Alma 20

Ammon and King Lamoni both tried to reach Lamoni's father, who is king over all the land. First he was hard hearted and wondered why his son was with an enemy to deliver other enemies from prison. But when he saw the love Ammon had for his son and that Ammon's desires were not to gain land or a kingdom, he was astonished exceedingly and began to be curious about the words they spoke. Meanwhile, Ammon's brethren had met with a more hardened and stiff-necked people that wouldn't listen. They suffered greatly, but with patience. Why should we each try to share the gospel? Even when we are pretty sure they will not accept it and will persecute us as a result? President Henry B. Eyring said:

“Why should I speak to anyone about the gospel who seems content? What danger is there to them or to me if I do or say nothing?“Well, the danger may be hard to see, but it is real, both for them and for us. For instance, at some moment in the world to come, everyone you will ever meet will know what you know now. They will know that the only way to live forever in association with our families and in the presence of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, was to choose to enter into the gate by baptism at the hands of those with authority from God. They will know that the only way families can be together forever is to accept and keep sacred covenants offered in the temples of God on this earth. And they will know that you knew. And they will remember whether you offered them what someone had offered you” ("A Voice of Warning").

Alma 19

"As many as heard his words believed, and were converted unto the Lord.

"But there were many among them who would not hear his words; therefore they went their way.

". . . Their hearts had been changed; that they had no more desire to do evil" (31-33).

Hearing is an active thing. You have to be willing to listen. Doing so softens and opens your heart to the Spirit. It allows for conversion to occur. When you are converted and your hearts have been changed, then you have no more desire to do evil. I think we should all aim for such a conversion that you no longer have any desire to do evil. Being converted is something that is to be done constantly. It's something you constantly maintain.

Elder Richard G. Scott quoted Marion G. Romney as saying:

“Converted means to turn from one belief or course of action to another. Conversion is a spiritual and moral change. Converted implies not merely mental acceptance of Jesus and his teachings but also a motivating faith in him and his gospel. A faith which works a transformation, an actual change in one’s understanding of life’s meaning and in his allegiance to God in interest, in thought, and in conduct. In one who is really wholly converted, desire for things contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ has actually died. And substituted therefore is a love of God, with a fixed and controlling determination to keep his commandments.” (Full Conversion Brings Happiness).

Alma 18

After Ammon had done the miraculous and kept the flocks of King Lamoni, the king wondered where Ammon was. He learned that Ammon had remembered and was following through on another bit of instruction or command from the king and he was "more astonished, because of the faithfulness of Ammon" (10). When Ammon was told that the king wanted his presence, he immediately asked, "What wilt though that I should do for thee, O king?" (14). Then later Ammon said, "What is it, that thy marvelings are so great? Behold, I am a man, and am they servant; therefore, whatsoever thou desirest which is right, that will I do" (17).

Ammon shows humility, immediate obedience and a willingness to serve, as long as it was right. Could you imagine if we were to do that? As soon as we finish one task, even if it was done so extremely well, instead of taking as break and celebrating, you immediately continue on to the next task assigned. Coworkers and bosses, friends and family would all be impressed. Especially if such dedication and service was directed towards them. Such service would soften their hearts.

Henry B. Eyring said:

"Never, never underestimate the spiritual value of doing temporal things well for those whom you serve.
". . . Be their servants, and you will love them. And they will feel your love. And more important, they will feel God’s love”" ("The Book of Mormon Will Change Your Life").

Alma 17

When you wish to teach something you must first know it. This is the same with the gospel. For all the missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for all the member missionaries, we are to know his word in order to teach it. In order to have "waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth" the sons of Mosiah had "searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God" (2).

But this isn't all that should be done. "They had given themselves to much prayer and fasting" and as a result they had the "spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God" (3).

When they fasted and prayed for the Spirit to be with them so they could be an instrument in the hands of God, they were comforted and told to go forth but be patient in long-suffering and afflictions so they can show their good examples, then they would be an instrument in the hands of God (9-11).

