Almost as if it were a testimonial of Elder Perry’s formula which declared that 90% of the time we spend ministering will be spent on the troubled 10% for whom we have stewardship, Alma’s blessing to wayward son Corianton occupy four chapters of his writings.
The fact that Alma wrote down his complete counsel to his son Corianton, that these words then passed the editorial finger of the Lord and that Mormon took the time and effort to inscribe them upon the plates of gold, should be an indication of their importance to all who have been placed in ministering stewardships. I believe the words of this blessing should especially be significant to all who have been given the blessing of having the ministering stewardship of parenthood.
I have chosen to present the words in these chapters as if I were writing Life's Lessons Learned while listening to Alma give this blessing to his son Corianton. (A practice I have enjoyed since receiving an admonition from Elder Scott when Kathleen and I were serving in Colombia which have now been compiled into published volumes and which I share daily on Face Book.)
Parents would be wise to make their offspring aware – of the steadfast – diligent – and – faithful examples which they would benefit from following!!
Parents need to help their children understand – that exaggerating ones own strengths – and – abilities in relationships is a negative characteristic – or – as the Chinese proverb says – the nail that sticks up will be knocked down!!
Parents need to be aware of the wayward steps their children take from the gospel path – and – make them help them understand the consequences of poor choices!!
Parents need to assure their children – that no matter how far they may have wandered from the gospel path – there is always a way back!!
The omniscience of God is a reality – and – our bad choices cannot be hid from him!!
There is no such thing as someone being an island unto themselves – but – our actions will always affect the lives of others!!
Those whom we minister to – must know how seriously we take our stewardship – and – how converted – committed – and convicted we are to fulfilling the missions we have been given!!
Confession of our wrong choices is not only comforting – but – is an essential step in avoiding the eternal consequences of our poor choices!!
We should strive to set our goals on eternal blessings – rather than on temporal riches!!
Setting ones mind upon the ministry to which they have been appointed – will aid us in faithfully abiding on the path leading unto Eternal blessings!!
Parents must make sure that their children understand – that all souls are precious unto God – including their own!!
Since all mankind in all ages are precious unto God – He has ministered unto them during all of this earth’s eras!!
The life and Atonement of Jesus the Christ – assured mankind that all mortality would put on immortality!!
The life and Atonement of Jesus the Christ – assured mankind that all corruption would put on incorruption!!
The life and Atonement of Jesus the Christ – assured mankind that there is a time appointed for
every one of Heavenly Father’s children to come forth from mortal death – and be resurrected unto Eternal Life!!
There is a space of time between ones mortal death – and – the time of resurrection unto Eternal life – which is unique to every soul!!
Since God is an Eternal Being – and – all time is as one moment – the time of each child’s resurrection is all the present with Him!!
At the time of our mortal death – all return to God – and – are assigned unto a place where the work and glory of God – will continue upon them until their appointed time of resurrection!!
The term resurrection refers to the reuniting – and – perfecting of the spirit and the body!!
One of the most important concepts we must learn – is that the words of God are unalterable!!
One of the unalterable truths of God – is that wickedness never is happiness!!
All that we are becoming – during all the stages of our lives – will be restored unto us at the time of our resurrection!!
The characteristic of mercy means – that we deal justly with others!!
The characteristic of mercy means – that we judge others righteously!!
The characteristic of mercy means – that we do good continually!!
Every characteristic of Godliness – which we use in our ministerings – shall be restored unto us!!
The fall brought upon man both the temporal – as well as – a spiritual death!!
Sometime during our probationary stages – prior to the final resurrection – we will come to the understanding that even though God is Omni-just – we can only expect His mercy to match our penitence!!
We should pray that the understanding of God’s justice – and – mercy sinks deep into our hearts – and – strips us of pride and brings us down unto humility!!
I am grateful that in chapter 48 of Alma verses 18-20, it records that all of the sons of Alma and the sons of Mosiah, were men of God. We can hope, and I choose to believe, that just like his father, Alma the Son of Alma, Corianton choose to follow the example and admonition of his father and after repenting went forth to preach the word of God. I want to believe this to be true because it is a wonderful testimony that when someone has the opportunity to spend 90% of their time ministering to someone in the 10% category their efforts can bear good fruit.
One last thought for this week’s Thought, would be that it might be an edifying exercise if sometimes we studied the scriptures writing Life's Lessons Learned.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
❣️THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO ➡️ HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE ➡️ INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY❣️ = 💞THE GOOD LIFE💞
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