"And the people came running"// 4 profound lessons from a simple 5 word phrase

{This post was originally published August 10th 2014, but I've revamped it with a new cover photo and a lot better writing.....}

While reading my scriptures last night I found a simple phrase that I fell in love with: 

  "and the people came running." -Alma 46:21

Before I explain, let me give you a little but of background info. Moroni (a righteous leader in war) had just asked the people to covenant with God that they would maintain their freedom and religion. Here's a little excerpt:

"20 Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them.
21 And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed these words, behold, the people came running together with their armor girded about their loins, rending their garments in token, or as a covenant, that they would not forsake the Lord their God; or, in other words, if they should transgress the commandments of God, or fall into transgression, and be ashamed to take upon them the name of Christ, the Lord should rend them even as they had rent their garments." (Alma 46:20-21)

The people didn't stop to think about it. They didn't debate it for a few days and tell Moroni they would get back to him later. They ran to covenant with The Lord, they ran to promise that they would take the name of Christ upon themselves and keep his commandments.

They didn't have to think because they knew whatever it was they would do it because it was the Lord's will. They were willing to do anything to please the Lord and align their will with his. 

Even though this story took place hundreds and thousands of years ago, it is amazing how much we can still learn from it and how much it still applies to our lives today. There are 4 things that really stood out to me from this story:

1) They immediately came. They put the Lord first. They didn't wait to finish their rug or pot (or whatever else they were working on). They went immediately! We can all do a little better at this in our day to day lives. I know there have been quite a few times when I have put something in front of my scripture study that was certainly way less important or when I have put off my nightly prayers until I fall asleep before saying them. I am definitely not proud of this, but the wonderful truth of the gospel is that we can change and improve! We can decide to put God first in our lives and know that we will be so much happier and blessed because of it! This is a great talk about having no other Gods before our Heavenly Father.

2)They were willing. They didn't stop  and doubt. They didn't worry about being perfect. Sometimes in today's world we get so caught up in being perfect that we forget the point. They knew it was more  important to make the covenant imperfectly (still trying their best) than to not make it at all. Some people might put off serving someone because they feel that they cannot do it well enough or one might choose not to share the gospel because they feel inadequate. Some might even delay baptism/repentance because they feel they are not good enough. The truth is we are all so inadequate and imperfect. But the other glorious truth is that our Heavenly Father still loves us immeasurably and sees the very best in us, he sees the potential we have! Because he loves us so much he gave his only begotten Son, and because of this gift we can repent and become better through Christ. As we learn to come unto Christ we will feel his strength and his love guiding us and helping us become our best selves.

3)They hurried and did just because The Lord wanted them too. They didn't ask why or how. They just did. They trusted him with everything they had. Sometimes God's plan for our lives doesn't make any sense whatsoever. But we have to keep trusting in him with all of our hearts and stop leaning on our own understanding, because his plan is so much bigger and filled with exactly what we need. His plan for our lives is much greater and so glorious that we can't even comprehend it now!

4) They aligned their will with his. As humans it is natural to want what we want and think that we know best, but we don't. God knows best. As hard as it is, we will be so much happier when we stop fighting what God wants for us and align our will with his! 

I know that as we put God first, follow him willingly and without doubt, trust him, and align our will with his we can find so much peace and joy and blessings will pour into our lives. A  s we run to God our lives will turn out more wonderful than we could ever imagine!

Have a wonderful day! 

-Shelby