This is a lesson all missionaries, all who teach the gospel should know. Whether it be a missionary, a primary teacher, a Relief Society teacher, Visiting Teacher, Home Teacher, etc. 

Alma 16

Prepare the hearts to receive the word (16). How can we nurture a heart so that a testimony can take root? Either our own, or others?


We have to have a heart that loves everyone, even if you don't love their behavior or action. Sometimes this can be hard. However, as we nurture a heart that a testimony can take root in we will be able to love everyone. Nurture your own heart. Nurture the hearts of those around you. H. Burke Peterson gave some steps to help in this process:

1. Look for the good in each person, and mention it in a sincere and consistent way.
2. Create an atmosphere where judging is held in reserve until anger has subsided, until the hurt has dissipated, until all sides of an issue have been explored.
3. Listening is a part of showing love.
4. Love is spoken in prayer (Preparing the Heart).

Nurturing. It has such a role. We have to nurture our hearts so it is soft and fertile for a testimony to take root.

Alma 15

Zeezrom, one who had been antagonistic towards the church, realized his great sins and they weighed upon his mind. Alma 15:3 reads:

"And also Zeezrom lay sick at Sidom, with a burning fever, which was caused by the great tribulations of his mind on account of his wickedness, for he supposed that Alma and Amulek were no more; and he supposed that they had been slain because of his iniquity. And this great sin, and his many other sins, did harrow up his mind until it did become exceedingly sore, having no deliverance; therefore he began to be scorched with a burning heat."

I'm majoring in Marriage and Family Studies. Many people who major in this go on to become counselors for families and individuals. We know that there are cases where people should find a physician to help them with their illness, but other times they must find a psychiatrist to help with the illnesses of the mind. But our bishops and stake presidents are to help us with the illness of the spirit.

Boyd K. Packer said:

“There is another part of us, not so tangible, but quite as real as our physical body. This intangible part of us is described as mind, emotion, intellect, temperament, and many other things. Very seldom is it described as spiritual.
“But there is a spirit in man; to ignore it is to ignore reality. There are spiritual disorders, too, and spiritual diseases that can cause intense suffering.
“The body and the spirit of man are bound together. Often, very often, when there are disorders, it is very difficult to tell which is which” ("The Balm of Gilead").

Alma 14

Occasionally, people may wonder why bad things happen to good people. Spencer W. Kimball said:

“If all the sick for whom we pray were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the gospel, free agency, would be ended. No man would have to live by faith. 

“If joy and peace and rewards were instantaneously given the doer of good, there could be no evil—all would do good but not because of the rightness of doing good. There would be no test of strength, no development of character, no growth of powers, no free agency, only satanic controls. 

“Should all prayers be immediately answered according to our selfish desires and our limited understanding, then there would be little or no suffering, sorrow, disappointment, or even death, and if these were not, there would also be no joy, success, resurrection, nor eternal life and godhood” (Faith Precedes the Miracle [1973], 97).

As much as I wish that good people didn't have to experience bad things, we must in order to grow and progress. However, with the help of the Savior we can bear it. We can overcome it and progress and grow.

Alma 13

". . . Cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the day of your repentance;

"But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;

"Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest." (Alma 13:27-29)

Don't procrastinate your repentance. If there are things that need fixing in your life, begin changing them now. Be humble before the Lord. Pray and watch continually that you will not be caught unawares and so you can overcome the obstacles and be led by the Spirit. Being led by the Spirit requires more humility, meekness, submissiveness, patience, full of love and long-suffering. You should have faith on the Lord. Have a hope of eternal life. Containing the knowledge of God's love in your hearts for yourself and others. This is what we should be. If we are, we will be lifted up and find rest in God.

Alma 12

We will be judged on our words, works and thoughts (Alma 12:14).

