An angel appeared to Alma and the four sons of Mosiah, precipitating their conversion and subsequent journey to becoming instruments in the hands of God. Alma, Arise, by Walter Rane. Courtesy of Intellectual Reserve, Inc.

After their miraculous conversion experience, Alma and the four sons of King Mosiah—Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni—strove zealously to bring their fellow Nephites, including those they had previously led astray, to a knowledge of the truth. The four sons of Mosiah then felt compelled by the Spirit to do more—to bring the gospel to the Lamanites. With a small number of selected companions, they embarked on their dangerous mission, but as they journeyed in the wilderness they became depressed and were about to turn back (see Alma 17:8–9; 26:26–27). They prayed and fasted that “the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with them, that they might be an instrument in the hands of God” in bringing the gospel to the Lamanites (Alma 17:9; emphasis added). In response, the Lord visited them with his Spirit, bestowing comfort and courage, and then told them, “Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls” (v. 11; emphasis added).

They prayed that they would be instruments in the hands of God, and God conditionally promised that he would make them his instruments. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are very comfortable with the concept and terminology of being an instrument in the hands of God (or the Lord).[1] It is a common part of our gospel vocabulary and communicates a basic gospel principle—that God can use and direct mortal beings to accomplish his work. What are the scriptural origins of this language about being God’s instrument?

A review of the scriptural record reveals that this language is found exclusively in the Book of Mormon, where it is used twelve times (see 2 Nephi 1:24; 3:24; Mosiah 23:10; 27:36; Alma 1:8; 2:30; 17:9, 11; 26:3, 15; 29:9; 35:14). Eight passages employ the exact phraseology of “instrument[s] in the hands of God.” In other passages we find the term instrument linked to “in his hands,” “in thy hands,” and “in my hands,” where his, thy, and my all refer to the Lord or God (see Mosiah 23:10; Alma 2:30; 17:11; 26:15).

Appropriately, the first use of this phraseology in the Book of Mormon is applied to the prophet Nephi by his father Lehi, who counseled his older sons Laman and Lemuel, “Rebel no more against your brother, whose views have been glorious, and who hath kept the commandments from the time that we left Jerusalem; and who hath been an instrument in the hands of God, in bringing us forth into the land of promise” (2 Nephi 1:24). In addition, the term instrument is applied to other great men in the Book of Mormon—including Alma the Elder (Mosiah 23:10), Gideon (Alma 1:8), the four missionary sons of Mosiah (Mosiah 27:36; Alma 17:9, 11; 26:3, 15; 35:14), and Alma the Younger (Mosiah 27:36; Alma 2:30; 29:9; 35:14). In one case the term is applied in a prophecy about the future latter-day prophet Joseph Smith (see 2 Nephi 3:24).

In the Bible we find references to instruments of music, instruments of war, instruments in the tabernacle, and other types of instruments. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans contains a reference to “instruments of righteousness,” but the context is that one should not allow one’s members (any part of oneself) to act as an instrument of unrighteousness, but instead should use one’s members to work righteousness (see Romans 6:12–13). This is not to say that other books of scripture do not deal with the concept of God using and directing a person to accomplish his work; it is just that they do not use the metaphorical “instrument” terminology. The Old Testament repeatedly describes prophets such as Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, and Isaiah being guided by the Lord to do his work. In the New Testament, Christ called his disciples to be shepherds to serve and care for his flock in accordance with the will of God. In the Doctrine and Covenants we see the Prophet Joseph Smith acting as God’s instrument throughout the story of the Restoration. Likewise, the Book of Mormon has accounts of other people who were instruments in God’s hands even though that term (i.e., its equivalent in the original language) was not used. These figures include Abish (who invited her fellow Lamanites to see their king’s miraculous conversion), Captain Moroni, Helaman and his stripling warriors, Mormon, and Moroni.

By examining the use of the term instrument in the Book of Mormon, we can learn important principles about what it means to be an instrument in the hands of God and how we can act as such. We will focus on the sons of Mosiah as examples in this regard, while also providing other examples that support the principles presented.

