Look the part, act the part, be the part

Story:

In a most memorable story from the Book of Mormon, the people of Ammon had covenanted never again to take up weapons for the shedding of blood. But "when they saw the danger, and the many afflictions . . . which the Nephites bore for them, they were moved with compassion and were desirous to take up arms in the defence of their country" (Alma 53:13). Helaman and his brethren persuaded them to honor their covenant with the Lord.

We can't tell from the story, who first pointed out that their sons had not made the same covenant their parents had made. Perhaps it was one of the young men who suggested the possibility that he and his buddies be allowed to "take up arms, and [call] themselves Nephites.

"And they entered into a covenant to fight for the liberty of the Nephites, yea, to protect the land unto the laying down of their lives" (Alma 53:16–17).

This was an incredible job for a group of 2,000 young men, but they were extraordinary young men. "They were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.

"Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him" (Alma 53:20–21).

The story continues by relating how these young men fought valiantly against the much older and much more experienced Lamanite army. In the words of their leader-Helaman, "They . . . fought as if with the strength of God; . . . and with such mighty power did they fall upon the Lamanites, that they did frighten them; and for this cause did the Lamanites deliver themselves up as prisoners of war" (Alma 56:56).

Can you believe that? Aren't they great? These inexperienced young men were so spiritually and physically prepared, and so powerful, that they frightened their foes into surrendering! Although all 2,000 of the young men were wounded in battle at one time or another, not one was killed (see Alma 57:25). Helaman said: "And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe—that there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power" (Alma 57:26).

Clarion Call: We need worthy, qualified, spiritually energized missionaries who, like Helaman's 2,000 stripling warriors, are "exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity" and who are "true at all times in whatsoever thing they [are] entrusted" (Alma 53:20).

We need missionaries who are valiant, courage, strength, active, true.

How do missionaries really act? (Certainly not like the ones in this video clip filmed in Toronto for Mr. Sub)

"To those of you who are currently serving as full-time missionaries, we thank you for your service. Today is a good time for each of you to take a close look at your performance; and if you are not measuring up, your mission president will help you make the necessary changes to be an effective, dedicated servant of the Lord Jesus Christ." (Elder Ballard, October 2002 General Conference Talk)

Application:

1. Who are your favorite missionaries in the Book of Mormon and why?
2. Get your Dad to tell you a story or two about his mission?
3. Read an experience from Grandpa and Grandpa's mission as posted in a blog earlier today.
4. Look at the Blog about Grandpa's Mission to France - http://frenchmissionary.blogspot.com/ - Can you identify the missionaries in your family history ancestry line?