In Alma 36 and 37, Alma the Younger is speaking to his son Helaman. I couldn't help but notice how many times he repeated the words "inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land" (vs. 1, 30, 13, 20). And then there is the scripture mastery verse in 37:35- "O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God."
Here is a loving father, pleading again and again for his son to please be obedient. He is promising that obedience is the wisest course, the way to happiness and blessings. This is coming from a father who chose not to be obedient when he was in his own youth. He suffered the fiery pains of guilt and sorrow, chances lost and hearts broken. He learned the lesson the hard way, and here he pleads with all of us to get on the right path - beginning in our youth - and to stay there. I have a testimony of the blessings and joy that come from keeping the commandments of the Lord. Every single commandment is designed for our benefit, safety, and happiness. It's worth it to do what's right, even if we have to stand alone.
I'm reading a similar message right now in Mosiah where King Benjamin tells his people how the Lord has given us everything and all he asks is that we keep his commandments. It's a message we can't get too much of. I appreciate you pointing it out.
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