It mattereth not

I am now in my second semester in Pathway.  I can’t believe that I have made it this far.  It has been great, but also a lot more work than I had originally thought.  IN my religion class this week we from Alma 43-63.  The mere fact that I read 20 chapters in a week was enough to treat myself to a little treat as I write this blog post.  Thank goodness that it is girl scout season.  What I read in the last chapters has had a lasting impact on me.  Let me introduce you to my current favorite Book of Mormon hero: Pahoran.  Here’s why:  As a yogini, I look to my teachers for guidance and wisdom.  I have had some truly amazing teachers, and I really think Pahoran would be some kind of prophet yogi sage today.  The situation he was in when he received an epistle from Moroni was not great.  He had been unseated in his land, and fled with many people to the land of Gideon.  Moroni did not know any of this when he wrote is epistle.  Pahoran’s response is a well thought out RESPONSE.  Not a reaction.  Not more accusations.  He was not on the defensive, he validated all of Moroni’s concerns, and empathized with him before he said this in verse 9 of chapter 61

“And now, in your epistle you have censured me, BUT IT MATTERETH NOT; I am not angry, but REJOYCE in the greatness of your heart.”

I love this because in yoga, we talk a lot about Reaction versus Response.  Pahoran’s example was a perfect example of how to respond without taking offence.  He was wise enough to understand that Moroni was suffering, and that those words, even though true, were written under duress.  He was able to see that and take his pride out of it, and in doing so see the strength, passion, and love Moroni had for his men, and the God he served.  What an amazing example. A reactionary response is the opposite.  

One of my favorite talks by David A. Bednar is “And nothing shall offend them” form October 2006 general conference.  In it he talks about the example of Pahoran as a gauge of spiritual maturity. 

One of the greatest indicators of our own spiritual maturity is revealed in how we respond to the weaknesses, the inexperience, and the potentially offensive actions of others. A thing, an event, or an expression may be offensive, but you and I can choose not to be offended—and to say with Pahoran, “it mattereth not.”

We are in charge of ourselves.  We have no control over others.  We cannot be acted upon.  There is no way we can know for certain the intentions and thoughts of others.   There is such freedom and peace when we cultivate the ability to take nothing personally, like Pahoran did. 

Patience is a Virtue.

First off, I would like to publicly admit something that I am proud of, but is also embarrassing at the same time.  It’s time to air out the shame.  This is officially the furthest I have read in the book of Mormon in the shortest amount of time since I graduated high school in 2001.  There it is. 

This week we were finishing up in the book of Mosiah, and launching into the marathon.  The book of ALMA.  I don’t know why, but I have this mental block with Alma.  It is super intimidating, so I am publicly stating this: This year in Pathway, I will completely read the book of Alma.  I read somewhere that if you write it down, it will happen.  So it’s happening.

I really enjoyed the first seven chapters of Alma this week.  I have a lot of respect for Alma the Younger. To give you some background as to what is happening in chapter one, Mosiah doesn’t have anyone to pass his kingdom on to, and so he sets up what we know as ‘the reign of the judges’.  Basically to prevent there being an evil king who leads the people away from the church, he sets up a panel of men, chosen by the people, to carry out and enforce the rules.  Alma is the chief judge.  In the second year, we hit a bump.  The people who are not part of the church are beginning to persecute those who are in the church.  ‘Even to blows’ as the scriptures say in Alma 1:22.  Fighting in the streets, persecuting those who believed in Christ.  I like to think of it as if people really said face to face what they say or post on Facebook. This brings me to my main discussion point. 

 In Alma 1:25

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

I feel like there have been several times in my life where I have felt persecuted because of my beliefs.  Especially lately.  It was made even more difficult that those who chose to tell me what I believed, and how I was living my life was not Christ like were actually my friends who used to be members of the church.  It was very confusing and hurtful.  However, this was a turning point for me.  I knew what I believed was true.  No amount of hurtful words or misconstrued ideas was going to change that.  I prayed and fasted, and feel like I was given an understanding into those who choose to persecute.  People often persecute what they don’t understand.  Let’s take it a step further.  A person who understands, or at one point understood true doctrine, could be desperately trying to make themselves feel right about doing wrong.  Thus trying to make you as miserable as they are.  Back to Alma 1:25-“ they bore with patience the persecution that was heaped upon them.”  I like to think that the Nephite people who were diligent in keeping God’s commandments were patient because they understood why those persecutors were so upset.  It changes your perspective.  I bet there was even some pity for those people who were trying to make the righteous’ lives harder.  I know I do.

Lessons Learned from King Benjamin

This week in pathway we are reading in Mosiah.  When King Benjamin addressed his people, there were several topics I found to be insightful.  In Mosiah 2:41 it reads:

“And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God.  For Behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.  O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God has spoken it.”

I feel like anytime a prophet uses the words ‘remember, remember’ you know it is important.  What I liked most about this verse in particular was the ‘consider on the blessed and happy state of those who keep the commandments of God.’  Even in my own life, I can look back and see that the times when I was the happiest, were the times I was keeping the commandments.  

King Benjamin poses a thought provoking question.  It made me think of those people I know who I think are the happiest.  My Mother, my father, my grandmother, my husband, and my children are probably the happiest people I know.  My children, even with just learning the gospel in their young lives, are happy because of how they lead their lives.  They are kind and compassionate.  They love to laugh, to run and play, and spend time with those they love.  They explore the world with fresh eyes.  They are innocent, and with that comes joy.  I love teaching them because I can see how the commandments fit so naturally with how they live.  

As I have grown older, some commandments have been harder to keep than others.  I know this is natural.  However, even working on being better at keeping certain commandments has brought more happiness into my life.  It does bring blessings of the Spirit as well as temporal blessings.  I have seen this in my life.  I hope that you, whoever you are, will try to live by the commandments and see if your happiness improves. “Remember, Remember that these things are true.”