“In [4th Nephi], Mormon records
his own life and history. It consists of 9 chapters and contains much of
sorrow, bloodshed, wars and wickedness. In fact, Mormon was asked, at age 15,
to serve as the commander-in-chief of all the Nephite armies. This is indeed a compliment
to him, but it could also be a sad commentary on what wickedness had done to
the men in his nation.
We are told that the word, “Mormon,”
means “more good.” See History of the Church, volume 5, pages 399-400. Mormon
certainly exemplified his noble name.
Before we study the 9 chapters in
his book, we will take time to consider how this humble prophet survived in
such a wicked environment and maintained his courage and his spirituality.
There are many lessons for us in the principles taught by Mormon’s life.
We will list 6 steps, out of many,
which we find in this book, and will narrow our approach down to “How to
survive when your world is falling apart all around you,” using Mormon as our
example. We will quote from his writings to support each step.
HOW TO SURVIVE WHEN
YOUR WORLD
IS FALLING APART ALL
AROUND YOU
Step
1 (Mormon 1:15). Gain your own strong testimony of the gospel: “I was visited
of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus.”
Step
2 (Mormon 1:5, 2:17): Personal, strict obedience to righteous commitments,
covenants, etc: “I remembered the things which Ammaron commanded me [in Mormon 1:3-4]. I had gone according
to the word of Ammaron, and taken the plates of Nephi, and did make a record
according to the words of Ammaron.”
Step
3 (Mormon 2:19): Confidence in your personal standing with God: “I know that I
shall be lifted up at the last day.”
Step
4 (Mormon 3:11): Allow for “time out” when things become overwhelming,
realizing that you will try again later, after you’ve regained strength: “I,
Mormon, did utterly refuse from this time forth to be a commander and a leader
of this people, because of their wickedness and abomination.”
Step
5 (Mormon 5:1-2). Try again, and keep trying, even though there may seem to be
little or no hope of success, because of seemingly “impossible” people. It is
Christlike to keep trying with people: “I did go forth among the Nephites, and
did repent of the oath which I had made that I would no more assist them; …But
behold, I was without hope.”
Step
6 (Mormon 7:1). Love your enemies. Desire good for them. Do good for them. Such
feelings and actions provide stability and are a means to spiritual survival
for one’s self: “AND now, behold, I would speak somewhat unto the remnant of
this people who are spared [the Lamanites, the bitter enemies of Mormon who
have virtually destroyed his people] if it so be that God may give unto them my
words, that they may know of the things of their fathers [the gospel of Christ,
which their ancestors had]; yea, I speak unto you…”
As stated above, Mormon is a
wonderful example of someone who maintained his spirituality and Christlike
attributes while surrounded by terrible wickedness and insensitivity to
spiritual things.”
-David
J Ridges, “The Book of Mormon Made Easier” Part Three: Helaman through Moroni,
pg 237-8
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