Helaman 2:6-9 -- On Combinations and Resisting Evil

"And it came to pass as he went forth towards the judgment-seat to destroy Helaman, behold one of the servants of Helaman, having been out by night, and having obtained, through disguise, a knowledge of those plans which had been laid by this band to destroy Helaman—
And it came to pass that he met Kishkumen, and he gave unto him a sign; therefore Kishkumen made known unto him the object of his desire, desiring that he would conduct him to the judgment-seat that he might murder Helaman.
And when the servant of Helaman had known all the heart of Kishkumen, and how that it was his object to murder, and also that it was the object of all those who belonged to his band to murder, and to rob, and to gain power, (and this was their secret plan, and their combination) the servant of Helaman said unto Kishkumen: Let us go forth unto the judgment-seat.
Now this did please Kishkumen exceedingly, for he did suppose that he should accomplish his design; but behold, the servant of Helaman, as they were going forth unto the judgment-seat, did stab Kishkumen even to the heart, that he fell dead without a groan. And he ran and told Helaman all the things which he had seen, and heard, and done."
Helaman 2:6-9


My current job exposes me to a lot of stories about scams and fraud online. I don't get exposed as much to the stories about murder, but I know it happens, and that there is a lot of other evil out there that never even hits the news. Reading this is interesting because it show us that even back in the times of the Nephites, people were fighting against these secret combinations in similar ways that we do today (spies, etc.).

It reminds me of one of the supposed contradictions in the scriptures. We are told "ye shall not resist evil" in 3 Nephi 12:39, and in Alma 61:14 we read "let us resist evil." I don't think that is a contradiction, but rather different circumstances. [I also don't think that God telling us not to resist evil means that we should invite it. Let's make sure that we are using different passwords for different sites (use a password manager if they are too hard to remember), and never trust links in emails or strange calls from the boss asking us to buy gift cards.] :)

As Ecclesiastes tells us, there is a time for everything, and Nephi killing Laban helps us understand that there are exceptions to even the most strict rules. I think the key is to follow the rule as far as we can. (Christ instructing us to not resist evil, and to let someone have your cloak, and even offer him more if he needs it.) To let things go if people try to cheat us, and to help them if they are in need so maybe they don't need to steal. And obviously we should follow the Thall shalt not kill commandment as well. If there are exceptions to any of the general commandments (as in Nephi's case, and as is often the case if you are a police officer, a spy, or have a job fighting fraud), those are things that we can't just assume, but if we listen to the Spirit and stay in tune with God, making sure that we are truly and sincerely not following our will, but his, then God will lead us along, and we'll know when those exceptions are his will.

Today, let's think about this, but in a very very careful and studious way. We need to make sure that we never assume that we are exceptions, but also be aware that there are exceptions so that we don't judge others harshly. Let's listen to the Spirit and make sure that we are wholly in tune with God (at bare minimum to the temple recommend level) before taking any action that contradicts the commandments, which are there to keep us safe, and others safe from us. And let's remember love first, especially with those around us. It is most important to do as the prophet asks and work on being sin-resistant first, before we worry about resisting evil in other ways.