Principle: The Lord Makes His Instruments

We do not make ourselves God’s instruments but rely on his grace to convert us into his instruments. When the Lord promised to “make” the sons of Mosiah and their missionary companions instruments in his hands, the promise came with conditions. They needed to proceed with their mission and preach the word to the Lamanites, and they needed to be “patient in long-suffering and afflictions” (Alma 17:11). This verse indicates that the Lord would use adversity to refine them, to make them better instruments. The Lord’s words were fulfilled. After these missionaries had experienced much adversity, Ammon declared, “We have been made instruments in the hands of God” in bringing thousands to the fold of God (see Alma 26:3–4; emphasis added). Ammon recognized that his missionary success was due to the Lord’s strength, not his own, saying, “I do not boast in my own strength. . . . Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things” (vv. 11–12).

Earlier in the Book of Mormon, Alma the Elder recorded that “the Lord did hear my cries, and did answer my prayers, and has made me an instrument in his hands” (Mosiah 23:10; emphasis added). Alma knew he did not make himself an instrument. He stated, “I am unworthy to glory of myself” (Mosiah 23:11).

The mortal Christ invited his disciples to exercise faith and follow him and then promised, “I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19; emphasis added). A calling to be a fisher of souls for Christ is the call to be his instrument. Indeed, over time Christ taught and guided his disciples and made them into great missionaries who were instruments in the hands of God to convert many souls.

Over the centuries many followers of God have shown faith and “through faith . . . out of weakness were made strong” (Hebrews 11:33–34; emphasis added)—and with that God-given strength they were able to accomplish God’s work as his instruments.

Principle: We Must Demonstrate Our Faith to Become an Instrument

Those who are chosen by the Lord to be his instruments are chosen because of their faith. Those with faith can be made mighty (see 1 Nephi 1:20). The sons of Mosiah prayed and fasted for the Lord’s help as they journeyed to their mission field. They had faith that God could make them mighty missionaries. In response to their desires and faith, the Lord gave them instructions on how they could become instruments in his hand. They faithfully followed those instructions and reaped the promised blessing.

Another manifestation of the faith of the sons of Mosiah is that they “searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God” (Alma 17:2). The prophet Samuel the Lamanite taught that the scriptures lead us to faith and repentance, which in turn bring about a change of heart (see Helaman 15:7). The more faith we exercise by studying the scriptures,repenting, and in engaging in righteous works, the more our faith grows and the more our hearts are changed—and the more prepared we are to be effective instruments in the Lord’s hands. The sons of Mosiah had faith in the power of the word and used the scriptures in their missionary work. BYU professor Clyde Williams reasoned, “The scriptural knowledge that these young men had acquired helped them throughout their mission among the Lamanites. It was Ammon’s ability to rehearse and lay before King Lamoni ‘the records and the holy scriptures’ and to ‘expound . . . the plan of redemption’ which led to the king’s conversion (Alma 18:36, 39–42).”[2]

A person with faith will humbly submit to the Lord’s will. Patiently enduring afflictions and adversity requires faith and humility. Those who have faith in the Lord and are humble are promised that their weaknesses can be converted to strengths (see Ether 12:27; Hebrews 11:33–34). When the Lord bestows his strength on a person, it is an act of grace—a gift given to the humble who know their strength is not sufficient (see James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; Doctrine and Covenants 1:28). God asks us to show our faith so that he can bless us with divine strength beyond that which we could muster on our own.

Success did not come quickly to the sons of Mosiah and their missionary companions. They needed to demonstrate enduring faith by persevering through challenges and trials and continuing to diligently fulfill their missionary calling. They were rejected, persecuted, attacked, and imprisoned, but as they faithfully and patiently endured it all, the Lord refined and purified them. Finally, after fourteen years of challenging missionary service, they could look back and say, “We have been made instruments in the hands of God” (Alma 26:3). Their Lamanite converts viewed them as “angels sent from God to save them” (27:4).

Elder John C. Pingree Jr. noted how the Lord made Alma the Elder an instrument “after much tribulation” (Mosiah 23:10) and observed that adversity prepares us to be instruments in God’s hands by teaching us how to lift up others: “Like the Savior, whose atoning sacrifice enables Him to succor us (see Alma 7:11–12), we can use knowledge gained from difficult experiences to lift, strengthen, and bless others.”[3] Faithfully enduring tribulation was part of how Alma was made a refined instrument in God’s hands. This principle surely applies to us too.

