Moroni 1-6

I love Moroni. I love the gems of wisdom he has left for us to indulge our thoughts; however, I think that I love his example best. One of my top, top, top--favorite parts of all The Book of Mormon happens in verse 2 & 3 of Moroni chapter 1. It says, "For behold, their wars are exceedingly fierce among themselves and because of their hatred they put to death every Nephite that will not deny the Christ. And I, Moroni, will not deny the Christ; wherefore, I wander whithersoever I can for the safety of mine own life.

His example creates awe in my heart, and I long to be like him. I want to always stand for truth and righteousness. I want to stand firm against any trial. I want to be able to die for my Savior, because of the testimony ingrained in my heart. At this moment, I know I am not where I need to be spiritually in order for me to be like Moroni, but I have a lifetime to perfect it, and I won't stop...

In chapter 6, it speaks of this desire I am trying to articulate. In verse 4 it reads, "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 is the author and finisher of their faith."

As we rely on Christ, our faith becomes more pure, and we become His. He is the author and the finisher of my faith. In Him I have trusted, and in Him, I will continue to trust. He lifts me. He guides me. And he loves me to the end. Oh, how marvelous my Savior is to me. How sweet is my joy. For I know that He is the reason for my joy, and for my strength.

This last year as I lost my second brother to death, I know He has carried me. I know He continues to carry me. And I have no doubt that as I rely on Him, all will be well.

Conversations

Pahoran: A Mighty Example

Today I was talking to a friend about every day life situations. We talked about Pahoran, and how he wasn't offended when Moroni censored him in the Book of Mormon. I think Pahoran is my guide in the scriptures. He is the answer to putting off the natural man. If I were to honestly evaluate how I would react if someone wrote me a letter accusing me of doing something I had not, and then demanded that I repent--I think I may have been a bit angry. Actually...I know I would have been. I can hope that I may have handled myself like Pahoran after my frustration subsided--that is my hope. I hope the Savior is in my life enough that I could have and I would have done what Pahoran did. I don't know if I would have, but because I have Pahoran as an example, I know that I can pray to rise above the every day accusations now. I have a choice to allow myself to be offended, or to do as Pahoran and say, "it matterth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart" (Alma 61:9). Can you imagine? "I rejoice in the greatness of your heart" (Alma 61:9). Talk about seeing things from a different perspective. In all honesty, what really matters anyway? Our every day misunderstandings will seem so insignificant in the whole scheme of things. They seem so REAL now, but when life is said and done--I know I will want to be able to look back on the story of my life and see that I acted as Pahoran would have acted. After all, I'm writing that story, so I have a choice!