Dallin H. Oaks said:

The prophet Nephi describes the Final Judgment in terms of what we have become: “And if their works have been filthiness they must needs be filthy; and if they be filthy it must needs be that they cannot dwell in the kingdom of God” (1 Ne. 15:33; emphasis added). Moroni declares, “He that is filthy shall be filthy still; and he that is righteous shall be righteous still” (Morm. 9:14; emphasis added; see also Rev. 22:11–12; 2 Ne. 9:16; D&C 88:35). The same would be true of “selfish” or “disobedient” or any other personal attribute inconsistent with the requirements of God. Referring to the “state” of the wicked in the Final Judgment, Alma explains that if we are condemned by our words, our works, and our thoughts, “we shall not be found spotless; … and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God” (Alma 12:14). 

From such teachings we conclude that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become. ("The Challenge to Become").

What are we striving to become? Are our actions, words, and thoughts expressing and showing that desire?

Alma 11

One of the most glorious things about the gospel of Jesus Christ is the perfect hope we have of the Resurrection. "Hope is the confident expectation of and longing for the promised blessings of righteousness. . . . In the language of the gospel, the word hope is sure, unwavering, and active. Prophets speak of having a 'firm hope' (Alma 34:41) and a 'lively hope' (1 Peter 1:3)" ("Hope").

Elaine L. Jack said, "To me hope embodies happy feelings, anticipation of good things, the best of the gospel, and zest for life. . . . It makes me sad, because a life without hope is not life—not in the gospel sense" ("A Perfect Brightness of Hope").

Could you imagine a life without hope? Could you imagine giving up on any hope? Imagine what life would be like if you gave up the hope that good things will come your way.

Alma 10

"I did harden my heart, for I was called many times and I would not hear; therefore I knew concerning these things, yet I would not know" (Alma 10:6).

How many times do we know what we should do, but don't do it or refuse to accept it? How many times are we called to act, yet we don't?

I have a motto I've mentioned before: Have a good thought? Do it!

Sometimes I get so caught up in figuring out why I should or figuring out the benefits of such an action or whatever, that I never actually do it.

Perhaps I have a thought to stop by and visit my old roommate as I walk by her apartment. But I say to myself, oh it's in the middle of the day, she's probably not there. I have lots to do, I don't have time to say hi. And many other excuses. When in truth, it would cause no harm whatsoever to stop by. Because she could be home. She could need a visit. How much time would it really take? a minute? two?

How many times are we called to serve someone else, but we don't hear? We pretend to ignore it? How many times have we walked by someone who dropped all their books and you think they've got it covered, they don't want anyone to notice, so I'll pretend it didn't happen and you walk on by without helping? You know you should help them. How often do you?

Act on the things you know you should be doing. Don't figure to do them later. Figure on doing them now. Immediately. Is there something you should be doing now? Do it. Do not procrastinate. Act now.

Why Traditions?

Traditions. I've talked about them once before back in June 2010. They are fascinating. Traditions can truly shape a family.

Donald L. Hallstorm said: "Traditions, established patterns of behavior transmitted from generation to generation, are an inherent part of culture. Our culture and its related traditions help establish our sense of identity and fill the vital human need to belong" (Cultivate Righteous Traditions).

The traditions can be positive or negative. If there are traditions that lead a family further away from the path of happiness those are bad. Then there are those traditions that can lead a family on the path of happiness.

When a new couple come together to form a new family, they should decide what traditions they wish to have. Have a reason for each tradition.

Think about Christmas. Do you open present(s) on Christmas Eve? Do you have a big Christmas dinner? On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Do you give away a present? Do you go Christmas caroling? Why do you or don't you choose to have those traditions? What do they teach your family?

When you think of what traditions you want in your family, think about what you want for your family. You might want a family that is service oriented, that has Charity for everyone. Perhaps a family that loves to read. Or a family that spends time together and can turn to each other for support. Maybe you may want a family that values music. A family that values work. A family that values developing skills.

What traditions would best serve your goals for a family? If you want a family that is service oriented, then traditions that involve serving should be created. If you want a family that values music, then come up with traditions that encourage it within your family. Perhaps you sing to your children every night. Or you play music while doing chores. Or you just always have music on and encourage musical presentations. Or some such.

Traditions. They are vital to help your family become what you wish them to be.