Principle: Our Effectiveness as God’s Instrument Is Linked to the Degree We Have the Spirit with Us

As we review the scriptures describing those who act as God’s instruments, it becomes clear that the Holy Ghost plays a critical role. The sons of King Mosiah understood this, for they prayed and fasted that “the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with them, that they might be an instrument in the hands of God” (Alma 17:9). They saw the necessity of receiving the Spirit in order to act as God’s instruments. As Clyde Williams observed, “The more we are worthy of the Spirit the better we can function as effective instruments for the Lord.”[4]

The sons of Mosiah are described as men who had the spirit of revelation (see Alma 17:3). When Ammon was teaching King Lamoni, he was described as being “filled with the Spirit of God” (18:16). Ammon explained to Lamoni that although he was just a man, he was called by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel and that “a portion of that Spirit dwelleth in me” (v. 35). Similarly, the Spirit played an important role when Alma, Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and other missionaries later preached the gospel to the Zoramites and acted as instruments in the hands of God in bringing many Zoramites to repentance (see 35:14; also 31:6–7). After witnessing the apostate Zoramites pray on the Rameumptom, Alma prayed for strength, power, and wisdom so he and his missionary companions might bring those people again to the Lord. In response they were “filled with the Holy Spirit” and given strength (see 31:30–38). They were able to perceive who of the Zoramites were truly penitent and were inspired in giving the message that would have converting power for those people.

The Holy Ghost is a revelator in two ways. First, he is a revealer of truth, a testifier (see, e.g., Moroni 10:4–5; Alma 5:44–47). Second, he is a revealer of direction, a guide (see Mosiah 2:36; Doctrine and Covenants 45:57; 46:2). In this latter role the Holy Ghost can guide our choices through spiritual promptings and impressions, such as when the “still small voice” (see Doctrine and Covenants 85:6; Helaman 5:30, 45–47) softly whispers directions in our minds. The scriptures say the Holy Ghost will “show unto you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:5) and “whither you shall go” (Doctrine and Covenants 31:11; see 75:27; 79:2). A number of scriptures speak of being “led by the Spirit” (e.g., 1 Nephi 4:6; Alma 13:28; Romans 8:14). After his death Joseph Smith appeared to Brigham Young and spoke these words: “Tell the people to be humble and faithful, and sure to keep the Spirit of the Lord and it will lead them right. Be careful and not turn away the small still voice; it will teach [you what] to do and where to go.”[5]

The sons of Mosiah were indeed guided by the Holy Ghost during their mission to the Lamanites. Ammon was clearly guided by the Spirit in his interactions with King Lamoni—for example, in first offering to be the king’s servant and then later in the way he taught the king, including asking inspired questions. Ammon was able to perceive the thoughts of King Lamoni because he was filled with the Spirit (see Alma 18:16). Ammon was directed by the “voice of the Lord” (presumably the Spirit; see Doctrine and Covenants 18:35; 75:1; 97:1) to go to Middoni to free his missionary companions from prison (see Alma 20:1–3). After Aaron and the other missionaries were released from prison, they “went forth whithersoever they were led by the Spirit of the Lord” to preach the word of God (21:16). Later, Aaron was “led by the Spirit” to the house of the king of the Lamanites (22:1). When the king asked Aaron where his brother Ammon was, Aaron explained that “the Spirit of the Lord has called him another way”—to preach the gospel to the people of King Lamoni in the land of Ishmael (v. 4).

