Alma 60

Moroni wrote an epistle to Pahoran, in the city of Zerahemla, who is chief judge and the governor over the land, and also to all those who have been chosen by the people to govern and manage the affairs of the war (1). He told them their responsibly towards their people and their armies as they fought this war in defense of the nation.

While reading Alma 60, I thought of all the countries in the world that are at war. Honestly, I think this epistle should be read by all government leaders. They need to be reminded why they are in office.

"And now, my beloved brethren—for ye ought to be beloved; yea, and ye ought to have stirred yourselves more diligently for the welfare and the freedom of this people; but behold, ye have neglected them insomuch that the blood of thousands shall come upon your heads for vengeance; yea, for known unto God were all their cries, and all their sufferings" (10).

Captain Moroni asks them what their reasoning is, for it seems as if they are traitors to the country they are ruling:

"But why should I say much concerning this matter? For we know not but what ye yourselves are seeking for authority. We know not but what ye are also traitors to your country. 

"Or is it that ye have neglected us because ye are in the heart of our country and ye are surrounded by security, that ye do not cause food to be sent unto us, and also men to strengthen our armies? 

"Have ye forgotten the commandments of the Lord your God? Yea, have ye forgotten the captivity of our fathers? Have ye forgotten the many times we have been delivered out of the hands of our enemies? 

"Or do ye suppose that the Lord will still deliver us, while we sit upon our thrones and do not make use of the means which the Lord has provided for us? 

"Yea, will ye sit in idleness while ye are surrounded with thousands of those, yea, and tens of thousands, who do also sit in idleness, while there are thousands round about in the borders of the land who are falling by the sword, yea, wounded and bleeding? 

"Do ye suppose that God will look upon you as guiltless while ye sit still and behold these things? Behold I say unto you, Nay. Now I would that ye should remember that God has said that the inward vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also" (18-23).

Governments and people should not forget those who are fighting for their country. We should also not forget that it is not by own own strength that we win. We should not get complacent. We need to remember God and thank him. We need to live righteously and work. We should not become a lazy people expecting that we will always win. We need to work. We need to help each other. We need to support each other.