The Value of Examples

We are discussing the Book of Ether in my Book of Mormon class today.  Chapter 8 verse 26 reads: “Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come into the fountain of all righteousness and be saved.”   I really liked this verse because it explains the reason why there are so many wars and so much iniquity in the Book of Mormon.  Moroni was told that he needed to put in all this conflict as it would be applicable to our day and the spiritual war we are engaged in currently.  Brother Griffin presented an object lesson to demonstrate the value of these contra-examples.  He introduced a made-up concept and showed the class examples of it – no one had any clue what the concept could possibly be.  However, once he had shown the class a couple examples of what the concept definitely was not, the entire class could confidently state that they knew what concept he was attempting to describe.  The Book of Mormon is full of both examples and counter-examples so that we have no confusion about the precise nature of righteousness and wickedness.  With this knowledge, we then have the power to eventually defeat evil and become Zion, pure and clean.  At this point we are able to be accepted into the fold of God.  I am so grateful for Moroni’s writings and the lessons that I have and will learn from his words.