Missionary Work:
Being an Instrument in God’s Hands in Alma 17 and 19

Have you ever wondered what it means to be an instrument in God’s hands? In the context of missionary work, this concept takes on profound significance for Latter-day Saint Christians. Alma 17:6-12 and Alma 19:16-36 provide powerful examples of how individuals can become tools for divine purposes.

In Alma 17, the sons of Mosiah illustrate the preparation and dedication needed to serve effectively in God’s work. Their unwavering faith and commitment enabled them to touch the lives of the Lamanites. Likewise, in Alma 19, Abish’s quiet but impactful actions demonstrate the power of personal faith and courage in inspiring others.

As we reflect on these scriptural accounts, we’re reminded that being an instrument in God’s hands often involves simple, daily acts of sharing our faith. Through these stories, we learn valuable lessons on how to strengthen our capacity to help others come unto Christ and witness the transformative power of God’s love.

In this study, we’ll explore these themes and discover actionable ways to emulate the faith and dedication of the sons of Mosiah and Abish, enhancing our personal missionary work.

Understanding the Concept of Being an Instrument in God’s Hands

Have you ever thought about the idea of being an instrument in God’s hands? It’s a powerful concept that can reshape how we view our roles in missionary work and daily life. By understanding and embracing this idea, we can become more aligned with God’s will and be more effective in our efforts to serve and uplift others.

Able to be Used for God’s Specific Purpose

To become an instrument in God’s hands means allowing us to be guided by His will. Just like a musical instrument in the hands of a skilled musician, we must be willing and ready to be used by God for His specific purposes. But how do we align ourselves with God’s will?

1. Prayer and Meditation: Regular prayer and meditation help us stay connected with God, making us more receptive to His guidance.
2. Scripture Study: Studying the scriptures helps us understand God’s principles and align our lives with His teachings.
3. Service to Others: Engaging in acts of service helps us develop Christlike attributes and open our hearts to God’s direction.

Consider the guidance offered by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland when he said, “God expects us to have enough faith and determination, and enough trust in Him, to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing… He expects us to press forward, whatever the difficulties we may face” (source). This involves a willingness to put aside our own desires to fulfill what God has in store for us.

Transforming Life to Become an Extension of God’s Purpose

In Alma 17:6-12, we see the sons of Mosiah dedicating themselves to missionary work. They fasted, prayed, and studied diligently to prepare themselves. Their commitment transformed them into powerful instruments in God’s hands, capable of bringing many to the knowledge of Christ. Similarly, God’s broader purpose for us, as stated in Moses 1:39, is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”

Elder M. Russell Ballard emphasized the importance of aligning our lives with divine purposes by saying, “The Lord knows the end from the beginning, and He knows how to prepare you” (source). Taking these words to heart, we can work towards:

• Personal Purity: Striving to live a clean and virtuous life opens the door for God to work through us.
• Developing Talents: Using our God-given talents in ways that bless others.
• Daily Commitment: Consistently seeking God’s guidance in our daily decisions.

Reflecting on the quiet yet impactful actions of Abish in Alma 19:16-36, we see an example of a life devoted to God’s purposes. Her faith and courage, even in a quiet, unassuming manner, led to the conversion of many.

By following these principles, we can transform our lives into an extension of God’s purpose. Let’s take these steps sincerely to enhance our missionary work and truly become instruments in God’s hands. For more insights on being God’s instrument, consider reading this BYU–Hawaii devotional speech.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore more enlightening aspects of how we can serve in God’s great work.

Living Out Gospel Truths as an Example of Christian Character

Living the gospel isn’t just about attending church on Sundays; it’s about embodying the teachings of Jesus Christ in our daily lives. By living out gospel truths, we model what it means to be a true follower of Christ and inspire others to do the same. Let’s explore two key aspects of demonstrating Christian character through personal revelation and prayer and by setting a good example.

Personal Revelation and Prayer

Personal revelation and prayer are vital in becoming an instrument in God’s hands. In Alma 17:9-10, we see that the sons of Mosiah prayed and fasted much for themselves and those they planned to teach. Their earnest prayers were a source of strength and guidance.

Why are personal revelation and prayer so important?

1. Divine Guidance: Prayer helps us seek and receive God’s direction. It’s like having a GPS for our spiritual journey.
2. Strength and Peace: In our personal battles, praying for strength can instill peace and courage.
3. Connection with God: Through prayer, we build a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father, enabling us to understand His will.

In our own lives, developing a habit of prayer and seeking personal revelation enables us to make inspired decisions. This practice not only strengthens our faith but also makes us more effective in our missionary work by aligning our actions with God’s purposes. By always seeking divine inputs in our life decisions, we become more attuned to how God wants to use us for His work.

