In Our Times, Staying Metaphorically "On the Mount" is More Important than Ever
As a brief Sunday School refresher, Lehonti was a Lamanite leader during the war, while Amalickiah, a Nephite, sought power. Lehonti was stationed on Mount Antipas, and Amalickiah knew that if he could lure Lehonti down from the mountain, he could seize control of his army. Amalickiah requested that Lehonti descend from his position, but Lehonti refused three times. On the fourth attempt, Amalickiah approached the outskirts of Lehonti’s camp and asked for a meeting. Lehonti, guarded by his soldiers, agreed to meet
him. Although they reached an understanding, Amalickiah eventually betrayed Lehonti by poisoning him "by degrees... until he died," thus taking command of Lehonti's army.
The key lesson from this story is that remaining on the mountaintop is essential, both physically and morally. Physically, high ground in battle provides a strategic advantage by offering a broader view of the surroundings and compelling the enemy to engage on your terms. Morally, maintaining high standards and refusing to compromise is always the wisest choice. Lehonti’s eventual decision to descend from the mountain symbolizes a slow decline that ultimately leads to his demise. Similarly, when we begin to compromise our values or give in to lesser influences, we risk a gradual downfall. Reversing that descent can be far more difficult than remaining steadfast from the outset.
A consistent theme throughout scripture is that revelation often occurs in elevated places. Moses received revelation on Mount Sinai, Jesus was transfigured on a mount and the Brother of Jared experienced profound revelations on Mount Shelem. Mountains and other high places are frequently associated with divine communication, much like temples are today. Attending the temple is crucial for spiritual growth. President Nelson emphasized this by saying, “It has never been more imperative to know how the Spirit speaks to you than right now. Do whatever it takes to increase your spiritual capacity to receive personal revelation.” In our times, staying metaphorically "on the mount" is more important than ever.
We are not perfect, and there will be times when we descend from our spiritual heights. In Brad Wilcox’s book, The Continuous Atonement, he explains the concept of perfection and grace. He compares this to the sacrament prayer, which must be recited perfectly, without flaw. However, if a priesthood holder makes a mistake, they are given as many chances as necessary to say it correctly. Similarly, though we may fall short or descend the mountain in life, there is always an opportunity to climb back up. No distance is too great for Christ to help us return to higher ground.
“My brothers and sisters, except for Jesus, there have been no flawless performances on this earthly journey we are pursuing, so while in mortality let’s strive for steady improvement without obsessing over what behavioral scientists call “toxic perfectionism.” We should avoid that latter excessive expectation of ourselves and of others and, I might add, of those who are called to serve in the Church—which for Latter-day Saints means everyone, for we are all called to serve somewhere.
In that regard, Leo Tolstoy wrote once of a priest who was criticized by one of his congregants for not living as resolutely as he should, the critic concluding that the principles the erring preacher taught must therefore also be erroneous.
In response to that criticism, the priest says: “Look at my life now and compare it to my former life. You will see that I am trying to live out the truth I proclaim.” Unable to live up to the high ideals he taught, the priest admits he has failed. But he cries:
“Attack me, [if you wish,] I do this myself, but [don’t] attack … the path I follow. … If I know the way home [but] am walking along it drunkenly, is it any less the right way simply because I am staggering from side to side?
“… Do not gleefully shout, ‘Look at him! … There he is crawling into a bog!’ No, do not gloat, but give … your help [to anyone trying to walk the road back to God.]”
- Elder Holland
