Word

“And it came to pass that after the more popular part of the Zoramites had consulted together concerning the words which had been preached unto them, they were angry because of the word, for it did destroy their craft; therefore they would not hearken unto the words.” (Alma35:3)

Since I received this assignment to teach about spiritual evil, how it works and what to do about it, there has been one statement that many have made to me that I have never quite understood:

“If you think about evil or learn about it, then it comes to you.”

First of all, we live in a literal cesspool of evil. It is all around us. Unless the person has truly cleared herself, her home, and her land, then shielded all of the above and never leaves, living in her cocoon the rest of her life, she will come in contact with it daily.

Once you go to the grocery store it is all around you. No matter where you go it is all around you. If you are a person of Light and really are following the Savior, there is a huge target on your back. You don’t have to “think or learn” about evil, they see you, know you, and desire to destroy you. And will work hard at doing so, either subtly or openly.

The idea that you can hide from them really cracks me up. We are in the middle of war, a war against the Adversary and all that he controls, mortal and immortal. You can’t hide.

So, what to do?

The above scripture says much. The popular (perhaps rich) part of the Zoramites were angry because of the words that Amulek spoke. Why? Because it was truth and did destroy their craft? What was their craft? To control and get gain? They were satanic. Satan is always about control, destruction, and keeping the masses ignorant, especially of his ways.

What did the “word” do for the “less popular” people? It educated them as to what was going on and about the Savior. If you are satanic you surely can’t have that, can you? Wouldn’t your desire be to keep the population you have control over totally ignorant.

If we take this analogy and bring it over to learning about evil and how it operates, what will that do to a person? Would the Adversary have the same goal, to keep the population ignorant of how he operates? If you understand his methods, motives, and what makes him tick, what will that do for you?

Perhaps help make you free? Would it enable to you to overcome what he is trying to perpetrate upon you because you will recognize it, see it for what it’s worth and perhaps know how to overcome or destroy it?

We are talking about gaining knowledge. Is that why Joseph Smith said, “Knowledge saves a man; and in the world of spirits no man can be exalted but by knowledge.” (TPJS, p. 357)

He also said, “The things of God are of deep import and time and experience and careful and ponderous and solemn thought can only find them out. Thy mind O man if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation must search into and contemplate the darkest abyss and the broad expanse of eternity, thou must commune with God.” (DHC 3:295)

Hey, Joseph says we are to search into and contemplate the darkest abyss? What does that mean? To never consider it or learn about it? I don’t think so. It’s the exact opposite. If you don’t understand how the opposition works how in heaven will you ever become like our Savior and Parents? You won’t, will you?

Abraham understood we need to obtain knowledge if we desire to become like Them.

“…having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge.” (Abraham 1:2)

Knowledge is the key, is it not? How are you ever going to receive the Second Comforter? Through knowledge? Will you without it? How will you ever overcome the Adversary? Through knowledge? Or hiding your head in the sand, declaring that to learn about how hell operates only invites them into your life, when they are already there? (Cue the Poltergeist movie with the little girl looking at the TV. She turns, looks at you and says, “They’re here.“)

Words, or knowledge destroys the craft of the wicked, just as the popular Zoramites understood. The word or knowledge is also required to learn of the Gods of Light and to be able to converse and eventually dwell with them. Ignorance in either will cost you dearly.

It’s what my daughter found out. She has two daughters that are empathic. Life was literally hell until they found this out and learned how to help them. Now when they get “filled” up or have taken on others problems or emotions, they know how to help them and bring peace back into their hearts.

What a blessing knowledge or the word is. Yes, it does destroy the Adversary’s craft, but it also builds up the Savior’s work.

God bless.