Tonight I’m writing because I need to, and I hope to write more as time goes on. I find that by writing down my thoughts I come closer to discovering myself and learning who I am. Too often I lose myself and forget why I’m here and what my eternal goals are.
As I was reading in the Book of Mormon tonight, I came across Alma 62:51, “And they did pray unto the Lord their God continually, insomuch that the Lord did bless them, according to his word, so that they did wax strong and prosper in the land.”
This is the penultimate verse in a lengthy account of Moroni, Helaman, and Paharon fighting against the Lamanites and the Kingmen. The Lamanites have been driven from the land and many of the Nephite dissenters have been converted back to the Lord. The Nephite civilization is prospering once again and have reached what I consider a pinnacle in their livelihood and prosperity.
What catches my attention most about the verse is the small section that says, “…the Lord did bless them, according to his word…”
It’s evident in the scriptures that the Lord is always honest and true to His word. When He says you’ll be blessed, you’ll be blessed. When He says you’ll be destroyed, well, He does that too (though He always provides ample opportunities for repentance).
I ask myself, When have I been blessed according to God’s word? As I ponder that question, I realize I am blessed substantially every day with health, family, a clear mind and a desire to succeed, and countless other generosities. To me, the greater question is when haven’t I been blessed and why? When it comes down to it, any blessings I haven’t received have been because I lack faith both in myself and in the outcome. That’s something I want to change, big time.
With greater faith comes a greater conviction. With a greater conviction my integrity increases. As my integrity increases my desire to do what’s right strengthens, and as I do what’s right I become a true disciple of Christ.
The idea of being rewarded for righteous behavior seems nice, but I hope that in time my conviction goes beyond Pavlovian instincts and my actions and desires are driven not by fear and reward, but by a pure love for the Master. I believe the only way to have that pure love is to learn to trust Him, align my desires with His desires, study His life and teachings, and most of all, do as He would do.
Time and time again we have been promised great blessings for our righteous desires and actions, and always according to His word, it is done.
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