Anchors

Chapters 9-11 in Ether are mostly about wickedness and war.  The Jaradites did have some kings that were righteous, but there are a lot of plots and overthrowing of kings in this period of Jaradite history.  Ether 12 is a nice change with its lessons of hope and faith.  Ether 12:4 is very interesting and perhaps answers the question I posed in my last blog post--How can Moroni sound so hopeful?

"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."

I have often heard this scripture quoted, but what hit me most this time was the representation of hope and faith as an anchor for our souls.  An anchor's purpose is to keep a boat from drifting with the current as our faith and hope can keep us from drifting along with the popular ideas that ride society's tides.  These ideas ebb and flow, change quickly, and often crash against the standards God has set for us.

I know some in the world today relegate religion and Jesus Christ to a place alongside fantasy and fairy tales.  Yet, they still look for a way to anchor themselves because we all need to feel tethered as the world swirls around us.  They look to the world.  I see them finding things that can be considered good, but when taken as their anchors are just insufficient to provide real stability.  When the buffeting storms of adversity come those people feel terrified and lost.  It can be quite sad to see.

I have been thinking about this anchor analogy and realized that hope and faith truly do keep us anchored.  If we put in the work to keep them in good condition, these anchors will make us "sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works."

So that is how we "do good continually" and loose Satan's hold on us as Moroni purposed in Ether 8:26.  We beef up our anchors.  We slowly but surely strive each day for obedience to God's commandments and use the Atonement as we go, showing that we do hope for a better world and strengthening our faith bit by bit.  We add good solid metal to our anchors, glorifying God as we see His hand in our lives and in the lives of those around us.