How Do We Become Instruments in the Hand of God?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to Alma 17-22 in a lesson titled “I Will Make an Instrument of Thee.” The lesson was introduced as follows: 

Think of all the reasons people might give for not sharing the gospel: “I don’t know enough” or “I’m not sure they would be interested” or maybe “I’m afraid I’ll be rejected.” Maybe you’ve found yourself thinking similar things at times. The Nephites had an additional reason for not sharing the gospel with the Lamanites: they were described as “a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people; a people who delighted in murdering the Nephites” (Alma 17:14; see also Alma 26:23-25). But the sons of Mosiah had an even stronger reason why they felt they must share the gospel with the Lamanites: “They were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish” (Mosiah 28:3). This love that inspired Ammon and his brothers can also inspire you to share the gospel with your family, friends, and acquaintances – even those who may not seem likely to accept it.

There are numerous principles in this week’s scripture block, but I feel impressed to discuss one found in Alma 17-19. It is “When we show love for others, we can help them receive the gospel of Jesus Christ.” The love that the sons of Mosiah felt for the Lamanites had a profound effect on their missionary labors.

Before Ammon and his brothers even left the land of Zarahemla, they expressed their love for humanity. They wanted to take the gospel to the Lamanites for several reasons: to cure them of their hatred towards the Nephites, to convince them of the iniquity of their fathers, and to stop the contentions between the Nephites and the Lamanites. Most of all, “they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear than any human should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble” (Mosiah 28:3).

Once the missionaries arrived in the land of the Lamanites, Ammon went to the land of Ismael and became the servant to King Lamoni. Through a series of service opportunities, Ammon proved to the king that he was an honorable servant, which caused the king to want to know more about Ammon. This gave Ammon an opportunity to teach the gospel to King Lamoni, his wife, and his servants – who were all converted. The story of Ammon and Lamoni is illustrated in this video. 

When Ammon received revelation from the Lord telling him to go to the land of Middoni to rescue his brother Aaron and other brethren who were in prison, King Lamoni went with him. On the way, they met King Lamoni’s father, who tried to kill them – first, King Lamoni and then, Ammon. Through his actions, Ammon convinced the father of King Lamoni that he (Ammon) loved Lamoni and wanted what was best for Lamoni and his people. This opened the door for Aaron to later preach the gospel to the father of King Lamoni and for the Holy Ghost to convert the king and his people to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We can all show greater love toward our family, friends, neighbors, and even enemies. As we show our love by our words and actions, we can become greater disciples of Jesus Christ and share His gospel with many other people.