If we follow Pahoran’s example and practice humility, we can improve our lives and collaborate better with others.
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One of the most unexpected lessons I’ve had to learn as an editor is that I need to be just as comfortable receiving feedback as giving it. Editing is a collaborative effort, and I do not send my revisions into the void but to an author who has their own thoughts and opinions on my suggestions.
Consequently, editing has been a daily exercise in humility, a principle that the Book of Mormon frequently teaches us about. One shining example of humility in the Book of Mormon is found in Alma 61 when Pahoran replies to a letter Moroni sent him. In his letter, Moroni reprimands Pahoran for not sending troops to aid in fighting the Lamanites and asks that Pahoran does all he can to rectify the situation. Pahoran replies to Moroni’s letter with “I do joy in receiving your epistle, for I was somewhat worried what we should do” (Alma 61:19).
Few of us would reply to harsh criticism with so much humility, but Pahoran listened to feedback without becoming defensive, even in a situation where he wasn’t in the wrong. Many of us respond to criticism by becoming defensive, even when the criticism might be valid. Pahoran shows us a better way. By setting aside his pride, Pahoran succeeds in seeking aid for his own people and protecting the liberty of the Nephites, a task which neither Moroni nor Pahoran would have been able to do on their own.
My most common source of editing feedback comes from authors, but who are my sources of everyday feedback? For many of us, they may be our employers, friends, family members, or partners. Of course, our ultimate source of feedback is God. When we invite the Spirit into our lives, we can receive guidance from God through personal revelation. God’s feedback may not be exactly what we want to hear, but as we stay humble and teachable, God will be able to work in our lives and guide us toward creating a life we would never be able to create on our own.
Gain further insights from Moroni and Pahoran by reading their full story found in Alma 60–62.
Source: Book of Mormon
—Katie Greene, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY LDS MEDIA LIBRARY
Find more insights
Read more about how humility blesses our lives in the article “Conquer Pride and Embrace Humility” by Eli Gibbons.
Discover further insights about humility by reading or listening to “Humble to Accept and Follow” by Elder Joni L. Koch.