It is important to understand that, in acting as a guide, the Holy Ghost can direct us for our own benefit or that of others. When the Holy Ghost inspires us in how to resist temptation, directs us along the path of repentance, leads us through personal adversity (see 2 Nephi 4:20), or warns us of physical or spiritual danger, he is acting as a guide for our personal benefit. When the Holy Ghost reveals how and when to share the gospel, inspires us in our teaching and preaching, guides us in magnifying our Church callings in serving others, or directs us in helping, protecting, comforting, and lifting up others in need, he is acting as our guide for the benefit of others. When the Holy Ghost is acting as a guide to help and serve others, that is when we are acting as an instrument in the Lord’s hands. When the word instrument is used in describing people, it generally refers to situations where they are enabled to accomplish some purpose that benefits others.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught that the guiding directions of the Spirit may come without explanation as to why we need to do something.[6] We may also need to follow the Spirit without knowing how we will accomplish the thing the Spirit is directing us to do—as Nephi did when he sought to obtain the brass plates (see 1 Nephi 4:6). Those who wish to be instruments in the Lord’s hands need to be willing to act without always knowing the why or the how. If we hesitate to try to figure out the why and how, the moment of opportunity may pass.

In speaking on promptings of the Spirit, Elder M. Russell Ballard noted, “Most of us have had the promptings of the Spirit and then argued with the Lord as to whether or not we ought to do what we are prompted to do. . . . We get a prompting and we wrestle with the Lord as to whether or not we are going to respond to the prompting. . . . God grant you the blessing to always respond to the prompting of the Spirit. The promptings are often involved in little things. They are little nudgings that come to you that can have a vast effect on others if you follow them.”[7]

Principle: The Lord Can Use Imperfect Instruments If They Are Willing

Is the privilege of being an instrument in the Lord’s hands reserved for prophets and others with extraordinary faith? While the people described in the scriptures as instruments in the hands of God are impressive characters, they did not always start out as spiritually powerful individuals. Alma the Elder, Alma the Younger, and the sons of Mosiah were once bound in the chains of sin but repented when confronted by a mighty manifestation of the power of God. In the case of Alma the Elder that power was manifested through the prophet Abinadi, and in the case of Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah that power was manifested through an angel. Those experiences put them on the path of conversion, but they needed to repent, fast, pray, and study the word of God (see Mosiah 18:1; 23:10–11; Alma 5:46; 17:2–3). Even after completing his fourteen-year mission among the Lamanites, Ammon considered himself weak (see Alma 26:12). Alma and the sons of Mosiah knew they were the recipients of great mercy when God snatched them out of their sinful lives (see Mosiah 27:28; 28:4; Alma 29:10; 36:12–25).

Sometimes we may convince ourselves that we are too weak and imperfect to be the Lord’s instruments. But he is quite adept at using imperfect instruments to accomplish his work. Nephi wrote that “by small means the Lord can bring about great things” (1 Nephi 16:29), and Alma the Younger taught that “by small and simple things are great things brought to pass. . . . And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls” (Alma 37:6–7). It does not seem coincidental that the same language—“salvation of many souls” —is found in both Alma 17:11 (speaking of the sons of Mosiah as instruments) and Alma 36:7 (speaking of small means). The clear implication is that his missionary servants are the small means by which “the Lord God doth work” to save souls. This conclusion is supported by Ammon’s statement to his brethren at the end of their mission to the Lamanites—that their goal had been to “be the means of saving some” (26:30; emphasis added).

We can also be the small, simple, and imperfect things by which the Lord can do great things. We can be instruments through which others experience the Lord’s love and healing, if we have faith in him and in his power to work through us. He just requires our hearts and our willing minds (see Doctrine and Covenants 64:34). A key condition to be met to be God’s instrument is simple willingness—willingness to serve others and to listen and obey the Spirit’s promptings. Elder Ciro Schmeil shared these affirming thoughts: “To be an instrument in the hands of the Lord is really quite easy. We just need to be willing to let the Spirit guide us and have the courage to follow His promptings. . . . Opportunities to be instruments in the hands of the Lord are all around us. Our responsibility is to be prepared to act. Often we do not know when or how those opportunities will present themselves. We need to live worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost and have a willing heart. Then the Lord will guide us to do what He needs us to do.”[8]

Elder Don R. Clarke observed: “The missionary experiences of the sons of Mosiah also help us understand how to become instruments in God’s hands. ‘And it came to pass that they journeyed many days in the wilderness’ (Alma 17:9). We must be willing to journey. The sons of Mosiah were willing to step outside their surroundings and do that which was uncomfortable. . . . God has asked us to journey, go on missions, accept callings, invite someone to church, or help someone in need.”[9] Being an instrument in the hands of God requires that we are willing to make some kind of soul-stretching journey for the benefit of others. As we show our faith and desire to serve others by starting the journey, God can then start to bless us with the inspiration and strength we need to be his instruments.

