They were steadfast and immovable – Alma 1:25 – Come, Follow Me Ponderize and Commentary
Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them.
What was the great trial spoken of here? It was the trial of persecution of the church and with that persecution “the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were blotted out, that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And also many withdrew themselves from among them. (Alma 1:24)”
How quickly did many forget the goodness and mercy of God. Only 32-57 years had passed since Alma, who is the leader of their church, led his people out of great bondage in which “none could deliver them but the Lord their God…” (Mosiah 23:23). Such a miraculous deliverance is not easily forgotten by those who lived it and who trusted in God, as we learned from last weeks ponderize scripture. But what about the converts or the rising generation, who only heard about this miraculous deliverance and who didn’t “stand fast in the faith“ when trials or persecution fell upon them. These are the ones who hardened their hearts and left the church.
Although, it is always so heartbreaking to see someone you love leave the church, we must not falter. But rather, we must stand firm in our faith and trust in the Lord like these valiant saints of old, who “were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them.”
Elder Neil L. Andersen in his talk titled, “Trial of Your Faith” said this:
How do you remain “steadfast and immovable” (Alma 1:25) during a trial of faith? You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith: you exercise faith in Christ, you pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you keep the commandments, and you serve others.
When faced with a trial of faith—whatever you do, you don’t step away from the Church! Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view.
Those who remain “steadfast and immovable” during trials of their faith are blessed in every particular and will be rewarded by God.
Joseph Smith explained, “We contemplate a people who have embraced a system of religion, unpopular, and the adherence to which has brought upon them repeated persecutions. A people who, for their love for God, and attachment to His cause, have suffered hunger, nakedness, perils, and almost every privation. A people who, for the sake of their religion, have had to mourn the premature death of parents, husbands, wives, and children. A people, who have preferred death to slavery and hypocrisy, and have honorably maintained their characters, and stood firm and immovable, in times that have tried men’s souls. Stand fast, ye Saints of God, hold on a little while longer, and the storm of life will be past, and you will be rewarded by that God whose servants you are, and who will duly appreciate all your toils and afflictions for Christ’s sake and the Gospel’s. Your names will be handed down to posterity as Saints of God and virtuous men.”
What great trials and persecutions have been born by righteous saints through the ages, let us keep up the legacy of sainthood and righteousness. “Stand fast, ye Saints of God, hold on a little while longer, and the storm of life will be past, and you will be rewarded by that God whose servants you are.” In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Craig
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