Gospel Doctrine study update — King Benjamin

[Anonymous]

I’ve been studying the BOM more in depth this year than ever with gospel doctrine. Here’s a blog post I wrote on King Benjamin’s address. 1/2 part BOM historicity. 1/2 part spiritual insights.

http://www.churchistrue.com/blog/king-benjamin-address-modern-or-ancient/

My favorite part of this was looking at Mosiah 4:27 as a grace scripture embedded into this portion of the text where King Benjamin is defining our part of the covenant, which might seem like too much.

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King Benjamin seems to intentionally stack the deck, making it impossible to keep our end of this. But at the same time, he gives a very grace centered message to soften the blow of how difficult this may seem.

27 And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.

That’s a very gentle way to remind us that we’re not perfect, we’re going to make mistakes, we’re not going to go as fast as we probably want to.

[Anonymous]

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Conclusion

Whether you think Joseph Smith made this up with no inspiration, or you think it’s an ancient text translated by Joseph, or you think it’s scripture produced through the mind of Joseph with no ancient text, or some combination, I hope we can appreciate this passage for the beauty and inspirational messages.

I think for some, the first part is hard to get past in order to get to the second part.

“Beauty and inspiration” are in the eye of the beholder. The ability to look past Joseph and the Church’s claims of Joseph will vary by person, and we can accept that variation. It’s not beautiful to all.

For me, this part really speaks to me and I take to heart:

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What is the point of this covenant? It is for King Benjamin’s people to have Christ in their hearts.

Mosiah 5:12

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12 I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts,

The whole purpose of King Benjamin’s address seems to come down to this thing about our hearts. Having him in our hearts and us in his heart.

Mosiah 5:13

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13 For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?

There is a difficult balance of the things I desire, and think are righteous desires, and would hope He would care about my wants…and yet, seeing the reality of life play out to try to stay humble and accept what happens is His will and His desire for me. When should I expect Him to care about my desires, and when should I care more about His desires?

Getting to know the master who is silent during my most trying days is difficult. Not impossible. Just difficult, and has caused me to rethink the covenants and expectations and desires of my heart, trusting He knows exactly what I am going through and why I process things the way I do…not to justify evil, but because I desire to become more of my potential I think He is telling me to become, even if it isn’t rote church responses. Being different, traveling roads less traveled, challenging my preconceived notions…as I wrestle with my God, I try to know the master and how I should serve.

I see inspiration in Joseph from bringing the story of King Benjamin to light, and liken these scriptures to me and my family.

[Author]

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