“Alma 2–3: Whom We Choose to Obey,” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)
“Alma 2–3,” Book of Mormon Student Manual
Alma 2–3
Whom We Choose to Obey
Throughout the scriptures, prophets have continually warned us that we will face the consequences of our actions, based upon whom we choose to follow. For example, after a conflict between the Nephites and Amlicites, the prophet Mormon taught that those who died would “reap eternal happiness or eternal misery, according to the spirit which they listed to obey, whether it be a good spirit or a bad one” (Alma 3:26). This lesson can help you better understand the consequences of whom you choose to follow during this life.
What is the moral of the story?
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Can you think of a story or fable that teaches a life lesson?
A classic fable attributed to an ancient Greek storyteller named Aesop is “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” The story tells of a young shepherd boy who twice tricked his neighbors into believing that a wolf was attacking the village’s flock of sheep. To the boy’s great amusement, several villagers rushed to offer help, only to realize there was no wolf. At last, a real wolf attacked the flock. But when the boy cried for help a third time, no one came to his aid.
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What is a moral or lesson we can learn from this story?
Just as stories or fables often have morals, the scriptures also teach lessons and illustrate principles. A helpful scripture study skill when you study the Book of Mormon is to notice when Mormon clearly states his purpose for including certain accounts in the record. He often uses phrases such as “And thus we can plainly discern,” “thus we see,” “verily, verily,” or “behold,” to let us know he is sharing principles and lessons with us (see Alma 24:30; 30:60; 48:17; 62:41; Helaman 3:27–28). Identifying the lessons and truths that Mormon highlighted can help you find personal relevance. It can also increase the effectiveness of your scripture study.
Read Alma 3:26–27, looking for a truth Mormon wanted us to learn from the account in Alma 2–3. Consider marking what you find.
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What did you discover?
To help you better understand this passage, note that the phrase “every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey” invites us to imagine that we are employees whose choices determine whether our employer is Heavenly Father or Satan (see Alma 3:27). In this context, the word list refers to leaning or tilting to one side or another. Therefore, those who tilt or lean toward Satan soon find themselves employed by him and receive “eternal misery” (Alma 3:26). Eventually our life choices will reveal whom we have chosen as our eternal employer.
One possible truth from Alma 3:26–27 is whom we choose to obey in this life determines our eternal happiness or misery.
Think about your life and whom you are choosing to obey. Are you striving to follow Jesus Christ? Or are you following someone else? Ponder these questions as you continue your study today.
Amlici seeks to be king
During the early years of the reign of the judges, Alma and his people faced a difficult test to their faith and happiness.
Read Alma 2:1–12, looking for the test the Nephites faced.
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What did Amlici intend to do if he became king? (See verse 4.)
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How did the Nephites respond?
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How did the Nephites show their desire to follow the Savior?
Choices and consequences
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Complete the following activity.
Copy the following chart into your study journal. Read the verses that follow, and list what “wages” come from following God or the devil in the appropriate column.
“The wages of him whom he listeth to obey” (Alma 3:27)
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Following God |
Following the devil or his servants |
|---|---|
Alma 2:16–18, 26–31 (Alma and the Nephites)
Alma 3:4, 13–14, 18–19 (the Amlicites)
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What did you notice in these two accounts?
Note: The curse that both the Amlicites and Lamanites experienced was a separation from God because of their rebellion and disobedience (see 2 Nephi 5:20–21). The mark, which at that time distinguished the Lamanites from the Nephites, was that “the skins of the Lamanites were dark” (Alma 3:6). It is important to remember that the nature and appearance of this mark are not fully understood. Book of Mormon prophets and modern prophets have taught it is wrong to revile or look down upon people because of the color of their skin (see Jacob 3:9).
Read the following scripture passages and add what you find to your chart.
Personal application
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Answer the following question:
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What have you observed or experienced in life that has shown you the truthfulness of the principle illustrated in Alma 3:26–27?
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Think about choices you are currently making that help you follow Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. How will they lead to eternal happiness? Are you making any choices that could lead you away from the Savior? Decide what you may need to do to change. Consider how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can bless and strengthen you as you strive to make right choices that will lead you back to Them.