Alma 30-35 my thoughts

   The first chapter in my reading starts off with the story of Korihor who is someone who is called an "anti-Christ" he is someone who is actively trying to convince people to turn away from their faith in Jesus.  This reading made me think a lot. Mentally I saw a lot of comparison between himself and Alma the younger who also went around trying to tear down the faith of others. 

   I also compared it to my life and my own experiences in coming to understand the gospel and to have my own conversion to Christ. 

Korihor and Alma the younger were both going against what they were taught so why is one a great Mormon hero and why is one an example of what not to do? The answer I think is: their hearts.  After having each a powerful spiritual experience telling them they were in the wrong, Alma the younger changed his ways. Alma the younger became a powerful missionary for good.  Korihor on the other hand, did not. He was rendered speechless because he would have gone back to trying to ruin the church if his ability to talk was restored. His heart was in a place to do Evil.  How does this relate to us in modern days? 

Are there people around us who are inside or outside of the church trying to tear down others beliefs? Absolutely! So how do we know, how do I know how to go? The answer is ask with sincere humility. 

We can ask in church to clarify questions we may have. We can ask about anything. Keep in mind you might get different answers, each person gives according to their experience and knowledge.  We can study the scriptures and read the words of the prophets and see where we can get further information. All of that is not enough though! We need to be humble and to ask the Lord. 

He created us and ultimately it is our responsibility to get to know God and what he wants us to do.  We are here and given personal agency and we will have to answer for ourselves.  If we get upset or offended because someone gave us bad advice and we lose our faith, that is up to us. We have to be humble enough not to be reactionary and paitent enough to get answers from the spirit.  There is a funny quote from Brigham Young: 

We live in a day and age where people get their feelings hurt and they get offended by everything, especially online. We don't hear enough people trying to see the other persons point of view, or being humble enough to ask questions. Then even fewer people these days turn to God and ask him for answers and guidance. 

    I can't change the world, I can only change myself. There was a time where I wasn't active in the church and I was very vocal about it. I did many things the prophets and apostles said not to do.  It took an "Alma the younger experience" to humble me.  I am glad I turned my heart over to God and I changed my life. I hope to never feel as empty and alone as I did before I came to know Christ. 

Above is the picture of Christ teaching in the temple. Those grown and wise men also had to be humble and teachable enough to listen. Sometimes lessons come is different shapes and sizes and we need to be able to recognize them when they come. 

Our relationship with God is the most important thing we can do in this life. We can't change others, we can't save anyone, but we can make sure we are teachable and humble enough to let the Lord in our life and to look to him for our salvation. 

This is my thoughts, feelings and impressions about Alma 30-35. I would love to hear yours.

Sincerely, Lori Hatfield