Here are some articles on traditions:
"Righteous Traditions" by Cheryl C. Lant
"The Traditions of Their Fathers" by James T. Duke
"Traditions Worth Keeping"

Alma 9

While reading verse 23, I thought of the phrase "for of him unto whom much is given much is required" (Doctrine and Covenants 82:3).

Sheri L. Dew said, "The Lord’s standard of behavior will always be more demanding than the world’s, but then the Lord’s rewards are infinitely more glorious—including true joy, peace, and salvation” ("We Are Women of God").

Sometimes it can be hard to do all that we are expected to do. All that we know we should be doing. But it's worth it. The Lord's rewards are always better than that of the world's. Why wouldn't we want to live up to the demands to receive them?

Alma 8

"Nevertheless Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in mighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people who were in the city; that he would also grant that he might baptize them unto repentance" (10).

We should also have mighty prayers. I've mentioned prayer before when I was blogging about Enos. But we need to remember to pray. To pray sincerely and with all our hearts. Pray for our loved ones. Pray for our enemies. Pray, remembering you are a child of God. Pray, knowing that Heavenly Father wants to hear from you. Pray, searching for wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Pray for help. Pray for forgiveness.

But pray in sincerity and with charity. Pray in faith and hope. 

In the October 2011, J. Devn Cornish said,"Prayer is one of the most precious gifts of God to man" ("The Privilege of Prayer").

We should do so. Always have a prayer in your heart. Vocalize such a prayer. Say one every morning and every night. You'll find the day goes better.

Alma 7

"And now my beloved brethren, I have said these things unto you that I might awaken you to a sense of your duty to God, that ye may walk blameless before him, that ye may walk after the holy order of God, after which ye have been received.

"And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

"And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works" (22-24).

Alma 6

"The children of God were commanded that they should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls who knew not God" (6).

I take two parts from this. We are to meet together often and we are to fasting and pray for those who do not know God. We are told to go to church every Sunday. I've done it most every Sunday since I was born. Weither we are in the middle of Nevada, weither we are camping or if I'm in Switzerland. I go to church every Sunday. If I don't, I feel like I've missed out. My week is incomplete. It's not as great as it could be. We meet for 3 hours. We strengthen each others' testimony. We learn, we grow, we recommit.

We are also to love our neighbors as ourselves. We need to remember to pray for them, and even fast. They are powerful things. It's not just our neighbors who are not members we should pray for, but each other. We know God, and are trying to know more about Him.

When we pray and fast for others, we have our thoughts turned to them and we can gain inspiration on what we can do to help.

Alma 5

"Christ changes men, and changed men can change the world."

~President Ezra Taft Benson

We are all human. That's a phrase often used to describe our flaws and imperfections. It's also a way of unifying every person; we are all human.

Another common phrase is: Everyone deserves a second chance. Sometimes there are disagreements upon the matter. Some believe people can't change. To them once a criminal, always a criminal.

Criminals are people who we may have a hard time forgiving or trusting. Perhaps we believe they can't change. But more often than not, previous actions express to the populous that we can't trust them. Especially if they are repetitive. It just builds our distrust. However, people can change. They do not have to be in such a state and it's something I believe we should remember.

It's not just criminals. It's everyone. We all make mistakes in life. We are all human. We all have a second chance. We have the opportunity to change. I'm not saying it's easy, but it is possible.

When we learn about Christ. When we have faith, when we show we have faith by praying, believing that there is someone listening, when we have faith by doing something good when it's a sacrifice to do so, a mighty change is wrought in the heart. Wrought means to be engaged in an activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result. It's not easy. But a change can happen. People can be born again. They can have their chance. If they reach out and work for it. Through Christ and his Atonement we can change.

When people change for the better, those people begin affecting the world little by little. It's that much more good on earth. But people have to choose to work to be changed. President Benson said:

“When you choose to follow Christ, you choose to be changed. . . . 

“The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature. . . . ("Born of God." Ensign, Nov. 1985).

People can change.

Alma 4

"The wickedness of the church was a great stumbling block to those who did not belong to the church" (10).

