Mosiah 26:34-39
Studying the previous verses in both English and Spanish, I was impressed with the truth that only a disciple of Christ could be asked to makes judgments on behave of others. That is, only someone who truly understands and sees that it is Christ that leads this great work and not themselves (that will walk circumspectly and humbly before God) has the perspective to deal with such weightier matters as judgment and mercy (see Matt 23:23). These verses don't directly state that such was the case with Alma, but it is absolutely impossible to conclude otherwise and the reminder is so very important on this topic in particular.
To be excommunicated or cut off from the Church and kingdom of God on the earth is not a trivial matter. I have always understood it to be a tool designed to aide in the repentance process. In these verses, it not only allowed those who would not repent to be separated from the Church, it created a distinction by which others could recognize that they had sinned.
The final verses explains an attitude that is important to be adopted by all true disciples. "Alma and his fellow laborers who were over the church... did admonish their brethren, and they were also admonished, every one by the word of God, according to his sins..." (vs 38 & 39, emphasis added) Among the leaders of the church, there were none that esteemed themselves as perfected, or better than, or above the word of God. Devoid of pride, every good leader realizes that there is always personal room for improvement. This is why verse 39 also concludes by explaining that these same leaders were "commanded of God to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all things."
Side Thought: I am astounded at the reality of the doctrines of Christ and how it was that they were compiled in a day and age when there were no technological advances. How could such a perfected and true doctrine exist in ancient time except it be the word of God? This thought was impressed upon me as I went to conclude my study with prayer and then realized that there was a related doctrine that I had overlooked that was already woven in to the verse in question. Nothing is here by accident.
Studying the previous verses in both English and Spanish, I was impressed with the truth that only a disciple of Christ could be asked to makes judgments on behave of others. That is, only someone who truly understands and sees that it is Christ that leads this great work and not themselves (that will walk circumspectly and humbly before God) has the perspective to deal with such weightier matters as judgment and mercy (see Matt 23:23). These verses don't directly state that such was the case with Alma, but it is absolutely impossible to conclude otherwise and the reminder is so very important on this topic in particular.
To be excommunicated or cut off from the Church and kingdom of God on the earth is not a trivial matter. I have always understood it to be a tool designed to aide in the repentance process. In these verses, it not only allowed those who would not repent to be separated from the Church, it created a distinction by which others could recognize that they had sinned.
The final verses explains an attitude that is important to be adopted by all true disciples. "Alma and his fellow laborers who were over the church... did admonish their brethren, and they were also admonished, every one by the word of God, according to his sins..." (vs 38 & 39, emphasis added) Among the leaders of the church, there were none that esteemed themselves as perfected, or better than, or above the word of God. Devoid of pride, every good leader realizes that there is always personal room for improvement. This is why verse 39 also concludes by explaining that these same leaders were "commanded of God to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all things."
Side Thought: I am astounded at the reality of the doctrines of Christ and how it was that they were compiled in a day and age when there were no technological advances. How could such a perfected and true doctrine exist in ancient time except it be the word of God? This thought was impressed upon me as I went to conclude my study with prayer and then realized that there was a related doctrine that I had overlooked that was already woven in to the verse in question. Nothing is here by accident.
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