President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, challenged priesthood holders to learn from Alma the Younger and his friend Amulek — and then follow their examples of service and rededication.
Alma, of course, is one of the most unforgettable men in the Book of Mormon. He was the son of Alma, a great prophet, but he lost his way and became wicked and idolatrous. He actively opposed his father and sought to destroy the Church.
His life changed when an angel of the Lord appeared to him “and spoke with a voice of thunder.” In his torment Alma remembered the words of his father about Jesus Christ and His atoning power.
“When Alma emerged from this experience, he was a changed man,” said President Uchtdorf. “From that moment on, he devoted his life to undoing the damage he had caused. He is a powerful example of repentance, forgiveness and enduring faithfulness.”
Alma would eventually succeed his father as the head of the Lord's Church. He was renowned across the Nephite nation. But when he saw that his people were forgetting God and lifting themselves up in pride and contention, he resigned from public office and dedicated himself to the gospel, preaching repentance among the Nephites.
He enjoyed great success until he traveled to the city of Ammonihah. There he was reviled, ridiculed and even cast out. After departing the city he was met by an angel who told him to return.
“Just think about it: he was told to return to the people who hated him and were hostile toward the Church. It was a dangerous and perhaps life-threatening assignment. But Alma did not hesitate. He 'returned speedily.'”
He would soon meet Amulek, a prosperous citizen whose own faith had grown cold. But God, said President Uchtdorf, was preparing Amulek. He welcomed the Lord's servant into his home. He opened his heart and listened to Alma's message. A marvelous change came over him and he became a champion of truth.
“When Alma went out again to teach among the people of Ammonihah, he had a second witness at his side — Amulek, one of their own.”
President Uchtdorf said much can be learned from both Alma and Amulek.
First, Alma.
Alma was a gifted and capable man. It would have been easy for him to decide he did not need anyone's help. Nevertheless, he asked for — and received — assistance from Amulek.
“For whatever reason, sometimes we as leaders are reluctant to find and ask our Amuleks,” he said. “Perhaps we think that we can do the work better by ourselves, or we are reluctant to inconvenience others, or we assume that others would not want to participate. Too often we hesitate to invite people to use their God-given talents and engage in the great work of salvation.”
Remember, the Savior invited others to help Him establish His Church. He inspired, invited, instructed and then trusted His followers.
“In whatever position you currently serve — whether you are a deacons quorum president, a stake president, or an Area President — to be successful you must find your Amuleks,” he said. “It may be someone who is unassuming or even invisible within your congregations. It may be someone who seems unwilling or unable to serve. Your Amuleks may be young or old, men or women, inexperienced, tired, or not active in the Church. But what may not be seen at first sight is that they are hoping to hear from you the words: 'The Lord needs you! I need you.'”
Others might ask: “How am I like Amulek?”
Some members have become less committed in their discipleship. Their testimony has dimmed. Perhaps they have become disillusioned or even angry and become distant from the sublime, eternal truths of the gospel.
“Nevertheless, the Lord sees in you what He saw in Amulek — the potential of a valiant servant with an important work to do, and with a testimony to share. There is service that no one else can give in quite the same way. The Lord has trusted you with His holy priesthood, which holds the divine potential to bless and lift others. Listen with your heart and follow the promptings of the Spirit.”
The Savior, he concluded, knows His “Amuleks.”
“He desires to rescue you, and He will reach out to you if you will open your heart to Him.”