Willingness to be an instrument is closely correlated to having love for our fellow human beings. Love compels us to serve and compensates for our weaknesses. Those who are God’s instruments are filled with love for those they serve, and they do not let their weaknesses stop them from serving. Ammon’s effectiveness as a missionary was enhanced by his love for the people he taught. Clyde Williams noted, “It is significant that it was not Ammon’s strength or his ability to speak which had the greatest effect upon Lamoni’s father. Rather, it was the great love Ammon showed for Lamoni, even being willing to defend him from physical harm, which so deeply affected Lamoni’s father. Because of the love and example of Ammon, Lamoni’s father was anxious to be taught about the gospel (see Alma 20:27; 22:3). Love has the effect of opening the hearts of individuals.”[10]

If we let the Lord use us in his service despite our imperfections, that process will somehow “sharpen” us and make us better, more effective instruments. The Lord will bestow grace in degrees. As much as we act as the Lord’s instruments, so much will we receive grace, “wax strong in the Spirit,” and be lifted up (see Mosiah 18:26; Doctrine and Covenants 106:1–8). As we offer ourselves in the Lord’s service, we will naturally “grow in grace” (2 Peter 3:18).

Conclusion

From the examples of people who were described as God’s instruments in the Book of Mormon, we have identified principles that give us a greater understanding of the concept and can help us become more ready and refined instruments ourselves. We have observed how willingness to serve, faith, humility, love, and obedience to the Spirit’s promptings are key. In the end, being an instrument is about bringing others to Christ—to help others experience the power of his atonement and to receive his help.

When the resurrected Christ visited the Nephites, he called for those physically afflicted in any manner to come to him to be healed. Some who did not need healing at that time had the role of bringing the afflicted to Christ. In other words, they were called to be instruments in bringing others to Christ. In helping in this way, they were able to witness the miraculous power of Christ blessing those they brought to him, and it caused those helpers to fall down at his feet and worship him and bathe his feet with their tears (see 3 Nephi 17:7–10). Christ’s power is not limited to the healing of physical afflictions. What can be more wonderful than bringing those we love to Christ and witnessing Christ’s healing of their spiritual afflictions? Alma the Younger described how the experience of bringing others to taste of the Spirit and be born of God filled his soul with exceedingly great joy (see Alma 36:24–26; also 29:9–10). As we act to serve others as God’s instruments with Christlike love as our motivation, we too can experience the joy of seeing others taste the joy of redemption and healing. And we will realize that we are simply striving to follow the example of Christ and becoming more like him. He is the Great Instrument in the hands of his Father. He is the Way. Let us do our best to follow his example of love and service and of being an instrument in our Heavenly Father’s hands.

Notes

[1] Some information in this essay previously appeared in D. Bryce Baker, Things of Great Worth: Soul-Illuminating Insights from the Book of Mormon (Springfield, VA: n.p., 2021), 118–26.

[2] Clyde J. Williams, “Instruments in the Hands of God: The Message of Alma 17–27,” The Book of Mormon: Alma, The Testimony of the Word, ed. Monte S. Nyman and Charles D. Tate Jr. (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1992), 92.

[3] John C. Pingree Jr., “‘I Have a Work for Thee,’” Ensign or Liahona, November 2017, 34.

[4] Williams, “Instruments in the Hands of God,” 93.

[5] Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2007), 98. Original source in Brigham Young, Vision, February 17, 1847, Brigham Young Office Files, Church History Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City.

[6] See Neal A. Maxwell, “Revelation,” First Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, January 11, 2003 (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2003), 5–6.

[7] M. Russell Ballard, “Respond to the Prompting of the Spirit,” address to Church Education System religious educators, Temple Square Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, January 8, 1988 (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1988).

[8] Ciro Schmeil, “An Instrument in the Hands of the Lord,” Liahona, July 2022, 41–43.

[9] Don R. Clarke, “Becoming Instruments in the Hands of God,” Ensign or Liahona, November 2006, 98.

[10] Williams, “Instruments in the Hands of God,” 101.