President Baird’s Message
Ammon is a Book of Mormon
Hero and a model missionary. Some of the lessons he teaches modern readers of
scripture are found in his first encounter with the Lamanites in Alma chapters
17-19.
Separating from his brothers,
Ammon made his journey to the land of Ishmael. He was quickly captured and
taken to the king who had power to imprison, enslave, or even kill him.
Questioned by the king about his intentions among the Lamanites, Ammon did not
say, “It’s tough to be here. I miss my family and my girlfriend. I wish I were
back at home in school.” Rather, he responded, “I desire to dwell among this
people for a time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die.”
Ammon’s response was pleasing
to the king who invited him into the king’s own family. Ammon declined choosing
servitude. The king did not enslave Ammon. Ammon CHOSE to be servant to the
king.
The Book of Mormon story that
follows is a favorite among members of the church, but especially to young men
and missionaries. Ammon joins other servants of the king, caring for his
flocks. Wicked rivals scatter the king’s flocks and Ammon’s fellow servants
“murmur” and “wept” for they knew their lives would be forfeit because of the
loss of the flocks. Ammon’s heart, on the other hand, “was swollen with joy”
and he encouraged them to “be of good cheer” and he rallied his fellow servants
to work. He helped all around him to fulfill their stewardship.
Ammon and his fellow servants
gathered the scattered sheep. His companions stood close guard while Ammon
alone went to contend with their enemies. Six of them he slew with his sling
and stones; their leader he slew with his sword. Others came to contend with
him and each lost his arm to the sword of Ammon.
A Hollywood movie might end
at that—the hero having defeated the enemy. There would be a great victory
celebration. Ammon would be carried on the shoulders of his fellows. There
would be a lot of back slapping and plenty of pizza and root beer—all with
Ammon as the center of attention. But scripture isn’t Hollywood and there are
yet great lessons to be learned.
While his fellow servants go
to report to the king, Ammon goes about his duties as a humble servant. When
informed that Ammon had gone to prepare the king’s horses and chariot as
commanded, King Lamoni was “astonished because of the faithfulness of Ammon.”
As a young man and a young
missionary, my attentions were drawn to Ammon’s great feat at the waters of
Sebus. As a more mature priesthood leader, I have become ever more appreciative
of what happened AFTER the waters of Sebus.
Ammon’s focus on his stewardship earned him remarkable praise from the
king in verse 9 of Alma chapter 18. “Surely there has not been any servant
among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth
remember all my commandments to execute them.”
In the story of Ammon, we
learn what it means to be trustworthy.
Ammon was indeed a Master Teacher as evidenced by the lesson he teaches
King Lamoni and the converting power with which it is taught. He used inspired
questions, he listened, and he followed the spirit. Ammon demonstrated his Master Planning skills
when confronted with a deadly challenge which he turned to eternal opportunity.
Ammon was a Master Finder expanding his teaching pool to include all the king’s
household, his people, and even his very hantai father and his kingdom. The
evidences of Ammon as a follower of the Master are abundant in the story. He
was clean, Alma 17:3; he was determined, Alma 17:31; he was united with his fellow
servants, Alma 17:32; he was faithful, Alma 18:2,9,10; he was obedient, Alma 18:9-10.
In Elder Holland’s blessing
on our mission, he promised a new chapter of higher achievement and greater
success. He also reminds us that, “such success can only come from heaven.”
Elders and Sisters, if we are to have part in the success, we MUST tap the
powers of heaven. Elder Holland’s blessing continued with ways we can do
that. We can “honor Him, give praise to
Him, vow to be clean and worthy, and diligently labor.” Personally, I have
sought guidance from the spirit for ways that I can follow Elder Holland’s
council and, thereby, “deserve success”. I have made commitments to our
Heavenly Father and asked for His help to become a more Trustworthy missionary.
I love you and pray for you
each day.
President Baird
