Alma 1 - Therefore They Were Liberal to All

After King Mosiah's reign Alma took his place as the chief judge over the people. He came to power at a time when there was polarization and contention among the people, and church membership entered a period of decline. At the root of these challenges was pride: "There were many among them who began to be proud, and began to contend warmly with their adversaries, even unto blows ... and it was a cause of much affliction to the church; yea, it was the cause of much trial with the church. For 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 1:22-24).

What are we thinking and feeling when we "contend warmly with our adversaries?" Usually our defensiveness comes from a place of insecurity. We argue not because of the correctness of our position, or the importance of the issue, but because we believe our worth and identity hang in the balance. There may be times when we rightly defend correct principles under fire, or need to assert personal boundaries, but even these conversations can and should come from a place a personal peace and love. 

Despite the challenges that these religious and political shifts created, "those that did stand fast in the faith" endured and even prospered. "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" (Alma 1:25).

Generosity and Wealth

One of the defining characteristics of the church at this time was their commitment to equality, and resultant willingness to work hard and share. "The priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength" (Alma 1:26). Despite these challenging times, the members of the church chose to be generous with their wealth. "And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely" (Alma 1:27).

While the blessings of righteousness are not necessarily tied to material prosperity, because the members of the church in the time of Alma lived according to correct principles they were blessed with provident lives. "And now, because of the steadiness of the church they began to be exceedingly rich, having abundance of all things whatsoever they stood in need" (Alma 1:29). What is most important to me is not so much that they became wealthy, but what they did with their wealth. "In their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need" (Alma 1:30). Their attitude toward their possessions was a sense of abundance. They demonstrated through their choice to share that they believed that what they had was enough, and was in fact more than enough.


Application Questions 

What does it look like to "set your heart upon riches?" How can you avoid this temptations and be "liberal with all" with your substance?

Other than money, how else can you define "substance"

What can you do this week to help "the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted?"


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