Labor Diligently

Moroni 9:6 (page 527): "And now, my beloved son, not withstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God."

This chapter is a letter that Mormon has written to his son, Moroni. At this time there were very few believers among the Nephites. In fact, Mormon mentions in verse 20 that the Nephites were more wicked than their enemies, the Lamanites. I believe that the Book of Mormon has come forth to help us in our day and there is something very important that we can learn from Mormon's great example.

There is a lot of work that the Lord needs us to do. It can feel very overwhelming at times. Alma 34:32 (page 295) tells us, "For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors." When I read this verse, I feel a heightened sense of and desire to do my duty to God (Alma 7:22, page 206), but I also feel anxiety as I ponder the tasks the Lord needs me to do. I find myself wondering how I can possibly do it all. It is at this point that I remember that the Lord has given us all we need to succeed in gaining our own salvation and all that we need in order to help those around us.

Where do we start? I recommend starting small and then adding to it. The Lord gives us "line upon line, precept upon precept" (2 Nephi 28:30, page 109). He doesn't expect us to bite off more than we chew, but he expects us to work hard, do our best, and progress each day. When we slip and fall, we can use the amazing blessing of the Atonement to repent of our sins and continue forward, bringing about good as we diligently labor. In a revelation given to Joseph Smith, recorded in D&C 58:27, it says, "Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness." We can help move the Lord's work along as we serve him with all our heart, might, mind, and strength (D&C 4:2). This service will bless ourselves and others. There is great work to be done and the Lord needs us on His side. One of my favorite Hymns is We Are All Enlisted (Hymn #250). It states:

We are all enlisted till the conflict is o'er;
Happy are we! Happy are we!
Soldiers in the army, there's a bright crown in store;
We shall win and wear it by and by.
Haste to the battle, quick to the field;
Truth is our helmet, buckler, and shield
Stand by our colors; proudly they wave!
We're joyfully, joyfully, marching to our home.

Hark! the sound of battle sounding loudly and clear;
Come join the ranks! Come join the ranks!
We are waiting now for soldiers; who'll volunteer?
Rally round the standard of the cross.
Hark! 'tis our Captain calls you today;
Lose not a moment, make no delay!
Fight for our Savior; come, come away!
We're joyfully, joyfully marching to our home.

Fighting for a kingdom, and the world is our foe;
Happy are we! Happy are we!
Glad to join the army, we will sing as we go;
We shall gain the vict'ry by and by.
Dangers may gather-why should we fear?
Jesus, our Leader, ever is near.
He will protect us, comfort, and cheer.
We're joyfully, joyfully marching to our home.

I love to sing this hymn because it is a happy, joyful tune that inspires me with the Spirit. It excites and readies me for the battle that lies ahead. A battle we must fight daily for the Lord. I know that the Lord will bless us greatly if we work hard for His sake. He promises in Matt. 11:28, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavey laden, and I will give you rest." Life is short. We are reminded of this often as we witness the passing of our friends and family, but I know that if we work hard at the Lord's errand we will find His rest in this life and in the next. Serving God will bring us true happiness and joy. This I share in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.