Friday, July 4, 2008

The final admonition Mormon 7:1-7

1 AND now, behold, I would speak somewhat unto the remnant of this people who are spared, if it so be that God may give unto them my words, that they may know of the things of their fathers; yea, I speak unto you, ye remnant of the house of Israel; and these are the words which I speak:
2 Know ye that ye are of the house of Israel.
3 Know ye that ye must come unto repentance, or ye cannot be saved.
4 Know ye that ye must lay down your weapons of war, and delight no more in the shedding of blood, and take them not again, save it be that God shall command you.
5 Know ye that ye must come to the knowledge of your fathers, and repent of all your sins and iniquities, and believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God, and that he was slain by the Jews, and by the power of the Father he hath risen again, whereby he hath gained the victory over the grave; and also in him is the sting of death swallowed up.
6 And he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead, whereby man must be raised to stand before his judgment-seat.
7 And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the world, whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day hath it given unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of happiness which hath no end.

(Book of Mormon | Mormon 7:1 - 7)

If you could give one last speech/sermon for the benefit of future generations what would it be? Mormon, a warrior prophet, gives his final admonition in this chapter. His days have been spent crying repentance to his people, and leading them in battle against their foes.
I wonder if at this point he looked back on his life and thought that he wasn’t very successful in either endeavor? What he does know is that he has been faithful in keeping the commandments in very difficult situations. Despite the chaos and turmoil that surrounded his existence he was able to raise at least one son that was true to the faith.
Isn’t that what matters? I can be a failure in just about every way that the world would define that term, but if I’m a success with the Lord, what else could I want?
I for one, give thanks to brave men like Mormon who fill me with hope and a desire to be a better me.

No comments: