the baptismal covenant. There we learn that one of the covenants we make is to bear each other's burdens that they may be light. Lightening a person's burdens comes in many forms, but one way is to help those in need. For instance, would not providing money to someone starving lighten their burden?
Consider the example of both Alma's and Limhi's people
Alma's People
27 And again Alma commanded that the people of the church should impart of their substance, every one according to that which he had; if he have more abundantly he should impart more abundantly; and of him that had but little, but little should be required; and to him that had not should be given.28 And thus they should impart of their substance of their own free will and good desires towards God, and to those priests that stood in need, yea, and to every needy, naked soul. (Mosiah 18)
Limhi's People
17 Now there was a great number of women, more than there was of men; therefore king Limhi commanded that every man should impart to the support of the widows and their children, that they might not perish with hunger; and this they did because of the greatness of their number that had been slain. (Mosiah 21)
By failing to serve, we make the word of God ineffectual:
10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.12 And ye suffer him [the man intending to serve] no more to do ought for his father or his mother;13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. (Mark 7)
Although the Lord is referring to the tradition of the Pharisees and how it has corrupted the word of God, Christ illustrates that the word of God is made active by rendering assistance to others. Given this causal relationship, this means that failure to assist others makes the word of God ineffectual.
28:3 -- Example of Charity
The sons of Mosiah provide a model for what charity looks like. Charity, as defined by Moroni, is as follows
...charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (Moroni 7:45)
Charity is thus more than just being loving or kind, but is encompasses a range of attitudes and character. The key phrase for us is the line seeketh not her own. A person who has charity cares more about the welfare of others than him or herself.
The sons of Mosiah demonstrate this kind of love. Being the sons of king Mosiah, they left their lifestyle to go and teach the Lamanites. As sons of kings, it's reasonable to assume that they had a comfortable lifestyle. Maybe not as opulent as sons of kings in other countries, but the sons of Mosiah were not poor or destitute. But they left all this for 14 years (see Alma 17) to teach the Lamanites. And this they did because they desired that "salvation should be declared to every creature" because "they could not bear than any human soul should perish."
This is the love we have to have to be true followers of Christ. And this is because charity embodies the love of Christ. The definition of charity provided by Moroni describes the character of Christ to a T.
This is why Paul stated that the most important gift to seek for is the gift of charity (see 1 Corinthians 13:1-13).
Charity is a Gift
There is a reason why charity is called a gift. This is because it's only be God's grace that we can develop this type of love. We can't develop charity on our own. Instead, charity is developed over time as the Spirit works in our and changes our character.
This happened to the sons of Mosiah
...the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble. And thus did the Spirit of the Lord work upon them... (Mosiah 28:2-3)
This is what occurred to Enos. After receiving a remission of sins and thus receiving the Spirit, he heart changed. First, he prayed for his people. But overtime his heart turned to his enemies and their welfare.
We'll also learn that Alma also had this kind of love and it was shown when relinquished the judgment seat to teach the word of God, suffering hunger, imprisonment, and afflictions of all kinds.
28:4 -- The Spirit of the Lord Worked Upon Them
How did the sons of Mosiah change to be consecrated disciples of the Lord? It was through the reception of the Spirit. Although modern treatments, such as therapy and counseling, can be helpful in understanding ourself. Moreover, allowing a person to expose our character is beneficial.
But therapy and counseling are supplements, not replacements, for changing one's character. The change of character occurs by reception of the Spirit, which, if allowed, will continue to sanctify the individual. Such as was the case with the sons of Mosiah.
28:7 -- Many Shall Believe
Faith is operative on receiving promises. In verse 7, the Lord promises the sons of Mosiah that "many will believe." Having this promise, they can exercise trust in the Lord to bring the promise about. This is often how faith is expressed -- by receiving a promise from God and trusting in its fulfillment. Thus the sons of Mosiah went to the land of Nephi with hope (confident expectation) that the will have success.
28:11-17: Plates of Gold
See the post "Commentary for the Book of Mormon: Mosiah 7-10" for explanation about the significance of the the gold plates.
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