Where are you going, and why do you want to be there?

Oh, how I love the Book of Mormon. As this semester I am taking a math class, let me just reiterate: I love the Book of Mormon!

“And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery; 

“Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.

“Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.” (Alma 48:11-13)

::swoon:: Here it is, ladies, the description of the perfect man. And it just gets better from there:  

“Yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.” (Alma 48:17)

Seriously, he sounds like an amazing guy. Now, mind you, he was CAPTAIN Moroni, and battles were his specialty, though not because he enjoyed bloodshed. He was known for stopping a battle when it was clear that he and his army had gained the upper hand, offering peace to their opponents if they would put down their weapons and covenant to no longer come after his people to do them harm. Sometimes he would get a “yes,” but sometimes he would get a “no,” and the battle would continue. It is clear from reading that Moroni’s heart hurt at the thought of killing his opponents because he viewed them as fellow children of God.

October 2001 General Conference was just weeks after 9/11. Pres. Hinckley spoke to us, comforting us because we were afraid and sad. It was a time we really needed to hear from a prophet of God, and he did not disappoint. What a blessing we have to have a living prophet who leads the Lord's church and encourages us not to give up.

Moroni lived in a very interesting time. He was valiant, and his reputation lasted at least 500 years until the time of Mormon. We need more heroes in our world, but I digress. Moroni was not alone in his sterling character during his time. He was blessed to be here with the likes of Helaman, who seemed to be continually humbled and nearly overcome with emotion because of his association with the 2,060 young men he took under his wing and who fought with great courage and great faith. Their faith was so great in the things they had been taught by their mothers that they did not fear death. They might even have been surprised that they survived, but that was beside the point, in their eyes.

My favorite interaction, though, was that between Moroni and Pahoran. While Moroni was filled with great courage as well as great wisdom and cunning in battle, he was also a good man. He valued his freedom, his family, the right for all of them to worship as they chose, and he never lost sight of those values. Pahoran was back at home governing the city. When Moroni was getting frustrated because Pahoran was not sending the supplies and reinforcements they desperately needed, he wrote a passionate letter that came just short of calling Pahoran names. And Pahoran’s response was one we should all read over and over again. Pahoran recognized the tone of Moroni’s letter, and he felt bad about failing Moroni. But Pahoran patiently explained the difficulties that had befallen their city, urging Moroni to get reinforcements to them as soon as possible. He acknowledged how angry Moroni was, but he did not take offense. 

In response, Moroni rejoiced to learn that he had been mistaken, that Pahoran was still with them and had not forsaken them. He did exactly what Pahoran had requested, and they were victorious. Both Moroni and Pahoran were strong men, great leaders. But neither man was focused on power or glory. Instead, each continued to be focusing on the values they had acknowledged from the beginning.

How foolish we must look to those folks. Many of us take offense so easily. Let us be valiant for courage. Let us look at what priorities we have in our lives and put all the energy of our souls into those priorities.

I love the Book of Mormon. I can’t wait to (re)read what happens next!