For additional insights on how personal character impacts evangelism, you might find this resource useful.

Setting a Good Example

Setting a good example is crucial, as demonstrated in Alma 17:11 where the Lord reassured the sons of Mosiah that they would be made instruments in His hands if they were patient, long-suffering, and showed good examples to others.

How can we set a good example in our lives?

1. Act with Integrity: Living honestly and with integrity in all areas of life.
2. Show Compassion: Being kind and showing empathy towards others.
3. Be Consistent: Ensuring our actions align with the gospel truths we profess.

Setting a good example isn’t about being perfect; it’s about striving to live in a way that reflects Christ’s love. Our behaviors, attitudes, and daily choices can influence others more than any sermon. As we practice patience, kindness, and gentleness in our interactions, we naturally draw people towards Christ.

Check out this article on Christian character here to understand more about the traits we can develop to set a good example.

By living out these principles, we not only grow spiritually but also inspire those around us to seek the same divine connection and transformation. Let’s commit to prayer, seek personal revelation, and set a good example in our daily lives to truly become instruments in God’s hands.

Being Courageous in Preaching the Gospel

Sharing the Gospel can be a daunting task, but it is a vital part of being an instrument in God’s hands. The courage to preach with love and faith can transform lives and bring others closer to Christ. Let’s explore how we can embody this courage through patience and endurance, and by sharing the word with power and authority.

Facing Long-Suffering and Affliction

In Alma 17:11, the Lord promises the sons of Mosiah that if they are patient and long-suffering, He will make them instruments in His hands. This verse underscores the importance of enduring hardship with faith and perseverance.

Patience and long-suffering are essential virtues when facing challenges in missionary work. Whether it’s dealing with rejection or enduring physical hardships, maintaining faith in the face of adversity is crucial. The sons of Mosiah exemplified this by continuing their mission despite the difficulties they encountered.

How can we practice patience and perseverance?

1. Maintain a Positive Outlook: Focusing on the positive aspects of our mission can help us stay motivated.
2. Trust in God’s Plan: Believing that God has a purpose for our struggles can give us the strength to endure.
3. Seek Support: Leaning on fellow believers for support can provide encouragement and strength.

It’s important to remember that God’s timing is perfect, even if it doesn’t align with our own schedules. By trusting in His timing and maintaining our commitment, we can become effective instruments in His hands. For more insights on enduring hardships with faith, check out this resource.

Preaching, Publishing, and Declaring the Word of God

In Alma 17:12, the sons of Mosiah are reminded that they can declare the word of God with power and authority. This encourages us to share the Gospel boldly and confidently.

Sharing the Gospel involves:

1. Preaching: This is not just for missionaries but for everyone. Sharing testimonies and experiences can touch hearts and open doors to faith.
2. Publishing: Using modern tools like blogs, social media, and publications to spread the message can amplify our reach.
3. Declaring: Speaking about our faith in daily conversations can make the Gospel relatable and accessible.

Being courageous in preaching the Gospel requires us to step out of our comfort zones. It’s about believing in the power of our message and the conviction that it can change lives. For more on preaching courageously, consider reading this article on courageous preaching.

In conclusion, long-suffering and affliction can test our faith, while preaching, publishing, and declaring the word of God with courage can strengthen it. The sons of Mosiah have shown us that with patience and determination, we can become powerful instruments in God’s hands, bringing many to the knowledge of Christ.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore more enlightening aspects of how we can serve in God’s great work.

The Conversion of King Lamoni and the Role of Abish

Exploring the narratives in the Book of Mormon, we come across the remarkable conversion of King Lamoni and the critical, yet often understated, role played by Abish. This story is a testament to unwavering faith, courage in adversity, and the transformative power of the Gospel.

Abish’s Faith and Action

Abish, mentioned in Alma 19:16-36, showcases tremendous faith and proactiveness in her efforts to bring others to Christ. Despite being a servant in King Lamoni’s household, her influence was pivotal.

1. Secret Conversion: Abish had been converted to the Lord for many years due to a remarkable vision experienced by her father. This secret conversion gave her a profound understanding of the Gospel.
2. Taking Initiative: When she saw King Lamoni and others fall unconscious due to the power of God, Abish didn’t hesitate. She ran from house to house, sharing the miraculous event, confidently proclaiming that it was by the power of God. Her actions were driven by faith and hope that others would believe (source).
3. Impactful Influence: Through her efforts, many gathered and witnessed the power of God, leading to several conversions. Abish’s proactive steps showcase how personal faith and immediate action can catalyze significant spiritual awakenings.

