Imagine your son is considering leaving the covenant path. He has made some wrong choices and has doubts about the truthfulness of what he has been taught. Your son has agreed to listen to you share some thoughts with him, and this may be your last opportunity to persuade him to follow Jesus Christ. What would you say?
The prophet and father Alma faced a situation like this. His son Corianton had pursued a harlot while on a mission to the Zoramites and now had significant concerns with concepts such as the Resurrection, the plan of restoration, and the justice of God in condemning the sinner.
This is the story of a father who loves his son and is searching desperately for the best way to teach him life-changing doctrine. What can we learn from what Alma chose to say?
Lesson 1: Family Connections Are Important
First, Alma shows us that family connections can be important. Alma loved Corianton and wanted to teach him doctrine that would bring him to repentance. It seems natural for him to turn to the prophetic words that once had this very effect on Corianton’s grandfather, Alma the Elder. Altogether, at least thirteen phrases in Alma chapters 39–42 appear to be connected to Abinadi (for more details on these phrases see this article).
Alma may have thought, “If the words of Abinadi sank deep into my father’s soul and provoked a mighty change within his heart, what better words to share with his wayward grandson?” Alma the Elder had long since passed away when Alma spoke to Corianton, but his legacy continued in the conversation as a mediating influence between Abinadi and Alma. Perhaps Corianton had heard his grandfather glowingly speak of Abinadi and would be interested in the words of one who had deeply impacted his family’s heritage.
Our faithful choices, including the records we keep of such choices, could have a lasting influence on our descendants who are yet unborn. Sharing stories and lessons that have been passed on from our ancestors can also bless our descendants.
Lesson 2: Know What Prophets Are Teaching
A second lesson is that Alma had clearly studied the scriptures and contemporary prophets. Alma put forth significant effort to be so conversant in Abinadi’s words that he could weave them into a conversation as though they were his own. The Lord has said, “Take [no] thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:85). It seems like Alma had treasured up the prophetic word and could thus communicate it to Corianton.
Lesson 3: Use the Scriptures As You Teach and Testify
By frequently weaving Abinadi’s words into his own, Alma models the importance of using scripture to resolve concerns. In my mind’s eye, I can see Alma poring over the words of his predecessors while trying to help assuage his son’s doubts. It is significant that Alma’s allusions to Abinadi cluster around the specific issues that troubled Corianton. As Alma sought to resolve his son’s concerns, he trusted he could find answers in the scriptures. Do we do likewise?
▶ You may also like: How to find the answer to any life question in the scriptures
Elder David A. Bednar once shared that as a new missionary, he was invited to a special fireside in the temple with President Harold B. Lee, then a member of the First Presidency. President Lee invited the missionaries to ask him questions on any gospel topic. Elder Bednar was amazed to watch President Lee answer every question by using the scriptures.
After sharing this experience, Elder Bednar wrote:
“I knew I would never have the command of the scriptures that [President Lee] did, but then and there in the Salt Lake Temple I resolved to study and use the scriptures in my teaching and follow the example of President Lee. And that commitment as a new and inexperienced 19-year-old missionary has blessed my life in ways that cannot be counted or adequately described.”
Trust in God’s Individualized Care
As we face difficult challenges and strive to help others who are struggling, we can find answers in the scriptures and words of recent prophets. Every parent and every child is different. Following Alma’s example of (1) connecting children to their family legacy, (2) putting forth the effort to be familiar with prophetic words and (3) using scriptures as we teach those we love, can bring great blessings for parents and children alike.
In addition, Alma shows the importance of seeking and following guidance from the Lord for each individual child. The Lord knew what Corianton needed to hear, and he gave Alma the voice to speak to him. God is the Eternal Father of my children, and He loves them even more than I do. This is a comforting truth for me as a parent. I can turn to Him in prayer, search the scriptures, and then hopefully speak to my children in the way He knows they can hear.
For more articles on ministering and scripture study, see the articles below:
▶ This important line from general conference might help you worry less about your adult children
▶ What does it mean to say ‘I know’ vs. ‘I believe’? One author’s insightful, comforting answer
▶ Elder Andersen’s simple tip will help anyone learn to love the scriptures
▶ Weave strong relationships with children who question or leave the Church with these practical steps
