Line upon Line

Do you ever wonder what people will say about you after you’re dead and gone? Do you care about what will be written in memory of you, what impression or mark you will leave upon the hearts and lives of other people?

A few nights ago my daughter and I were discussing Alma, Chapter 48, verses 11-17, verses that describe the goodness of the prophet Moroni. Considering all the marvelous character traits and attributes that could have been written about this great man of God, Helaman chose to record the following:

And Moroni was a strong and mighty man; he was a man of perfect understanding… Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people… Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ.

Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.

As I pondered these verses, I found it insightful that Helaman would spotlight Moroni’s tender side, spiritual strength and qualities, when he could have mentioned so many other grander, more impressive characteristics; for example his wisdom and intelligence, his genius at warfare, his tremendous leadership skills, plus he was a gifted orator–all of these attributes certainly admirable and worth praising!

After all, this is one of God’s greatest prophets and the dynamic awe-inspiring military leader of the mighty Nephite army! Imagine all the praiseworthy things that could have been said about him. But instead, only spiritual strengths and qualities were recorded.

Above All Else

I believe Helaman wanted to impress upon us how important it is, above all else, to be known and remembered for spiritual attributes… such as understanding, a thankful heart, faith in Christ and the vital role they play in making us strong and mighty; able to thwart the powers of the Destroyer!

The very word understanding, (not to mention Moroni’s perfection of this virtue– which reveals his gift of discernment and extraordinary ability to perfectly know, comprehend and perceive things) evokes the feelings of kindness, consideration, tolerance, insight, compassion, concern, mercy and charity. Definitely the traits needed to truly care about the welfare of others (as Moroni did) and to “love thy neighbor,” the second part of the greatest commandment ever given according to the Savior… the first being to love the Lord thy God (Matthew 22: 36-40).

Thankful Hearts

Next we are privileged to look upon Moroni’s heart, described so beautifully as a heart that did swell with thanksgiving to God for all his privileges and blessings, focusing us on the importance of gratitude.

Who of us can deny the power and happiness that fills our lives–and the lives of those around us–when we live with an attitude of gratitude.

A thankful heart can change our very countenance, illuminating every nook and cranny of our souls; that is why gratitude is an enemy to Satan–the lover and master of darkness!

With thankfulness in our hearts despondency lessens, and the glass that once seemed only half full and severely lacking, maybe even empty, all of a sudden seems a little fuller! God becomes evident in our lives and we are empowered by knowing that He is with us, and blessing us.

As we approach this season of thanksgiving, what could possibly be more needed to unite and heal this wounded nation of ours, than a great leader’s example of commitment to freedom, liberty and the virtues of understanding and a thankful heart?

Understanding for those who don’t feel like we do, act like we do, look like we do, believe like we do, or value the same things we value; and a thankful heart for the many privileges and blessings which God so abundantly bestows upon each of us… in all our diversity.

The Worldly verses the Godly

If you were to take a look at the list of the most sought after attributes that today’s world values and esteems, I feel quite certain that you would not find anywhere on that list the attributes of understanding, a thankful heart, faith in Christ–or for that matter, any spiritually based qualities.

This is the very reason why now, more than ever, we need the plain and precious truths found in the Book of Mormon to impress upon us the importance of first seeking after Godly attributes–not those that solicit the admiration of a fallen world. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (3 Nephi: 33).

Here’s a sobering thought to ponder! Imagine you’ve just died. Loved ones and friends have gathered together to pay tribute to you and the life you have lived. What do you think people will say about you? Will you be honored and remembered as someone with Godly and virtuous attributes or will people only remember you for your worldly achievements?

Now is the time, while you still have the ability to influence the outcome, to decide what you want to be said about you–what legacy you want to leave behind when your earth life is over.