On page 353 of the Book of Mormon, Helaman uses the word
“firm” three times to describe his army of 2,060 warriors. In verse 27 (in Alma chapter 57), Helaman says, “Now this was the faith of these of whom I have
spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust
in God continually.”
Now, the fathers of these very warriors had buried their
weapons of war years before, making a covenant with God that they would no
longer fight. Their sons, Helaman’s army, took up arms to defend their people,
never having touched a weapon in their lives.
The king of the men who buried their weapons said to them,
“And behold, I thank my great God that he has given us a portion of his Spirit
to soften our hearts…” (Alma 24:8).
What is the difference between having a firm mind and a soft
heart, and how are we to have both?
I believe that having a soft heart is remaining open to the
Spirit. It is to be teachable, understanding, and thoughtful. A soft heart
welcomes the seed of faith into our lives. Once we have faith, we make our
minds firm, but keep a soft heart, because we know we are imperfect, and we
must always learn and be open to the Spirit. However, a firm mind preserves our
standards and faith. It is how we live, being an example of what we believe in.
Having a firm mind and a soft heart is extremely helpful to
me when I have to make an important decision. I have been trying to decide what
I am supposed to do with my life for the next six months: when I should go to
school, where I should live and work, and if I should serve an LDS mission. I
have made these decisions by exploring my options (prayerfully), making
decisions with a firm mind, and asking in prayer if I have made the right
decision with a soft heart. Sometimes, answers seem unclear, but given time
with that soft heart, they reveal themselves, and I can go forward with a firm
mind.
