Dianella Single Adult Institute : Alma 1

I find these jam-packed introductory chapters to Alma's teachings and proselyting fascinating. Among these teachings I find the the observations on discipleship valuable. The initial challenge presented in these chapters relates to priestcraft - and the differentiation between priesthood and priestcraft. (Initial thoughts/markings are noted in the passages that follow.)

Priesthood
Alma 1:26–27

And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned again diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength. And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely.

Alma 13:6, 10–12

And thus being called by this holy calling, and ordained unto the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to teach his commandments unto the children of men, that they also might enter into his rest—
Now, as I said concerning the holy order, or this high priesthood, there were many who were ordained and became high priests of God; and it was on account of their exceeding faith and repentance, and their righteousness before God, they choosing to repent and work righteousness rather than to perish;
Therefore they were called after this holy order, and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb.
Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God.

Jacob 1:18–19

For I, Jacob, and my brother Joseph had been consecrated priests and teachers of this people, by the hand of Nephi.
And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day.

Priestcraft
Alma 1:2–6

And it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of Alma in the judgement-seat, there was a man brought before him to be judged, a man who was large, and was noted for his much strength.
And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people.
And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life.
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.
And he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear very costly apparel, yea, and even began to establish a church after the manner of his preaching.

Alma 1:16

Nevertheless, this did not put an end to the spreading of priestcraft through the land; for there were many who loved the vain things of the world, and they went forth preaching false doctrines; and this they did for the sake of riches and honor.

2 Nephi 26:29

He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.

Alma 15:15

But as to the people that were in the land of Ammonihah, they yet remained a hard-hearted and a stiffnecked people; and they repented not of their sins, ascribing all the power of Alma and Amulek to the devil; for they were of the profession of Nehor, and did not believe in the repentance of their sins.

These passages illustrate some facets of priesthood and priestcraft and the difference between the two, including hints to social issues which either predispose or preclude them from becoming ingrained in a society. Journal which aspects of both priesthood and priestcraft come to the forefront as you read the passages. What similarities do you see to culture around you, and do these similarities help or hinder the purposes of priesthood?

Our lesson focused on Discipleship, with two groups discussing discipleship. The first group reviewed several conference talks and talks by members of the quorum of the twelve on Discipleship. Their aim was to find behaviours that disciples exhibit.

Some behaviours they listed include:

Serve our fellow men as He would serve them;
Sacrifice in obedience;
Bear witness of the truth;
Overcome mortal trials;
Develop spiritual literacy;
Uncompromised in devotion to the Lords' service;
Shed bad habits and worldly thoughts.

The second group created Discipleship collages, reflecting their feelings about discipleship, which are shown below.