Reaching Out To Spiritual Leaders

As we read in Alma 43 we are introduced to one of the most heroic persons in the Book of Mormon. At only twenty-five years old we see Moroni called to be the Chief Captain over the armies of the Nephites. As we continue on learning about the service that Moroni gave to these people we learn that:

" If all men had been, and were and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold the very :powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." ( Alma 48:17)

Given how incredibly spiritual that Moroni must have been in order for him to be exemplified this way, we can learn so very much about humility, and what servants of God do in trying times, as we read in Alma 43:23:

" But it came to pass, as soon as they had departed in the wilderness Moroni sent spies into the wilderness to watch their camp; and Moroni, also, knowing of the prophecies of Alma, sent certain men unto him, desiring him that he should inquire of the Lord whither the armies of the Nephites should go to defend themselves against the Lamenites. "

 

From this example we learn the importance of appealing to spiritual leaders during time of difficulty, or in our case perhaps our Bishop.

Although we might not be in the danger of war which includes the risks of losing lives, we do enter a spiritual battlefield upon this earth each and every day as we go out into the world. Whenever our spirituality is at risk of dying, or one of our family members spirituality is failing them; we should follow Moroni's example and seek out help from our spiritual leaders and Bishop. 

This does not mean that we should run to our Bishop for every problem that we have. Nor does it mean that we should sit back and do nothing until the Bishop gives us his advise, as we see Moroni did all that he could do sending spies out into the wilderness to watch their camp as well ( Alma 43:23 ) , but he also reached out for help from his spiritual leader. 

President Boyd K. Packer said in his talk  " The Bishop and His Counselors ", April 1999:

" Revelation is the one credential that all Bishops have in common. Bishops come from many cultures, many occupations, they vary in experience , personality, and age, but they do not differ in the right to be guided spiritually."

I am impressed that we even have the example of the only perfect person ever, Jesus Christ appealing for us to His Father. In John 17: 1-26. In these scriptures we can read about Jesus Christ Himself praying, thus showing forth that even perfection is in need of help.

We also can see Jesus Christ showing a great deal of humility as He recognized that He needed support on the Mount of Transfiguration for Peter to receive the " Keys of the Kingdom " , as Moses and Elias appeared there upon the mount and Jesus was transfigured before them.  ( Matthew 17: 1-9 )

If we have the example of Jesus Christ needing help and support; surely we should all know there will be times in our lives that we will need support from a father for a Priesthood blessing, from a Bishop to reconcile sins, from a Patriarch to receive direction as to what choices we should make in our lives, etc.

I am so thankful for this example that Moroni left with us. I am thankful for his diligence in doing what is right. I am thankful that I do have Priesthood leaders, and Bishops that I can go to for help. In my life I have visited with Bishops many times, both for guidance and to reconcile my sins. I can promise anyone whom wonders if they should go speak to their Bishop about something; the answer is that you should, and you do not need to fear because the Bishop is always full of love and support no matter what your concern is. 

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. amen.