A Latter Day Blog

“And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light. Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?” (Mosiah 18:8-10)

There is something deeply stirring in the passage from Mosiah, where Alma stands at the waters of Mormon and invites the people to enter into a covenant with the Lord. As I reflect on the words spoken, I think of the sacred nature of baptism and the promises we make when we enter into that covenant. To me, it is more than a moment, or date on the calendar; instead, this is a lifelong commitment, one that should cause us to live as true disciples of Christ. When Alma asks the people if they are “willing to bear one another’s burdens” and “mourn with those that mourn,” it becomes clear that baptism is not simply an individual act, but a commitment to live in community, to love and serve one another. It is our duty to walk alongside our brothers and sisters in their trials, to extend a hand when they are weighed down, and to offer comfort in times of sorrow. These actions are not just outward expressions of kindness; they are reflections of the Saviour’s love working through us.