Ether 6

(Below is a list of questions that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

As we trust the Lord and do his will, he will direct the course of our lives. The Lord prepares us to overcome the difficulties we will face in life as we pray, follow the prophet and keep the Commandments. If we trust in the Lord, adversity and hardship can help us progress and attain promised blessings.

2. What did the stones do for the Jaredite's? To what source do you look for spiritual light? How is Jesus Christ your light?

3. Why doesn't the Lord want us to travel our mortal journey in darkness? What does he desire for you? How do you know?

4. What can you learn from the brother of Jared about the need to prepare? How did their preparation make their journey to the promised land easier?

"After his experience with the Lord, the brother of Jared continued to diligently prepare himself for the journey ahead. So too must we hearken to the teachings of our prophets. The living prophets have counseled us time and again to put our lives in order – to eliminate debt, to store food and other essential items, to pay our tithing, to obtain appropriate education, and to live the commandments. Have we obeyed these essential instructions?" – Robert D Hales, GC, April 2003

4. In what ways have you commended yourself to the Lord your God, or in other words, have you placed your trust in him and entrusted yourself to God for your care and preservation?

5-6. Why might it have been difficult for the Jaredite's to trust in the Lord in this situation? Why do you think that both preparing AND commending themselves to the Lord was essential?

7-8. How did the Jaredite's show their trust in the Lord during their difficult journey? Why does the Lord call upon us to do difficult things? What role does our faith play in accomplishing the Lord's commandments?

"Let us not forget that through this see of trouble, our adversities, the experiences through which we pass and which God will make work together for our good, if we will obey him – all these are blowing us forward to the haven of rest, to a glorious future, to eternal life." – Charles A Callis, GC, April 1943

9. Why is showing gratitude for the Lord so important even amidst our trials? What kind of perspective do we gain or maintain on our challenges when we foster an attitude of gratitude?

10. What protection did the people have as they journeyed toward the promised land? What was that protection hinged upon? What protection is promised to you in your mortal journey? What do you have to do to earn that blessing?

11. How long do you think a year would have felt to the Jaredite's in the barges? Have you ever had trials that seemingly had no end? What did you do to endure them in righteousness?

12. After passing through trials, do you always remember to thank the Lord for his continued love and support throughout the challenge? How do you feel when you have progressed and obtained blessings by faithfully enduring hardships you have faced or are currently facing in your life?

13-16. What is the importance of keeping a record of your family? How might this record influence future generations?

17. What might be some examples of what it means to walk humbly before the Lord? How have your parents, church leaders, and fellow Saints encouraged you to walk humbly before the Lord? What do you think is the relationship between walking humbly and being taught from on high? When have you felt you were 'taught from on high'? Why would it be important for the Jaredites to receive revelation at this time? What determines whether or not we receive revelation?

"Any person who will [search the Scriptures, keep the commandments, and ask in faith] will get his heart so in tune with the infinite that there will come into his being, from the still small voice, the eternal realities of religion. As he progresses and advances and comes near to God, there will be a day when he will entertain angels, when he will see visions, and the final end is to view the face of God." – Bruce R McConkie, BYU Speeches of the Year, 1967

18. What is the Lord's definition of prospering? How does your posterity make you wealthy according to the Lord's standards?

19-21. What is usually the desire of a righteous patriarch over his family when he recognizes that he doesn't have much longer to you? How can this desire to teach one final time be a blessing to his posterity? How important is it to seriously consider his words at that time?

22. What did the people want their fathers to do in regards to the ruling of the people?

23. What did the brother of Jared say could go wrong when one person receives the power of being team? Why would being ruled by Kings be dangerous?

24. Why were the people permitted to choose a king? Why didn't the advice given and the caution given by the brother of Jared seem to be considered seriously?

25. Why do you think Pagag refused to be king? Did he understand his father's caution? Why did the brother of Jared refuse to constrain him or force him to become king? How does the desire to force a person against his or her will to do something he or she does not wish to do, indicate a lack of understanding of agency on the part of the person who wishes to impress his will upon another? How much do you appreciate your agency? How committed are you to preserving the agency of not just yourself but all those around you? Are you just as committed even when they choose to do something that you dislike or that is against the commandments of the Lord?

26. Why does a righteous person decline the offer to rule over others? How is ruling over others contrary to the plan of salvation?

27-30. How good of a king do you think Oriah was? What makes a good king?