For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matt 6:21)
Abinadi, having given his all for the truth, had only one direct convert to the truth. He never saw the fruits of this seed which was planted in the good ground. Through the efforts of Abinadi and Alma the Elder, 450 people were baptized. Later Alma would organize a church in Zarahemla, which church would endure until the destruction of the Nephite Nation.
There are a couple of things that stand out to me in this passage (Mosiah 17-20):
1. The Priesthood of God. Whenever the scriptures mentions that someone acted "with power and authority" that is a direct reference to the Priesthood of God. These things were clearly understood. The Priesthood is not a group of men who have been ordained to perform certain offices. The offices are actually appendages to the Priesthood. The Priesthood, in LDS usage, refers to the power and authority to act in the name of God. The worthy priesthood holder is literally authorized to perform ordinances, give blessings, and speak and prophecy in the sacred name of God. This authority is of vital importance. We, proxy-like, stand in for Him and do the things He would do if He were here.
This is important for several reasons. First, it allows us, as men, to bless others - literally and metaphorically. Holding the priesthood of God is a call to serve others. We do this by placing our hands on their heads and bestowing blessings of healing, comfort, and peace. We also have the opportunity as members of quorums and Church unit organizations to serve the temporal and spiritual needs of others. This differs from other service clubs or organizations in that we do so out of a Christian mandate to love and serve others, seeking no reward, standing in the place of God Himself - lifting others burdens that they may be light.
Second, it gives authority to blessings and ordinances performed. Service rendered by any other means or method is not considered valid, in the way that a police officer will not consider valid a hand-written driver's license, no matter how well intentioned the issuer and how proficient the operator. There is power in this Priesthood, power that is generally denied in the world at large. This denial causes a reduction in the amount of blessings available to the world, and the world suffers because of it.
Finally, the Priesthood gives us a structure and organization that is clear and transparent. We can know where we are and to whom we are responsible. Ultimately, we are each individually accountable to God. But here on earth, there is also an accounting that is required and the organization of the Church helps with this. Further, when a person, family, ward, or stake needs assistance, the organization of the Church stands ready to assist. We are a covenant people, and the oath and covenant belonging to the Priesthood brings sacred responsibilities, obligations, and blessings. As mentioned above, the Priesthood is at its most basic level a call to serve. The organization helps make efficient use of men and efforts to bring about the most good. It is inspired and inspiring to behold.
2. The baptismal covenants. As members of this Church, we cannot be passive in our duties and responsibilities. We have a very sacred obligation to care for each other, to strengthen each other, and to love each other. We must be one, having our hearts knit together in unity and love. I love that symbolism. This holds true of individuals as much as families and ward units. It also holds true for us as people, nations, and society.
3. The power of women/the weakness of men. It is not difficult to note how weak and fickle men are, and how steady and wonderful women are. Throughout this passage, and really throughout the entire Book of Mormon, it is clear that the women possess an excellent ability to affect events around them in positive ways. The men are the ones who usually mess things up. Even when women are mentioned in a negative light, it is usually the men who have contributed to this state. Women represent all that is good and sacred, pure and unsullied, clean and holy. They are the repository for the culture of a nation, instilling in all the desire to become more refined, more dignified, more gentle, and more exalted. God be praised for the righteous women in our lives!
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