Handling Contention and Opposition

The Gospel message often faces opposition, and handling it requires wisdom, patience, and faith. Abish’s story provides valuable insights into dealing with contention.

1. Calm Amid Chaos: In the midst of the commotion and disbelief, Abish maintained her composure. When some mocked and others were contentious, she did not retaliate but relied on her faith (source).
2. Seek God’s Guidance: Abish’s faith allowed her to see the bigger picture. She trusted in God’s plan and timing, reinforcing her belief that the truth would prevail despite opposition (source).
3. Lead by Example: Her quiet strength and faith were crucial for others to witness. She didn’t argue; instead, she let her actions speak, showing the spirit of God through humility and patience.

Abish’s actions and the story of King Lamoni’s conversion remind us of that unwavering faith and steadfastness can lead to great outcomes, even amidst opposition. By drawing strength from her example, we learn to handle contention with grace and rely on God’s power to effect change.

Stay tuned for more insights as we delve deeper into the powerful lessons drawn from these scriptural accounts!

Modern Applications of Being an Instrument in God’s Hands

Being an instrument in God’s hands isn’t just a scriptural concept; it has modern applications that are just as relevant today. When we allow ourselves to be used by God, we can touch lives in ways we might never have imagined. Here, we’ll discuss how we can be instruments in God’s hands through missionary work and by ministering as the Savior did.

Missionary Work: Sharing What is in Your Heart

Sharing your faith isn’t always easy, but it can profoundly impact those around you. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, in his message from the Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, reminds us that effective missionary work comes from the heart. He offers five simple suggestions to help us share the Gospel naturally:

1. Draw Close to God: Strengthen your relationship with Him through prayer and scripture study.
2. Fill Your Heart with Love: Genuine love for others can break down barriers and build connections.
3. Strive to Walk the Path of Discipleship: Live the teachings of Jesus Christ daily.
4. Share What is in Your Heart: Speak honestly about your faith, sharing personal experiences.
5. Trust the Lord to Work Miracles: Have faith that God will guide your efforts and touch hearts.

These suggestions remind us that missionary work isn’t about having perfect words or grand gestures; it’s about sharing our genuine experiences with faith and love. By doing so, we not only spread the Gospel but also allow others to see the transformative power of God’s love in our lives.

Ministering as the Savior Did

When we think about ministering, Jesus Christ is the ultimate example. His life was dedicated to serving others, healing the sick, and teaching the Gospel. How can we follow His example in our missionary efforts?

• Show Compassion: Jesus always showed love and compassion, even to those who were marginalized. We can do the same by reaching out to others with kindness and understanding.
• Be a Good Listener: Often, ministering means listening and understanding others’ needs. By being a good listener, we can offer better support and guidance.
• Serve Selflessly: Jesus served others without expecting anything in return. We should strive to serve selflessly, focusing on the needs of others rather than our own.
• Teach with Simplicity: Jesus taught profound truths in simple ways. We can make the Gospel accessible by using simple language and relatable stories.

For example, when we look at the actions of Abish in Alma 19, we see a powerful demonstration of ministering as the Savior did. Abish, a servant woman, acted with quiet faith and determination to bring others to witness God’s power. Her actions led many to conversion. She exemplified Elder Uchtdorf’s principle of sharing what is in her heart with genuine love and conviction.

Abish’s story demonstrates that anyone, regardless of their position, can minister like the Savior. It teaches us that small, simple acts of faith can lead to significant spiritual outcomes.

By embracing these principles, we can effectively minister to others and become true instruments in God’s hands, helping to bring about His purposes on Earth.

Continue applying these lessons in your lives, and you’ll find that being an instrument in God’s hands is a profound and fulfilling way to live. Stay tuned as we explore more ways to embody these principles in our ongoing spiritual journey.

Conclusion

Reading about the conversions in Alma 17:6–12 and Alma 19:16–36, we’re reminded that being an instrument in God’s hands requires faith, courage, and action. The sons of Mosiah and Abish exemplify what it means to genuinely share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their stories teach us that powerful outcomes often stem from simple acts of faith and the willingness to speak up.

To become an effective instrument in God’s hands, we must strive to follow their example. This involves sincere prayer, diligent scripture study, and compassion for those we serve. It’s about embodying Christlike attributes and trusting in God’s power to work through us.

As we seek to apply these principles in our missionary work and daily lives, we can draw closer to God and help others experience His love and transformative power. The courage to share our faith doesn’t just change others; it refines us as well. Let’s aim to be instruments in God’s hands, bringing His light into the world.