Standing on the grounds of where he knew to be the most important place—the temple—King Benjamin proclaimed his final thoughts to the city of Zarahemla. The teachings he gave are not unfamiliar to the modern day Christian but the principles portrayed by the example of the prophet and the Nephites are principles that may only resonate with those who truly do strive to “follow the prophet.”

Families pitched their tents, the audience packed shoulder to shoulder, and scribes prepared their writings as King Benjamin prepared to give his prominent address to the people of Zarahemla. By the strength of God, King Benjamin taught through his words and his example of the most wise ways for the Nephite civilization to use their time, and the many blessings that would be bestowed upon them as they kept the commandments of God.

“And these are the words which he spake and caused to be written, saying…”(1) 

“Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his.”(2)

He may seal you His.

In the latter part of King Benjamin's discourse, he describes the beautiful and magnificent blessings of being "sealed as His” and also what is required to obtain such a high reward. He exhorts us to be "steadfast and immovable” and “always abounding in good works.” This prophetic council teaches us to do everything in our part to use our time wisely and to be constantly engaged in a good cause. As members of the Appleton Wisconsin Stake, we are united in our efforts to accomplish the yearly stake goals that are derived from the four principles of the work of salvation and exaltation.(3) The beautiful thing about all of this is that time management is essential in accomplishing these goals and living these principles. King Benjamin says that our end reward is "that [we] may be brought to heaven, that [we] may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all."(4)

Using time wisely to come to Him.

In the second chapter of Mosiah we receive instruction of some of the many ways for us to come unto Christ. Even before the start of the great sermon, we can learn some invaluable lessons. We read that all of the people gathered themselves together at the most sacred place in all of the land.  They “pitched their tents round about the temple every man according to his family.”(5) With their tent doors facing the front of the temple they listened to the counsel of their king and prophet. In these simple verses we can learn so much from the people of Zarahemla. We can see the blessings that come from meeting together with our families with the purpose of strengthening the testimonies of one another and to better understand God's will together. Every week we can fortify our relationships with our family members by prioritizing time to participate in church services and activities, such as family home evening, to bring more unity.

We also learn about the importance of attending the temple as a family to help strengthen our relationships and to receive further instruction about God's plan for his children. It is profoundly stated in The Family: A Proclamation to the World that “sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.”(6) This marvelous promise of being eternally united with our families is one of the significant ways that God shows his infinite love towards us. The knowledge that we have of this is such a blessing!  We have the privilege of reaching out to the help of others as we index half a million records this year to unite families for eternity.

Using time wisely to abound in good works.

We don't know how long but it took time along with faith for the city to gather together and listen to the words of the prophet. The Nephites rejoiced saying, “…yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth.”(7) The peace found within the land in the following years after his sermon is a testimony that as we use our time to hearken the words of the prophet, “abound in good works,” and are obedient we are “sealed” with that peace and love that we very much need.  

Abounding in good works, serving others, being obedient, and standing in holy places are all different ways that we can better utilize our time, which happens to be the second principle in self reliance. When faced with opposition in making the best decisions, turn to God. For it is said, “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good.”(8)  Relying on the word of God will direct you in making effective use of your time. 

We bear our witness of God's love. We know that He loves each of us personally, and that He really did suffer the atonement for us individually, so that we could have an opportunity to repent and experience joy in this life. We have felt the exceeding joy that comes from participating in the work of salvation and exaltation, and we know that The Gathering of Israel is the greatest thing occurring in the world right now. We promise that the love of Jesus Christ will fill your life as you participate in this work. 

There are countless people who need the knowledge and hope of His infinite love. 

May we all be instruments in His hands to find them. 

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Storrs
Elder Gustafson
Elders from the Fox River Spanish Branch

References:

1. Mosiah 2:9 

2. Mosiah 5:15

3. General Handbook 1.2

4. Mosiah 5:15

5. See Mosiah 2:5-6

6. The Family: A Proclamation to The World

7. Mosiah 5:2

8. Alma 37:37