Alma 1

Reading chapter 1 of Alma tonight I read about this guy named Nehor that began to teach the people all sorts of false doctrines. The kind of stuff that people like to hear because it makes life seem easy and without consequences (and we all know life is hard and there are prices to pay--both good and bad). And so in verse 5 it says, "And it came to pass that he did teach these things so much that many did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give him money." I thought to myself, "There you go, telling people what they want to hear for money. Sounds like a lot of churches I have come in contact with." The arguement I heard a lot in Argentina quickly popped into my head that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also requires that it's members pay a tithing. Tithing is the Lord's practice; one that He has used for ages (read all about it in Malachi) to build His kingdom. Now obviously if God wanted to He could make it rain gold and use the money to spread the gospel...but he doesn't. Tithing, therefore, is something God does for us by teaching us the princple of sacrifice more than it is something we do for Him. The interesting thing to note about a church/religious leader accepting money is what they use it for. Reverting back to Nehor in the first chapter of Alma we read that ..."he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear very costly apparel". Can you think of any examples of that in today's world? This is contrasted by the description of the true followers of Christ in that day, "and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely." I think about our day and how we are counseled to dress by a living prophet and apostles. I think about how none of the leaders of the Church come to General Confrence wearing Armani suits yet they are "neat and comely" and dressed appropriately and respectably. No tithing money in the Church of Jesus Christ is ever used to purchase or construct something gaudy or overly extravagant. I think about the beauty and grandeur of LDS chapels and temples and I think of respect and reverence. But then I think of some of the flashy houses I recently saw on CRIBS and I think about how excessive and wasteful people can be with their money. Also in Alma 1 it describes the followers of Christ, "And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need." Which is again something that I see reflected in the modern Church.
Bottom line: it's interesting to watch how people manage money given or entrusted to them by others. "By their fruits ye shall know them".