What are You Willing to Give?

Alma 22:15—“Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.”

The Book of Mormon contains many significant accounts of missionaries and their experiences of helping others come unto Christ. One of these valiant missionaries, Aaron, had the unique opportunity to be of great service to the King of all the land. Originally, that was Aaron’s humble offer to the king; to simply be his servant. However, the king denied the offer and became curious when he realized Aaron was one of Ammon’s brethren.

The King continues to ask Aaron questions about the things spoken of by Ammon. Aaron then magnifies his ultimate calling as a servant of the Lord, and teaches and testifies of God. He also teaches the king of the joy we find in following Jesus Christ. The king becomes so desirous to obtain this joy Aaron describes, that he declares he would be willing to give up all that he owns. In verse 15 of chapter 22 the king askes Aaron, “What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which though hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.”

Unlike this eager king, many of us have already received this great joy, or felt it in some degree in our lives. It is import however, that we frequently ask ourselves, “What am I willing to give up that I may continue to have this pure joy from the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life?” or better, “What more must I give up in order to become more committed to following our Savior?”