Just is not something that we use very often, but still a relevant attribute to develop.
The 1828 dictionary defines just in a moral sense as being upright, honest and having principles of rectitude. My favorite definition that I found is "conforming exactly to the laws."
It is more than just obedience. It is exact obedience. Not just doing the bare minimum, but following the commandments to every jot and tittle.
It is more than just obedience. It is exact obedience. Not just doing the bare minimum, but following the commandments to every jot and tittle.
When Alma went on a mission to the Zoramites with his companions because he knew that "the preaching of the word had a tendency to lead the people to do that which is just-yea it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword" (Alma 31:5).
The reason why we seek for Christlike attributes is because we have a desire to change and become better. Studying the gospel helps us to be able to conform exactly to the laws that Heavenly Father has put in our lives for protection, freedom and to test our obedience. If we do not feel like the laws are there for our benefit, that is when we need to study the commandments in the scriptures.
Nephi said of those that write the scriptures: "The things that he shall write will be just and true" (1 Nephi 14:23). This verse is specific to John's writing in Revelations, however this can be applied to all writings in the scriptures. He goes on to say: "The things which were written were plain and pure, and most precious and easy to understand." This is specifically about the Bible.
While some may not think that the Bible is plain and easy to understand, taking the time to study, ponder and pray about the things written in it will make it more clear. Taking this time will bring the necessary understanding to "lead [you] to do that which is just."
So why should you work on being just? There are a couple of big reasons.
Alma 13:26 teaches us that angels communicate with just and holy men. This can be taken as those who are just and holy will receive important revelations. So if you feel confused, lost, or unsure of what to do, then strive to have exact obedience, be worthy of the spirit, and the answers will come.
Another reason is to have the ability to teach. As members of the church, and decedents of the House of Israel, we have a responsibility to bring the gospel to those who have yet to receive the word, whether or not we wear a missionary badge. In order to be worthy to preach, we need to be just.
This is how teachers were appointed with the people of Alma.
Mosiah 23:17 says "None received the authority to preach or teach except it were by [Alma] from God. Therefore he consecrated all their priests and all their teachers; none were consecrated except they were just men."
It was a requirement to be just in order to be worthy of preaching.
Being just is more than just a word that we skim over in the Book of Mormon while we read it. It is in our dealings with our fellow men, it is in our daily choices whether or not to serve God, and it is in our worthiness to receive revelation.
Scriptures for further study:
Examples of being just: 2 Nephi 1:10, Enos 1:1, Omni 1:25, Mosiah 2:4, Mosiah 19:17, Alma 3:6, Alma 12:15, Alma 20:15, Alma 53:2, Alma 61:19, 3 Nephi 3:12, 3 Nephi 5:18 3 Nephi 26:19, 4 Nephi 1:2
Examples of not being just: 2 Nephi 27:32, 2 Nephi 28:16, Alma 55:1
Why/ How to be just: Mosiah 4:17-19, Alma 41:14, Moroni 10:6
Nephi said of those that write the scriptures: "The things that he shall write will be just and true" (1 Nephi 14:23). This verse is specific to John's writing in Revelations, however this can be applied to all writings in the scriptures. He goes on to say: "The things which were written were plain and pure, and most precious and easy to understand." This is specifically about the Bible.
While some may not think that the Bible is plain and easy to understand, taking the time to study, ponder and pray about the things written in it will make it more clear. Taking this time will bring the necessary understanding to "lead [you] to do that which is just."
So why should you work on being just? There are a couple of big reasons.
Alma 13:26 teaches us that angels communicate with just and holy men. This can be taken as those who are just and holy will receive important revelations. So if you feel confused, lost, or unsure of what to do, then strive to have exact obedience, be worthy of the spirit, and the answers will come.
Another reason is to have the ability to teach. As members of the church, and decedents of the House of Israel, we have a responsibility to bring the gospel to those who have yet to receive the word, whether or not we wear a missionary badge. In order to be worthy to preach, we need to be just.
This is how teachers were appointed with the people of Alma.
Mosiah 23:17 says "None received the authority to preach or teach except it were by [Alma] from God. Therefore he consecrated all their priests and all their teachers; none were consecrated except they were just men."
It was a requirement to be just in order to be worthy of preaching.
Being just is more than just a word that we skim over in the Book of Mormon while we read it. It is in our dealings with our fellow men, it is in our daily choices whether or not to serve God, and it is in our worthiness to receive revelation.
Scriptures for further study:
Examples of being just: 2 Nephi 1:10, Enos 1:1, Omni 1:25, Mosiah 2:4, Mosiah 19:17, Alma 3:6, Alma 12:15, Alma 20:15, Alma 53:2, Alma 61:19, 3 Nephi 3:12, 3 Nephi 5:18 3 Nephi 26:19, 4 Nephi 1:2
Examples of not being just: 2 Nephi 27:32, 2 Nephi 28:16, Alma 55:1
Why/ How to be just: Mosiah 4:17-19, Alma 41:14, Moroni 10:6
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