Suffering of Amulek

I was reading the account of Alma and Amulek today, and I was touched by the sacrifice that Amulek made. In the account, we are not entirely sure if his wife and children were killed with the other women and children in the scorching fire; however, we do know that he left Ammonihah alone with only Alma as a companion. Therefore, we can assume that his family either chose to turn their back on the teachings of the Lord, or they were also consumed by the fire. We do know in Alma 15:16 that his kindred and father turned their backs on the teachings as it states that he was rejected of them. Still, I wonder about his immediate family--his wife and children. Either way--Amulek's sacrifice to the gospel is one to be recognized. As I read this morning, I couldn't help but think if I were in his situation, would I have responded similarly? Is my testimony strong enough that the Lord would come first despite the sacrifice? Our families are our everything--as well they should be; however, the Lord should be even more.

Another thought I had this morning was the comparison of the women and children in the fire and that of Zeezrom and Amulek's perception. What if Amulek's family was amongst the women and children burned? And then to come to the city of Sidom and see Zeezrom "scorched with a burning heat" because of his sins. A group of people scorched without any sin, and then a man scorched that had grave sins hanging over him. The group of people without sin were not saved by the Lord, but then Zeezrom was saved by the Lord. I can't imagine the thoughts that Amulek must have had to process as he contemplated the differences. I think it would be difficult to not desire the same result for those women and children as Zeezrom received. With that being said, in the account, Amulek held to the course. At the end of chapter 15, the scriptures states that Alma strengthened Amulek in his tribulations.

I am grateful for Amulek and his example. To hold true to God despite not only being ridiculed by his loved ones, but also after watching those same people be destroyed in one way or another--would take great spiritual fortitude. I want to be strong in the Gospel, so strong that the every day little mundane experiences cannot and will not pull me away. What Amulek faced was far greater than anything I have ever faced, and yet he held true. There are so many other smaller situations that seem to cause us to lose sight of what matters most. I want to have the spiritual fortitude to never lose sight of my God.