Newsletter article on Leadership

Mike wrote an article for a ZL newsletter. This is the first we have seen as far as this kind of written article, so I thought it might be good to post it.

In the 46th chapter of Alma we are told of two differing examples of leadership. The first example is Amalickiah, “a dissenter from the church” who aspired to be king. Many of the lower judges desired power as well. Amalickiah inspired them to support his cause by using “flattering words” and “cunning devices” to satisfy their hunger for power.

The better example is Captain Moroni. Being angry with Amalickiah, he rent his coat and wrote upon it, “In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children.” After fastening it to the end of a pole, he put on his armor, “and bowed himself to the earth and prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren.” Moroni then went forth among the people waving the Title of Liberty, and cried with a loud voice: “Whosoever will maintain this title upon the land let them come forth in the strength of the Lord and enter into a covenant.” “When Moroni proclaimed these words… the people came running together… covenanting that they would not forsake the Lord their God.”

Later in battle Amalickiah “saw that his people were doubtful concerning the justice of the cause in which they had undertaken… and departed into the land of Nephi.”

Why were Amalickiah’s followers doubtful and Moroni’s followers steadfast? Because of the cause in which they were engaged. In Amalickiah’s case it was about him and his glory. In Moroni’s case it was about the Lord and His work. The work in which we are engaged is the cause of the Lord. Let us be like Moroni as leaders and raise the standard, prepare ourselves by putting on the armor of God, praying mightily unto the Lord, and going amongst the missionaries to rally them to this great cause.

We invite all to rise as Captain Moroni did and rally your zones to this great cause. We promise you the missionaries will rise to the standard. They will be faithful to their call and purpose and, as a result, baptize. We know as we rise the mission will rise with us. The Savior lives and guides this work.