Alma 34:33-35

Alma 34:33-35
. . . If we do not improve our time while in this life, then comes the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.

Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God, nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that you go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.

Or behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his . . .

Amulek is speaking and he is trying to motivate the people to change and repent. He is correct in that

• life here on Earth is meant to be a time of great growth and change in us
• we don't automatically change into Heavenly beings when we die

I just personally have a major objection to using scare tactics to get people to change. His model would seem to fall back to a theory that life is a contest between God and Satan for our souls. Therefore he is saying beware. . .

Let's look at 1st John 4:18

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear has torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

This scripture suggest there are negative consequences of using fear as a motivator. Fear

• nourishes competition
• fosters short-term thinkin destroys trust
• erodes joy and pride in work
• stifles innovation
• distorts communication

I found a great article from the Regent University School of Business and Leadership called "Emerging Leadership Journeys" (Vol.7 Iss.1, pp. 27-33) The following are some thoughts from that article.

"Fear causes people to live in silence, afraid to talk about issues that need to be discussed."

"Fearful people are unable to do their best work since much of their time and energy are spent watching their backs, covering themselves, and playing it safe. People are unable to fulfill their potential, only able to give a fraction of what they could if they were not controlled by fear."

Compare that to a leader who inspires by love and trust.

". . .a leader who is humble, forgiving and loving is more authentic and it's more inspiring and effective as a leader. Vulnerability is power."

I can only say for myself that love is the thing that has motivated me throughout my whole life. I have always been so touched by the fact that Jesus came to show us how to love.

"The more I come to know my Heavenly Father, the more I see how He inspires and leads His children. He is not angry, vengeful, or retaliatory. His very purpose - His work and His glory - is to mentor us, exalt us, and lead us to His fullness.

"God described Himself to Moses as merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and Truth.

"Our Father in Heaven's love for us, His children, surpasses by far our ability to comprehend.

Does this mean that God condones or overlooks behaviors that run contrary to His commands, no, definitely not!

But he wants to change more than just our behaviors. He wants to change our very natures. He wants to change our hearts."  

Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear by Elder Deiter F Uchtdorf April 2017 Conference