Here are some thoughts as I read Alma 18:
*Verse 10- Ammon kept the commandments of Lamoni in exactness. Because he was so faithful as a servant, he made a big impression on the king. We, too, can be a good example unto others by being true to our word. When we say we will do something, we should do it. Being true to our word reflects well on our characters and leaves a big impact on those with whom we come in contact.
*Verse 17- Even after he has served the king so much and performed a great miracle requiring much power and strength, Ammon is still humble in seeking to serve the king as his servant.
*Ammon’s example of service and the miracles he performed through the spirit and holy priesthood opened the way for the king to listen to his message about the gospel of Jesus Christ.
*Ammon taught missionary lessons unto the king, starting at the beginning and working chronologically up to his present time. He did this so that the king could understand their history and the plan of redemption. Missionaries today follow after the same pattern.
*Verse 40- King Lamoni readily believes the words which Ammon tells him. He is truly faithful. This shows the power of Ammon’s words and acts.
*Verse 43- King Lamoni lays as if dead and his family mourn over his body “after the manner of the Lamanites.” I wonder what this means. How did Lamanite mourning differ from that of Nephite mourning over their dead? Maybe it differed because the Nephites believed in life after death and the Lamanites didn’t?
WAYS I CAN IMPROVE:
*I can show forth integrity by being true to my word. I can serve others willingly and faithfully in order to be an example and disciple of Jesus Christ. As I teach others about the gospel, I can teach them line upon line and precept upon precept.
*This week, I plan on meeting up with an old friend from high school. I want to give her a Book of Mormon. In order to better teach her about the gospel, I can show forth true friendship and kindness. I can pray to have the spirit with me to guide me, like Ammon was guided. I can stay close to the spirit through regular scripture study and repenting of those thoughts and acts that may not keep the Holy Ghost close to me.
