Here are some thoughts as I read Helaman 5:

*Verse 4- Nephi gives up the judgment seat in order to become a missionary unto the people (with his brother, Lehi) all the rest of his days. This shows that Nephi truly isn’t seeking for power, but to pull it down. He’s seeking to help the people overcome their pride and their temptations. Like his predecessor, he was a good man who loved his God and his people.
*Verse 5- Nephi and Lehi remembered the words of their father. This shows the importance and lasting effect of what we teach our children, but it also shows the diligence of these men to follow and obey their father. A righteous parent truly can affect his/her children. There are numerous examples of that in the scriptures.
*Verses 6-7: Nephi and Lehi were given their names to always remember their forefathers and the righteous examples they set. We also need to remember the sacrifices made and the examples of those who have gone before us. The Book of Mormon is a miraculous record that has come forth to bless us in our day. Many have sacrificed, both in ancient and modern times, to allow me this record. I am truly grateful for their sacrifices to bring me a book that has caused so much joy, peace, and hope in my life.
*Verse 8- We need to make sure that our motivation for righteous choices is the right reason. Sometimes we want certain callings or we want to boast about the service we have done. Instead, we should be doing these things because we love God and our fellow men. If we do things because of this motivation, we lay up a treasure for ourselves in Heaven without price. That treasure is eternal life.
Verses 9-11: Many prophets have preached that the only way to have eternal life is through Jesus Christ, who will redeem people FROM their sins, not IN their sins. This tells us that people need to make the choice to choose righteously and repent. He can only save us if we CHOOSE to repent and draw unto Him.
*Verse 12- We need to build on the rock, which is Jesus Christ. If our foundation is the gospel of Jesus Christ, our faith will be firmly planted and when the temptations come, we will be able to withstand them. This faith and this foundation is sure, but it takes time and daily energy to cultivate and improve upon.
*Verse 18- Nephi and Lehi had power and authority given unto them in their missionary service. Is this similar to callings that we have in our wards and homes? Because of this power and authority, they had power to speak and teach by the spirit. Through this power, they were able to convert many Nephites and Lamanites alike unto the gospel of Jesus Christ. I’m sure this was a hard time to preach, because of so much negativity and hatred among both peoples. Teaching the people wasn’t easy, but they went forward in the strength of Christ to do the work they had been called/compelled to do.


I think that we all can have this power and authority of God in our labors in this life. God will bless us if we are striving to listen to His words and heed His commands.


*Verse 36- It’s amazing the things that happened to protect Lehi and Nephi once they were imprisoned. Heavenly Father used this imprisonment (or trial) as a means to teach others. Lehi and Nephi were an example of faith and prayer in this verse as they turned their heads towards Heaven to converse with the angels of God.
*Verse 41- Although the people in this chapter had a literal cloud of darkness over them, we have a figurative cloud of darkness over us as we sin and fail to repent. The people asked Aminadab what they should do in order to have the cloud of darkness removed. His answer to those people is the same answer to us as sinners, “You must repent, and cry unto the voice, even until ye shall have faith in Christ… and when ye shall do this, the cloud of darkness shall be removed from overshadowing you.”
*Verses 42-43: Once the people repented, they were encircled about in a pillar of fire just like Lehi and Nephi. This signifies the fire of the spirit that encircles us about as we give up our sins to know God again.
*Verse 49-50: The converted people were told to go forth and then convert others through their testimony and strength.

WAYS I CAN IMPROVE:

In many ways, this chapter is an example for our life and our teachings. We first need to dispel the cloud of darkness from our own lives and partake of the spirit of God before we can help others do the same. And once we’ve drawn unto God and partaken of His spirit, we need to teach and bless others. We should want to teach and bless others to gain the same knowledge, power, faith, hope, and strength that we have.
I want to be better about being a positive example unto others. I want to look for ways to serve others and to be a better missionary and example of Jesus Christ.