Choices

As I was reading about Abinadi and Alma in these chapters the thing that kept coming back to me is that no matter what we encounter in life we always have choices.  Often we don't get to choose what happens to us, what family we're born into, what time period, whether or not we're born into a gospel-centered family, etc. But we always have the ability to choose how we will react to the situations that we are presented with.

In Mosiah, Abinadi is commanded to preach repentance to the people of King Noah and goes on to explain that unless they repent of their wrongdoings they will be brought into bondage. If the people hear him, they do not listen and when he comes back two years later it seems that nothing has changed. As Abinadi prophesies the Lord strengthens him and he is filled with the spirit. When we choose today to stand up for what we believe the Lord will strengthen and uphold us. It is up to us whether or not we will choose to follow Him. 

As Abinadi was stating all the consequences of those who choose to not repent you can't help but think of your own worthiness. It's easy in this world to be carried away into spiritual bondage if your heart and your goals aren't centered fully on the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Mosiah 12:27 it says, "ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore ye have not been wise." In this age where people are seeking wisdom from anywhere and anything it's important to focus on the source of all wisdom and truth, because in the end that is what truly will bring us happiness. 

It's been my experience that as we turn to ". . .the light and the life of world; yea a light that is endless, that can never be darkened . . .(Mosiah16:9)" even Christ, that we will find peace in Him. I hope that I can be as brave as Alma and choose to follow Christ in every circumstance and to bring others onto Him through my light and example. I know that as we draw closer unto the light that is Christ that we will be blessed. Choose to always follow Him!