“I have noted throughout my life that when people come to fully understand the blessings and the power of their baptismal covenant, whether as new converts or as lifelong members of the Church, great joy comes into their lives and they approach their duties in the kingdom with contagious enthusiasm” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Alma the Elder: A Role Model for Today,” in Heroes from the Book of Mormon [1995], 84).
“From the day of baptism through the spiritual milestones of our lives, we make promises with God and He makes promises with us. He always keeps His promises offered through His authorized servants, but it is the crucial test of our lives to see if we will make and keep our covenants with Him” (Henry B. Eyring, “Witnesses for God,” Ensign,Nov. 1996, 30).
President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) pointed out that “in the Book of Mosiah it is stated definitely that he had authority [see Mosiah 18:13].” President Smith reasoned that “if [Alma] had authority to baptize that is evidence that he had been baptized [already].” Therefore, he further explained, when Alma went down into the water with Helam, it “was not a case of Alma baptizing himself, but merely as a token to the Lord of his humility and full repentance” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith Jr. [1960], 3:203).
“Working as a special agent for the FBI, my friend investigated organized crime groups transporting illegal drugs into the United States.
“On one occasion, he and another agent approached an apartment where they believed a known drug dealer was distributing cocaine. My friend describes what happened:
“‘We knocked on the door of the drug dealer. The suspect opened the door, and upon seeing us, tried to block our view. But it was too late; we could see the cocaine on his table.
“‘A man and a woman who were at the table immediately began removing the cocaine. We had to prevent them from destroying the evidence, so I quickly pushed the drug suspect who was blocking the door to the side. As I pushed him, my eyes met his. Strangely, he did not appear angry or afraid. He was smiling at me.
“‘His eyes and disarming smile gave me the impression that he was harmless, so I quickly left him and started to move toward the table. The suspect was now behind me. At that instant, I had the distinct, powerful impression come into my mind: “Beware of the evil behind the smiling eyes.”
“‘I immediately turned back toward the suspect. His hand was in his large front pocket. Instinctively I grabbed his hand and pulled it from his pocket. Only then did I see, clutched in his hand, the semiautomatic pistol ready to fire. A flurry of activity followed, and I disarmed the man.’ …
“… The Holy Ghost warned my friend of physical danger; the Holy Ghost will also warn you of spiritual danger” (Neil L. Andersen, “Beware of the Evil behind the Smiling Eyes,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2005, 46, 47).