In Helaman, the eldest son of Alma, we have a splendid example of a righteous and dedicated individual who is both the leading high priest of his generation as well as a consummate military hero. Helaman lives in the period of time from around 100 BC to 57 BC. From his father, Alma, he receives a firm foundation of truth and eternal principle upon which to build his life. Alma gives Helaman charge over “the sacred things” of the Lord (Alma 37:47), including the plates of brass, the sacred Nephite records, the twenty-four Jaredite plates, the “interpreters” (Urim and Thummim—see Alma 37:24), and the Liahona. He is commanded by his aging father to take his place as a spiritual leader among the people: “See that ye look to God and live. Go unto this people and declare the word, and be sober. My son, farewell” (Alma 37:47). That is precisely what Helaman does all the days of his life. He and his brethren exercise “exceedingly great care over the church, for they were high priests over the church” (Alma 46:6).
At the same time, Helaman sustains and supports Captain Moroni in withstanding the incursions of traitors against freedom such as Amalickiah and later, Ammoron. Helaman becomes the leader of the legendary two thousand stripling warriors in the struggle to defend the liberty of the people. Looking back over a half-millennium, Mormon gives this summary of the character of Helaman and his brethren: “Now behold, Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni; for they did preach the word of God, and they did baptize unto repentance all men whosoever would hearken unto their words. And thus they went forth, and the people did humble themselves because of their words, insomuch that they were highly favored of the Lord” (Alma 48:19–20). Through his valiant service, Helaman secures a place in history as one of the most exemplary servants of God depicted in the Book of Mormon.
“My Son, Give Ear to My Words”
The Book of Mormon is one of the Lord’s greatest tools for teaching parents how to counsel their children in righteousness. From the loving concern of Lehi and Sariah for their children to the intimate partnership of Mormon and his son Moroni, there is an endless flow of inspiring examples about parent-child relationships. Consider the elder Alma’s anxiety and ultimate joy in his son Alma. Consider Alma the Younger’s legacy of instruction for his sons recorded in these current chapters.
The covenant bond is at its heart patriarchal: the word of truth flows from our Father in Heaven to His sons and daughters. In resonance with this pattern, fathers and mothers are commissioned to reinforce the word of truth as they instruct their children in the operation of covenant principles. Jacob’s legacy of blessings for his twelve sons (see Genesis 49) is in character no different from the blessings of truth that all fathers in Zion have the opportunity to bestow upon their children as part of the Lord’s plan of edification and teaching. Mothers in Zion have the same sacred commission to impart principles of righteousness to their children. There is no duty or obligation so great as for parents to teach their children. Parents are accountable. The Doctrine and Covenants makes this clear: “And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents… . And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord” (D&C 68:25, 28). This becomes our primary purpose as parents: to teach our children. There is no greater guidebook for this purpose than the Book of Mormon.
President Joseph F. Smith declared:
It is the duty of parents to teach their children the principles of the gospel and to be sober-minded and industrious in their youth. They should be impressed from the cradle to the time they leave the parental roof to make homes and assume the duties of life for themselves, that there is a seed time and harvest, and as man sows, so shall he reap. The sowing of bad habits in youth will bring forth nothing better than vice, and the sowing of the seeds of indolence will result invariably in poverty and lack of stability in old age. Evil begets evil, and good will bring forth good… . And above all else, let us train our children in the principles of the gospel of our Savior, that they may become familiar with the truth and walk in the light which it sheds forth to all those who will receive it. “He that seeketh me early,” the Lord has said, “shall find me, and shall not be forsaken.” It behooves us, therefore, to commence in early life to travel in the straight and narrow path which leads to eternal salvation.” (Juvenile Instructor, vol. 52, 19, 20, Jan., 1917; Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. Smith, comp. John A. Widtsoe [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1939], 295–296)