The book of Helaman records both triumphs and tragedies among the Nephites and Lamanites. It begins with “a serious difficulty among the people of the Nephites” (Helaman 1:1), and the difficulties keep coming throughout the record. Here we read about political intrigue, bands of robbers, rejection of the prophets, and pride and disbelief throughout the land. But we also find examples like Nephi and Lehi and “the more humble part of the people,” who not only survived but thrived spiritually (Helaman 3:34). How did they do it? How did they stay strong while their civilization began to decline and fall apart? The same way any of us stay strong in the “mighty storm” the devil sends to “beat upon [us]”—by building our lives “upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, … a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall” (Helaman 5:12).
Pride separates me from the Spirit and strength of God.
As you read Helaman 1–6, you may notice a pattern in the behavior of the Nephites. When they are righteous, God blesses them, and they prosper. After a time, they become prideful and wicked, making choices that lead to destruction and suffering. Then they are humbled and inspired to repent, and God blesses them once again. The pattern repeats itself so often that some call it the “pride cycle.”
In Helaman 3, Mormon described a time of rejoicing when the Church was so blessed that even the leaders were surprised. Based on what you read in verses 24–32, what do you think led to that joyful state? Not all members continued in the joy, though. Note the differences between the people described in verses 33–35. What do you learn from their example?
Look for personal application. The prophet Mormon used the phrase “thus we see” to emphasize important truths as he abridged the Book of Mormon. For example, what did he want us to see in Helaman 3:27–30? As you study the scriptures, you might pause occasionally to complete the phrase “and thus we see” regarding what you have read.
Reading Helaman 5:6–7 may inspire you to consider the names you have been given, including family names. What do these names mean to you? How can you honor them? Even more important, consider what it means to bear the Savior’s name (see Moroni 4:3). How do you honor that sacred name?
If I make Jesus Christ my foundation, I cannot fall.
What does it mean to you to “build your foundation” on “the rock of our Redeemer”? (Helaman 5:12). How have you found safety from life’s storms in Jesus Christ? As you read Helaman 5:12–52, identify how Nephi and Lehi were blessed for building their faith on the rock of their Redeemer.
Some people find it helpful to visualize what they’re studying. To depict Helaman 5:12, you could build a small structure on different kinds of foundations. You could then create a “mighty storm” by spraying water on it and using a fan to create wind. What insights does this give you about building your foundation on Jesus Christ? What else do you learn from the video “A Secure Anchor”? (Gospel Library).
Verse 50 mentions “the greatness of the evidences” that the Lamanites received. Reading Helaman 5:12–52 might bring to your mind the evidences that God has given you. For example, maybe “a whisper” from the Spirit has strengthened your faith in the Savior (Helaman 5:30; see also Doctrine and Covenants 88:66). Or perhaps you’ve been in darkness and cried out to God for greater faith (see Helaman 5:40–47). What other experiences have helped you build your foundation on Jesus Christ?
Consider inviting your children to draw their own version of the “pride cycle,” based on the diagram above. Then, as you read together Helaman 3:24, 33–34 and 4:11–15, they could point to the parts of the cycle these verses describe. How can we choose to be humble—and remain that way?
Consider using a picture of a temple to start a conversation about why buildings need strong foundations. Or you could look at the foundation of your home or Church building. To emphasize the strength of a rock-solid foundation, your children could try to move a rock by blowing on it. As you read together Helaman 5:12, ask your children why Jesus Christ is “a sure foundation” for our lives. How can we build our lives on Him? (see Helaman 3:27–29, 35 and Articles of Faith 1:4).
Invite your children to build a tower using blocks or other materials on different kinds of foundations (such as cotton balls or a flat stone). How is the solid foundation like Jesus Christ? They could add a block to the structure for each idea they share about what they can do to follow Him.
The Holy Ghost whispers with a still, small voice.
The voice described in Helaman 5:29–30, 45–47 teaches us one way that the Holy Ghost speaks to us. To help your children understand this truth, consider reading “Chapter 37: Nephi and Lehi in Prison” (Book of Mormon Stories, 99–102). When you talk about the voice the people heard, speak in a soft voice. Repeat the story a few times, and invite the children to whisper with you. Help them think of other ways that the Holy Ghost can speak to us. To reinforce this principle, you could sing together “The Still Small Voice” (Children’s Songbook, 106–7).
Repentance replaces spiritual darkness with light.
To emphasize what Helaman 5:20–41 teaches about darkness and light, try reading or summarizing these verses in the dark, using just a flashlight for light. Your children could listen for what the people needed to do so the darkness would be removed. Then turn the lights on, and read verses 42–48 together. What do these verses teach us about repentance?
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
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Nephi and Lehi in prison
Even in prison, Nephi and Lehi were protected by the power of God.
