There once was a group of people who lived under the reign of a wicked king. Therefore, being wicked themselves, they of course hated those that lived righteously. Their hatred was so great that they sought to take the lives of the righteous.
However, through a miraculously spiritual experience, the king and his entire household became converted unto the Lord. Following their conversion, the king sent out a proclamation unto his people explaining his conversion, and instituting religious freedom among his people. The people then also became converted unto the Lord, and they never did fall away from the faith.
But, there lived nearby another group of wicked people, who had heard about their neighbors conversion. Out of hatred they planned to attack their righteous neighbors. Upon hearing the news of their lives being threatened, the righteous people had a decision to make. They could relive their past and fight, or they could choose to remain faithful to the Lord. They decided on the latter. Knowing that they had previously committed many murders, and through their faith and conversion unto the Lord, the Lord in His mercy had taken away their guilt. Therefore they took all of their weapons and buried them deep in the ground, as a testimony to God of their commitment to Him.
Well, the attack from those that were wicked was imminent. The righteous chose to pray to God as they were attacked, showing literally no resistance. Thousands were taken up to the God who gave them life that day. They were righteous people, “therefore, we have no reason to doubt but what they were saved.”
Much can be learned from this true story.
How converted am I?
“A great indicator of one’s personal conversion is the desire to share the gospel with others.” -Howard W. Hunter
Conversion is a life-long process, and each of us are at different stages. But whether we are brand new “babes in Christ” or have been growing our faith for many years, each of us can share what we know with others. It doesn’t even have to be in person! It’s as easy as getting on Facebook, or making a blog. People will know what you know, and be strengthened by it.
Burying Our Weapons
Like the righteous people in the story, each of us have “weapons of war” that we can bury. Not literal weapons, but things in life that keep us from being closer to our Heavenly Father and our Savior. Think about habits that you have that you can give up. Bury them deep, and experience and enjoy the blessings that come. The Lord blesses us when we strive to be like Him.
He lives. He loves all of us. He wants us to be happy. We are the happiest when we feel His love as we strive to deepen our relationship with Him. Bury your “weapons.” Share His love with others.
“Every Saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.” -Oscar Wilde
This story was taken from the book of Alma in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. To read the story in full context, click here. (The story is contained in chapters 23 and 24)
The Latter-day Life 