Mosiah Ch4

Installment 3 of King Benjamin's address to his people. He speaks of salvation, retaining the remission of sins through faith, and Christ like attributes. The focus of retaining a remission of sin is very important because many people forget the enduring to the end part of salvation and following Christ.

After the last part of his address in which he quoted the words of an angel of The Lord, the multitude had a rude awakening in which they saw themselves as they were in sin (v1-2). They pleaded for forgiveness and being filled with the Spirit, experienced peace and joy at recieving a remission for their sins (v3). Now that they are converted and repented of their previous sins, Ben starts to speak to remind them of their lowliness before God (v4-5). They realize the goodness of God for giving the atonement and salvation through our Savior (v6-8). 

Having a belief in God brings a belief in His wisdom and the ability for us to repent and be motivated unto action (v9-10). If you come to the knowledge that these people have come to, which is of the love and power of God, remember it always (v11). Humble yourselves daily in prayer and faith to always be filled with the love of God and grow in knowledge of His goodness (v12). When we come to know the nature of God and how to follow him and receive salvation, the act of becoming like Him is the solution to following Him.

Be peacemakers, raise children in righteousness, administer to the needy, and serve others (v13-16). Some people may think to themselves that the poor has brought misery upon themselves and deserves his punishment (v17). How vain, evil, and uncaring those who think that are! Change your thoughts before they become action and habit (v18). We are all beggars and depend on God for everything we have, and He would not let us beg in vain (v19-20).

I've seen some very awesome videos shared on social media of people helping those in need. Those who spread evidence of their acts of kindness are more Christlike than many who are all talk. God has granted us what we have asked for and asks us to share with those in need without judgement or condemnation (v21-22). After all, it's only worldly items that we cannot take with us when we die, what's the price of saving your soul (v23)?

Don't get ahead of yourself though, if you aren't able to give to the poor because you lack means yourself, you're not a terrible person! Your heart holds your true desires and like in v24-25, if your desire is to give but you cannot, you remain guiltless. There are still other ways to serve that don't pertain to money, for example giving of your time, feeding someone spiritually, being a friend or a nice stranger (v26).

Do these all in wisdom and order mainly because if you run yourself to the point past your limits, you can't help anyone else (v27). There are so many ways to commit sin, so many, but keeping your thoughts in check and having pure intentions is the main way to avoid sin (v28-29). If you know Christ's character it is easy to watch your thoughts because they become your words, then your actions and turn into habits which define your character and soon, it is your destiny (v30). 

*that last part I have thanks to one of my favorite institute teachers sharing the words of Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher*