“Notwithstanding Their Hardness, Let Us Labor Diligently”

Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

We can be grateful for the example of Mormon in not giving up the cause of laboring for the salvation of the people—even when their hearts are like granite and their minds sealed against the love of God and the truth of His gospel. We are to labor diligently and unceasingly lest we stand condemned. In our mortal state of testing we are commanded and required to be diligent in keeping the commandments (see 1 Nephi 4:34; Mosiah 4:6; Alma 7:23; 37:20). This is independent of the response of others or the situations in which we find ourselves from time to time. Remember that when we serve with all diligence to build up the kingdom of God and are persecuted because of it, we will be blessed (see 3 Nephi 12:11–12). Mormon makes it clear to Moroni that they are to labor without ceasing lest they should stand condemned for neglecting their duty. The Lord has revealed that learning one’s duty and acting with all diligence to fulfill it is not only a commandment, but those who neglect their duty will be considered slothful and not be approved of the Lord nor be worthy to stand (see D&C 107:99–100). Nephi, the son of Helaman, for example, labors with unwearyingness and is blessed exceedingly for his diligence (see Helaman 10:4–5). Mormon, recognizing the wickedness of the Nephites, still admonishes his son Moroni to labor with all his heart to help the Nephites repent, else they should be brought under condemnation as ministers of the gospel. Let us do our best in our stewardships and duties to help people come unto Christ, regardless of their situation or the hardness of their hearts. Let us labor without ceasing. We must never give up, regardless of the reception given by those we seek to help and bless. One never knows when the light within may ignite and help them return to full fellowship. “For unto such shall ye continue to minister” teaches the resurrected Lord, “for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them” (3 Nephi 18:32).

Commentaries and Insights on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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