Recently, I read Mormon's account in The Book of Mormon. By his lifetime, Christ had already visited the Americas and created His church there. However, a few hundred years later, the people became prideful, and wars between each other commenced once again. During this time, Ammaron (a man the Lord called to care for the records at the time) saw all the wickedness of the people, and told a young Mormon where the Lord instructed him to hide the plates so that the wicked could not destroy them. It was an awful time for the righteous. Pride and hatred entrapped the hearts of all through the land. Only the righteous looked to the Lord --and the righteous were very few at the time, even amongst the Nephites who were predominantly more righteous than the Lamanites in the past. Once Ammaron died, Mormon took over in the protection of the plates. And after his death, his son, Moroni, became the guardian.
As I was reading this account, one thing stood out to me: these individuals (and others before and after their time) risked their very lives to protect these accounts. To me it really hit home the importance of what is written. Even Moroni spoke of the value of these accounts in Mormon 8:14, "...the record itself is of great worth..." (emphasis added). Interestingly enough, Moroni also said earlier in that verse that the plates themselves were of no worth. Basically he made a comparison of something that is of eternal worth vs. something of material/worldly worth. Gold plates would be worth a lot in the world (I am assuming back then as well), but what is written is way more important.
This has made me ponder what exactly is written and why it is so valuable. Looking back at my experience in reading The Book of Mormon so far, I can honestly say that it truly testifies of Christ. In it we learn of His birth, His life, His atonement and resurrection, His teachings, His church, His commandments, His love, and so forth. We also see His influence within the lives of individuals written about throughout the Book of Mormon. It is truly incredible how He leads and guides those who are willing to look towards Him and live as He lives. It makes me evaluate my life every day --to see if I am living as He would want me to, and if I am becoming who I need to be. And you know what? I have a better life because of it. There are so many materialistic things out there that proclaim to make you happy. But in reality, true happiness comes by letting our Savior into your life. And The Book of Mormon is another testament of Him. It explains how we can become like Him, and how we can return home to our Heavenly Father.
For this very notion, it is easy to see why all these individuals saw the value of the record and kept it safe. They sacrificed so much for all of us to have the opportunity to know what is truly important in this life. Thus I am eternally grateful for all they have done so I can know my Savior.
*For more information on this account, see all of 4 Nephi and Mormon chapters 1-8, pp 465-84.
