Compare & Contrast Helaman vs. Moroni

So in the previous post I discussed my feelings about the Stripling Warriors.  I neglected to mention the amazing leadership they were given by Helaman.  All the information we have is given in a letter to Captain Moroni.  Toward the end of this letter, Helaman explains that he doesn't understand why they haven't been given more strength from the government but he "does not desire to murmur."  He says that he, and those serving with him,

trust God will deliver {them}, notwhithstanding the weakness of {their} armies, yea, and deliver {them} out of the hands of {their} enemies.

He is humble and grateful.  Contrast that with Captain Moroni's response to Pahoran in the judgement seat.  I'm sure I might be taking liberties with this, but it seems to me that Satan's tools are in effect here.  In Alma chpater 59:11 & 13 he starts out with feelings of sorrow.  That sorrow leads him to doubt, to lose his focus, to question.  From that doubt builds anger.  It in in that anger that he writes his letter to Pahoran.

This letter is full of accusation, judgement, anger, and eventually threats.  Since we know the response from Pahoran, I think we're less inclined to see the flaws in Moroni's passion.  But really, aren't these some of Satan's most powerful tools?

Sorrow.  Yes, godly sorrow is a good thing.  However, sorrow taken to an extreme can lead to pity or despair.  Those are places God does not dwell.  So if one is full of pity or despair, the spirit is no longer with them.  Which is why it becomes easier to take the next step on this dangerous path, the step into...

Doubt.  Now Moroni's doubt seems to me to be a doubt that this was a war his people could not win.  Isn't that exactly what Satan wants us to believe?  That we're in a war with him that we cannot win?  Think about those chapters I discussed earlier about weaknesses in battle, it plays perfectly into Satan's hand if we don't think we can overcome him.  I think feeling that way makes one feel out of control and the next step from there is naturally...

Anger.  Frustration.  We want to be in control and when we're not, its scary and so we get mad.  Anger is like Satan's golden ticket.  As soon as our fuse is blown, our self-control (the control we actually do have) is tossed out the window, our judgement is skewed, we become reactors.  It is moments of anger that we do things we regret.  Anger is an emotion of passion and aren't we counseled to bridle our passions?

I wonder if Moroni regretted his letter to Pahoran after he received the response filled with love, understanding, and joy.  What a blessing that Pahoran wasn't filled with the same feelings to respond in a bitter way.

Now don't get me wrong, there is a place for reprimand in our lives.  I was just surprised at the vehemence of Moroni's accusations.  Of course he was a great leader, he was firm in his faithfulness, but I think we can see how even those seemingly strong and "perfect" people can fall victim to some of Satan's traps.

So many things to learn from these passages of scripture.  So many ways to apply them to my life.  I'm so thankful for a loving Father in Heaven who knew we would need all the help we could get.