The Cycle

Cycles are used to describe many things. The cycle of life, geographical cycles, climate cycles and so on. However, I will focus on one very important cycle: the pride cycle. The pride cycle can be identified throughout the Book of Mormon. In Helaman we read a little about the pride cycle: "And it came to pass...that they did wax stronger and stronger in their pride, and in their wickedness; and thus they were ripening again for destruction." (Helaman 11: 37) After a person has become prideful they often fall into sin and wickedness which ultimately leads to destruction. At that point, depending on the type of person, one continues in their pride, wickedness and sorrow or they humble themselves, repent and are happy. Nonetheless, all of this can be avoided. Pride is a common result of prosperity in wealth, knowledge or many other areas. Rather than becoming prideful, we can humble ourselves and thank God for our prosperity. In this way the pride, wickedness and destruction is averted and instead we continue in humility, repentance and happiness.

The Wrong and the Right Way

   This week we read of Alma and his companions go to preach unto a wicked people, the Zoramites. When they came unto the city of the Zoramites they beheld a very strange practice. Alma and his brethren found the Zoramites praying to God, but they soon realized that it was not a correct prayer. Later on, Alma offers a prayer of his own which allows us to compare a righteous prayer verse an apostate or incorrect prayer. (Alma 31)
   The Zoramites had built a tall structure which was big enough for only one person to enter. The purpose of this stand was that only one person could be lifted up to pray to God. (Alma 31: 13, 14) Whereas Alma "lifted up his voice to heaven." (Alma 31: 26) We don't need any special stand to raise us up closer to heaven, by merely praying to the Lord and lifting up our voices we can speak with God.
    The Zoramites continue in their prayer by expressing their own pride and arrogance. They continually thank God that they are better and smarter than others. (Alma 31: 16, 17 - 18) Alma, however, prays for the well being of his brethren(Alma 31: 27 - 29) to the extent that his soul is in pain and he feels sorrowful for their wickedness. (Alma 31: 30-31) Likewise, in our prayers we shouldn't only talk about ourselves but we need to pray for others and have empathy for them.
   The Zoramite prayer was also repeated the exact same way each time but whats more is when they concluded their prayers they would not even mention God until they met again to pray the next week. (Alma 31: 23) Whereas, Alma in his prayer was very specific praying for his brethren and then strengthening them so that they could go and preach about God unto the Zoramites. We cannot merely fill our allotted time to God and expect our prayers to be answered. Neither should we focus on ourselves, that is not the purpose of being Christian, we need to think of others and pray also for their wellbeing. Also, Alma and his brethren were blessed according to his prayer because he prayed with faith. (Alma 31: 38) As we remember God in all we do and offer up our prayers in faith for more than just our own needs we will receive the strength and blessings that are needed, even as Alma and his brethren did.

Receiving Help

   In the book of Mosiah there is a group of Nephites placed under bondage by the Lamanaites. In Mosiah 21: 5 we read that it was impossible for them to deliver themselves from bondage. Nonetheless they attempt to fight against their oppressors the Lamanites not only once but three times! Each time they fail miserably and many of the Nephites are killed as they are not capable of contending with such a foe. We often find ourselves in similar situations, although we contend spiritually rather than physically. Sin is our constant enemy and often times we think that we can deliver ourselves out of this "bondage". The bondage of sin includes having actually committed a serious sin or merely resisting the day to day temptations. Either way we cannot deliver ourselves out of either one, at least not alone. In Mosiah 21: 14 the Nephites humble themselves and turn to the Lord to deliver them form their bondage. As they do so the Lord hears them and helps them to flee to safety and freedom. Similarly, as we turn to the Lord he will be able to deliver us from our modern day bondage. As we ask in humble prayer we will receive forgiveness for our sins and strength to resist temptation.

Learning from the Past

   Despite being written hundreds and hundreds of years ago, the scriptures still apply to us today. This is evident in Mosiah 19: 11. Although the application was not obvious to me the first time I read it the application became clear this week. The chapter occurs during the reign of the wicked king Noah over his people whom he has led to sin. At this point in time the Nephites are under attack by the Lamanites. The attack came as a surprise and the Nephites were unprepared to fight so the Nephite people are fleeing from them. As they are fleeing King Noah tells the men to leave their wives and children behind. The chaos and the survival instincts of many of the men causes them to follow his words. They ultimately leave behind their families to be murdered so that they do not get killed. Satan continues to employ such selfish enticing’s today in our world. He invites both men and women to leave behind their families, or even never have a family, and to instead seek out the pleasure and riches of this life. Although it may seem harmless at first, we can learn from the Nephite men who left their families. When the Nephite men escape being murdered, they realize that they left behind what was most precious to them and that they no longer have anything to live for. So, they seek to fight to the death against the Lamanites. Fortunately, their families have not been killed but they still must repent of their wrongdoings. A life of sin often leads many to put themselves as a priority. But, when everything is said and done they realize that what they thought was valuable turns out to be worthless. Fortunately, as we repent of our sins we can become more selfless and more Christ like.