Queen Vashti (Esther 1) – This queen refused to be seen or taken advantage of
as an object or slave. She refused to see the King by order and it would appear
that she was not intentionally being disobedient but had more integrity and
respect for herself and those that she represented in the kingdom. She knew
that she was an example to all the women in the kingdom and acted as such.
Unfortunately, the
King’s pride was hurt and Satan was able to persuade him to believe that his
crown should be obeyed and that this woman should be punished, through the
advice of his friends and advisors. He was persuaded to believe that her
example would teach others to not honor their husbands and would unleash some
type of power to the women that they should not have.
Mordecai (Esther 3–4) – This man had more respect and honor for his God than
any man of the kingdom or army. He refused to bow down to anyone but his own
God and suffered for such a choice. He was also not afraid to admit that he was
a Jew. No one would make him deny his God or his religion.
This of course didn’t
sit well and caused Haman, one of the King’s advisors to become very angry. It
led him to convince the King that all of the Jews should be killed because they
were not willing to recognize their place in the kingdom, or even live by the
same laws. He proved the Jews to be their own power of people and dangerous to
the kingdom.
Esther (Esther 2–4, chapter summaries 5–8) – This young lady was related to Mordecai’s, whom had
actually raised her because her parents were both dead. When the Queen was
thrown out and a new one was sought, Esther, like all the other maidens in the
land were to be presented before the King. She was very beautiful not just physically
but in all ways, and this was pleasing to the King above all the others there.
As Queen, Esther was placed
in an interesting position. When the decree had gone out that all Jews were to
be killed Mordecai knew that Esther would be the only hope they would have to
survive. The King didn’t know that Esther would be among those to be slain and
Mordecai asked that she stand for her people before the King.
After fasting, and much
prayer, Esther had prepared herself to plead with the King, her husband, to
save her people. This took a great deal of integrity and faith. She knew that
going before the King could potentially end her life and the life of her
people, but she was willing to stand for her God. She treasured her faith more
than her fear of a man and his power.
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Looking at the examples of
these individuals it is hard not to question whether you would be willing to do
the same if placed in the circumstance. I know that I want to say yes, but then
I wonder if in the moment I may run because of fear.
In order to better prepare
myself I plan to do the following:
Seek out opportunities to
serve and teach others the gospel. Missionary work is important but it is also
a character builder. It helps you to remember to study and be prepared. You
can’t just walk out and do the work you have to be worthy of the Spirit and
willing to learn and follow promptings.
Study the scriptures more
regularly so that they are always fresh in my mind and heart. It is easier to
teach others and to learn from the Spirit if the principles are fresh in your
own mind. It makes inspiration and revelation clear and unavoidable. It
strengthens and prepares for the toughest battles with Satan.
Attend the temple more
frequently so that I may have a constant reminder of my place in God’s plan. It
will help me to build my testimony of the Savior and bring my closer to my Father
in Heaven. Temple attendance also teaches us things we can’t gather on our own.
The experiences and feelings we gather from this sacred place help us to endure
and withstand the world.
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