There are a many people who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are amazing people. They live righteously. They study the scriptures they have. They serve others. They exemplify Christ. We are blessed to have these people on Earth. However, as members of the Church we should be just as great if not greater, for we have been blessed with the Truth. If we do not live as followers of Christ, we who are members of his church that has been restored to the Earth, than how can we expect others to come and partake of the covenants and blessings we have been given that make us eternally happy?

Alma 3

"For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey" (Alma 3:27).

We choose our master, God or Satan. We cannot serve both (Matthew 6:24). We have to choose one or the other. You already know what your wages will be for following one or the other. So why do people choose the one that brings them disappointment and dispare?

It happens little by little. People can say "I don't feel like going to church today" and then it's harder the next week to actually go. Then the longer you are away, the harder it is to return. Being away causes you not to think of God throughout the week. As you continue to not attend, God isn't always in the forefront of your mind. Then you begin to stray just a little, then just a little more, and before you are aware of it, you are on the wrong path.

Boyd K. Packer said: “Our lives are made up of thousands of everyday choices. Over the years these little choices will be bundled together and show clearly what we value” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1980, 29; or Ensign, Nov. 1980, 21).

Make sure you do the good little things. They're vital.

Alma 2

We need to remember to pray mightily unto the Lord. We need to do all we can ourselves, and then turn to the Lord in faith and prayer, for in Him are we made strong in our weaknesses. It's in response to our faith and our exercising of it.

We should strive to be like the Nephities and Alma when they realized their lack and called out to God for physical strength. We can call out for any help, not just strength. We need to learn to rely on Him.

Alma 1

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are often persecuted or made fun of because of our beliefs. Not all the time, but frequently. Back in ancient times they were also persecuted and afflicted with all manner of words, "and this because of [the members'] humility; because they were not proud in their own eyes, and because they did impart the word of God, one with another, without money and without price" (20).

Date: It's Important

Hanging out:

"Consists of numbers of young men and young women joining together in some group activity. It is very different from dating."

Dating:

"Is pairing off to experience the kind of one-on-one association and temporary commitment that can lead to marriage in some rare and treasured cases."

(Elder Dallin H. Oaks. "Dating versus Hanging Out." Ensign, Jun 2006.)

Here are some questions for you to ponder: How many times have you done something this week that you'd call "hanging out"? Have you gone with a group of people to go bowling, have dinner, watch a movie or played games this week?

Now, have you gone on a date in the last month?

Hanging out doing activities with a mixed group of guys and girls is not dating. It's certainly not the best way to find a boyfriend or girlfriend and figure out if you'll work together. Hanging out allows for flirtation with everyone. It also allows you to be more relaxed and doesn't make you a better person. It allows you to be lazy. It's not good for society. In truth, it's helping to destroy it.

Dating has a role in society. It really does.

Mosiah 29

It's interesting to read about how a government is set up. Especially a peaceful change from a monarchy to a republic and the reasons for such a change.

In literature you hear of the prince that doesn't want to be a king, but is "forced" to. King Mosiah's eldest son Aaron didn't want to become king though the people wished him to be. King Mosiah wrote a proclamation to the people which said:

"Now I say unto you let us be wise and consider these things, for we have no right to destroy my son, neither should we have any right to destroy another if he should be appointed in his stead" (8).

Mosiah 28

The sons of Mosiah desired to be missionaries. They desired to be missionaries because "they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thought that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble" (3). They didn't want to be missionaries because they were told to be. They wanted to become missionaries and declare the gospel because they wished to share the rejoicing in the Lord their God (2).

In the Book of Mormon Institute Manuel is says:

President Howard W. Hunter described how desire to share the gospel is a natural result of personal conversion: “A great indicator of one’s personal conversion is the desire to share the gospel with others. For this reason the Lord gave an obligation to every member of the Church to be missionaries” (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, ed. Clyde J. Williams [1997], 249).

Being truly converted, you are happy and joyful. You enjoy life. You are more charitable, humble, meek, obedient, faithful. Being converted truly changes you. And you really wish to share it with everyone. You want everyone to be just as happy as you are. Because you know that the gospel can give people peace, joy and comfort. If they just accept it.

