Ammon and King Lamoni, by Scott M. Snow

July 1–7: “I Will Make an Instrument of Thee”

Alma 17–22

Think of all the reasons people might give for not sharing the gospel: “I don’t know enough” or “I’m not sure they would be interested” or maybe “I’m afraid I’ll be rejected.” Maybe you’ve found yourself thinking similar things at times. The Nephites had an additional reason for not sharing the gospel with the Lamanites: they were described as “a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people; a people who delighted in murdering the Nephites” (Alma 17:14; see also Alma 26:23–25). But the sons of Mosiah had an even stronger reason why they felt they must share the gospel with the Lamanites: “They were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish” (Mosiah 28:3). This love that inspired Ammon and his brothers can also inspire you to share the gospel with your family, friends, and acquaintances—even those who may not seem likely to accept it.

Ideas for Learning at Home and at Church

Alma 17:1–4

Simple, consistent acts of devotion to Christ help me receive His power.

What do you learn from Alma 17:1–4 about how to keep your testimony of and commitment to Jesus Christ strong? What did the sons of Mosiah do, and how did the Lord bless them?

As you read about the experiences of the sons of Mosiah in Alma 17–22, note how their spiritual preparation affected their service among the Lamanites (for example, see Alma 18:10–18, 34–36; 20:2–5; 22:12–16). What do you feel inspired to do to follow their example?

Alma 17:6–12; 19:16–36

I can be an instrument in God’s hands.

The accounts of conversion we read about in the scriptures are often dramatic, but at their core we usually find individuals who had the courage to speak up and share their faith in Jesus Christ. Think about this as you read about Abish and the sons of Mosiah this week.

What do you think it means to be an instrument in God’s hands? It might help to think of instruments or tools that you might use in your daily life. In Alma 17:6–12, look for what the sons of Mosiah did so they could be instruments in God’s hands. How can you become a more effective instrument in helping others come unto Christ?

What impresses you about Abish in Alma 19:16–36? What do you learn from her about helping others build faith in Christ? For example, what do you feel would help people you love “believe in the power of God”? (Alma 19:17).

You might also compare Abish’s experience with the principles Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught in “Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart” (Liahona, May 2019, 15–18). How did Abish exemplify Elder Uchtdorf’s “Five Simple Suggestions”? Try writing down some things you might say about Jesus Christ. For example, “For me, Jesus Christ …” or “The Savior helps me …”

See also Gospel Topics, “Ministering as the Savior Does,” Gospel Library; “Brightly Beams Our Father’s Mercy,” Hymns, no. 335; “Come and See,” “Come and Help,” “Come and Belong” (videos), Gospel Library.

Come and See

People like being included. They just need to be invited. (Asia Area)

Come and Help

People naturally want to help. They just need to be invited. (Asia Area)

Come and Belong

Elder Uchtdorf extends an invitation to all to come and belong in the Lord's Church.

Use object lessons. Any time people can see or touch something related to what they’re learning, they’re likely to remember it longer. If you’re teaching about Alma 17:11, for example, consider showing musical instruments or writing instruments to help inspire a discussion about being an instrument in God’s hands.

Alma 17–19

When we show love for others, we can help them receive the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Look for verses in Alma 17–19 that show how Ammon’s love for the Lamanites inspired his efforts to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. What other truths about sharing the gospel do you learn from his example?

See also “Ammon Serves and Teaches King Lamoni” (video), Gospel Library.

Ammon Serves and Teaches King Lamoni | Alma 17–19

Ammon and the sons of Mosiah go to teach the Lamanites the word of God. Ammon becomes King Lamoni’s servant and teaches him the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Minerva Teichert (1888–1976), Ammon Saves the King’s Flocks, 1949–1951, oil on masonite, 35 15/16 × 48 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, 1969.

Alma 19:36

The Lord will help me repent.

After recounting the conversion of Lamoni and his people, Mormon summarized the account with an observation about Jesus Christ. What does Alma 19:36 teach you about the Lord’s character? What else does the account in Alma 19:16–36 teach you about Him? When have you felt the Lord’s arm extended toward you?

Alma 20:23; 22:15–18

Knowing God is worth any sacrifice.

Compare what Lamoni’s father was willing to give up to save his life (see Alma 20:23) with what he was later willing to give up to receive the joy of the gospel and to know God (see Alma 22:15, 18). Ponder what you are willing to sacrifice in order to know God more fully.

For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.

Ideas for Teaching Children

Alma 17:2–3

My testimony of Jesus Christ grows when I read the scriptures, pray, and fast.

• How can the examples of Mosiah’s sons help your children build their testimonies of Jesus Christ? You could help your children find what the sons of Mosiah did to build their spiritual strength in Alma 17:2–3. Then they could draw pictures or find objects that represent these things. Help them plan what they will do to strengthen their testimonies of the Savior.

Alma 17–19

I can share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

• To learn about being an instrument in God’s hands, as the sons of Mosiah were, you and your children could look at an instrument or tool and talk about what it’s used for. Then you could read Alma 17:11 and talk about what it means to be Heavenly Father’s instruments to help people learn about Jesus Christ.

• This week’s activity page has pictures representing truths Ammon taught King Lamoni. You could help your children find these truths in Alma 18:24–40. Your children could pretend to be missionaries and share what they know about these truths.

• After you read about Abish with your children (see Alma 19:16–20, 28–29), they could pretend to be like Abish by running in place, knocking on doors, and telling about what happened in Alma 19:1–17. How can we be like Abish and share what we know about Jesus Christ and His gospel? Your children could draw pictures of themselves sharing the gospel with someone or sing together a song about sharing the gospel, such as “Called to Serve” (Children’s Songbook, 174–75).

Alma 17:21–25; 20:8–27; 22:1–3

I can help others come unto Christ by showing my love for them.

• At first, both King Lamoni and his father had hard hearts toward the gospel. Later, their hearts were softened, and they believed in Jesus Christ. How did this happen? Help your children discover answers to this question as you review with them Ammon’s experiences. They could act out “Chapter 23: Ammon: A Great Servant” and “Chapter 24: Ammon Meets King Lamoni’s Father” (Book of Mormon Stories, 64–68, 69–70). Or perhaps your children would like to draw pictures of different parts of the story and use the pictures to tell the stories. What did Ammon do to help Lamoni and his father open their hearts to the gospel of Jesus Christ? (see Alma 17:21–25; 20:8–27; 22:1–3).

  Chapter 23: Ammon: A Great Servant

  Chapter 24: Ammon Meets King Lamoni’s Father

• Perhaps you and your children could think of someone who needs to know about Jesus Christ. Help them think of ways they can be good examples and show love to that person, like Ammon did for Lamoni and his father.

For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.

An illustration of Abish, by Dilleen Marsh