In Alma 32, Alma is talking to the poor of the Zoramites. He addresses their humility, and willingness to learn.
In many discussions on this chapter, verse 16 is the highlight, and we learn it is better to not need to be compelled to be humble. We ought to humble ourselves willingly. But there's more to the verse which is noteworthy.
In many discussions on this chapter, verse 16 is the highlight, and we learn it is better to not need to be compelled to be humble. We ought to humble ourselves willingly. But there's more to the verse which is noteworthy.
Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe."In other words." Alma gives us a way to understand what will make us blessed, or another way to interpret what humility IS. I often think that humility is removal of pride, and bringing oneself low to the dust. Another way to look at it is believing IN the word of God. I suppose that's a bit more than just believing the word to be true, but also believing enough such that ones life is truly in harmony with the word. Taking upon oneself baptism without having to know all the details. Or being forced to know. But simply being willing to walk into pure, living water, be cleansed, and come out refined. Yea, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble.
Love this. I had never considered the rest of the verse. It seems to say that baptism is something that should be regularly done, and without someone telling you "here's a good reason you should do it again." That anytime you "believeth in the word of God" is a good time to be baptized.
ReplyDeleteSo true. How would it be to practice it as often as needed? It seems to me it would be quite refreshing!
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