During my daily study of the scriptures I read within Alma 47-51 about a man who turned from what he was living to seek power and glory beyond what we should. He was determined to be King and have power to rule of the people as he pleased, to subject them to any manner that well pleased him. He tempted and tried a newly appointed commander to come down from his position. This brought to my mind the words in Alma 22 about giving away our sins to know God. This recent story was far from this powerful condition and invitation to come to God.So how do they fit so well together. Well this new commander Lehonti and his soldiers were fixed in their mind with a determined resolution not to go against the Nephites or allow Amalickiah to be ruler over them. They planted their feet high in a mountain and would not budge. Amalickiah eventually came up the mountain almost to where they were and told them to only come down a little instead of coming down all the way. This was more appealing and seemed a little safer for them to give in. From this small act that didn't seem so harmful came very dangerous and destructive to Lehonti and the Lamanites. Amalickiah eventually poisoned Lehonti by degrees and achieved his evil plan. We learn that even when we give in a little it continues into a downward spiral until we have been destroyed or done something we said we never would do.
We are to stand on high grounds and not give in to any delightful flirtations to satisfy our natural thirst and craving. These little temptations that dance around us everyday are not easy, they tempt us and try us to every point, for many they do give in. But we must not allow ourselves to give in, we are to strive for discipline and something greater. So as we are on higher grounds we must make sacrifices. Alma 22:18 "I will give away all my sins to know thee." Where ever we may be on our path and journey in this life or no matter how high up or how low. We all have something to sacrifice in order for us to draw closer to God and things we can do in order to stay on that higher ground.So what sacrifices do you need to make in order to get to those higher grounds and come closer to God? And what sacrifices to you need to make so you can maintain standing on that higher ground? Sacrifice to life the higher life of God.