Mosiah 27

I have a brother on a mission, as many of you may know because I keep his blog for him. In reading Chapter 27, I was keeping him in mind. As Alma and the sons of Mosiah were counted among those that were unbelievers and persecuted the church and tried to weaken it, but then changed and became some of the greatest missionaries mentioned in the Book of Mormon. I kept my brother in mind and tried to think of how do you become a great missionary? I'm sure I'll be more fully answering that later, especially as we cover each of their missions.

But Alma and the sons of Mosiah, after their change of heart and repentance, became missionaries and shared the gospel, though they were greatly persecuted themselves. Members of the church often are. But especially the missionaries. My brother is in South Carolina and I worry about the opposition he is facing, especially as Mitt Romney is running for election. He faces unique challenges. However, verse 33 reads:

But notwithstanding all this, they did impart much consolation to the church, confirming their faith, and exhorting them with long-suffering and much travail to keep the commandments of God.

This is so true. Members and missionaries that are persecuted for what they share, stand for and live build the testimonies of the members around them. We strengthen each other to continue moving forward through difficulties. To stay firm in the gospel and not give way.

Mosiah 26

"For behold, in my name are they called; and if they know me they shall come forth, and shall have a place eternally at my right hand."

Mosiah 26:24

How do we learn of God?

Mosiah 25

King Mosiah had the records, or scriptures, of the different groups of people read to them all. The people's reaction to reading the scriptures was:

1. They were “struck with wonder and amazement” (7).
2. They “were filled with exceedingly great joy” (8).
3. They felt “sorrow” for the deaths of so many (9).
4. They recognized the “goodness of God” (10).
5. They felt the need to “give thanks to God” (10).
6. The sins of others “filled [them] with pain and anguish” (11).

When I read the scriptures, does it effect me the same way? It should.

Mosiah 24

When I pray, I need to be conscious of that I should be praying like Alma and his people where they did "pour out their hearts to him" (12). It doesn't matter if it is silent or vocal; I should be praying unto God with all my heart.

I should also work on submitting cheerfully and with patience to the will of the Lord (15). Sometimes the will of the Lord isn't what I had in mind for my life. But he knows everything; he knows what would make me the best person I can be. When God's will is different from mine own, I should submit cheerfully because I know things will turn out the best for me in the long run. But I have to be patient for it.

Gender

"Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose."

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

In my Family Relations class, we listed a few of the stereotypical masculine and feminine traits:

How could these characteristics benefit a family?

Mosiah 23

"Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.

"Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people."

Mosiah 23:21-22

Sometimes we are in difficult situations. Situations that can be hard to bear. But if we put our trust in the Lord and are patient, enduring, and faithful through the hardship, we will be lifted up at the last day. We will find comfort, peace and joy.

Elder Orson F. Whitney taught that everything we experience teaches us valuable lessons:

No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God . . . and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven (cited in Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 98).

Mosiah 22

Gideon approaches the King respectfully and says:

And now O king, if thou hast not found me to be an unprofitable servant, or if thou hast hitherto listened to my words in any degree, and they have been of service to thee, even so I desire that thou wouldst listen to my words at this time, and I will be thy servant and deliver this people out of bondage (Mosiah 22:4).

He was the one who came up with the plan of how to escape their bondage and servitude. There is an Article of Faith, number 12, that reads:

We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

Gideon was a perfect example of that.

Mosiah 21

Being humble is something we should always strive to be no matter our circumstances; rich or poor. Sometimes we may be humbled by our circumstances like Limhi's people.

And they did humble themselves even to the dust, subjecting themselves to the yoke of bondage, submitting themselves to be smitten, and to be driven to and fro, and burdened, according to the desires of their enemies. 

And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions (Mosiah 21:13-14).

President Ezra Taft Benson said: “Humility, of course, is not a sign of weakness. Humility does not mean timidity. A person can be humble, powerful, and courageous. The Prophet Joseph is a good example. Humility is an acknowledged recognition of our dependence on a higher power” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 369).