A Study of the Book of Mormon

 Mosiah 18:13-17 Reading these verses have brought to my mind the memory of a particular baptism from my mission. This experience is noteworthy because of the great sacrifices that were made to see it brought about, but the results were unequivocally positive. When the work of the Lord is done the right way, the Spirit of the Lord accompanies it. This account at the waters of Mormon was done the right way. Thus is the account found in the scriptures. And what is the right way to do the work of the Lord? It is to do so with gentleness, kindness, meekness, and love unfeigned, when we entreat others softly with tones of sweet persuasion. It is to sacrifice greatly, and yet to be so endowed with spiritual power that the sacrifice seems hardly noteworthy of the blessings obtained.

Mosiah 18:11-12 I currently am serving in a presidency for a church calling. I have been blessed to observe the preparation of other members of the presidency as they have taken seriously their assignments, and are working to have the Spirit of the Lord with them. I wonder if my own approach has been perhaps a bit too casual.  Alma began the work of baptizing those that were found with him at the waters of Mormon with this sober plea: "O Lord, pour out thy Spirit upon thy servant, that he may do this work with holiness of heart." ( vs. 12 ) I am in need of this instruction this morning because, though I am willing to do the work of the Lord, I am perhaps too casual in my approach, expecting that the work and will of the Lord will be done, merely for "attending" to my duties without sufficient preparation or prayer and supplication in connection with these duties. We read in the scriptures, and in the testimonies of the prophets about spiritual gifts that accompany t...