The War Chapters

I am in the middle of Alma, in the middle of the war chapters. Mostly, these chapters talk about defense and you can’t help but draw a correlation between fighting physical wars and fighting personal, spiritual wars against Satan. While I can also see some of the same tactics being used by real live people today, trying to thwart God’s kingdom and our way of life and government, I think the message of these chapters is more personal in nature. We can learn so much from Moroni. Moroni spent most of his time preparing for defending potential attacks. When we study scriptures and modern-day prophets, pray and serve on a daily basis, we are following Moroni’s example and preparing to defend ourselves against Satan. Just as He told Moroni, the Lord can tell us what to do specifically for our own circumstances what to prepare for and how to prepare for it. He knows all and can teach us all. Moroni looked at the weak spots and made them stronger. One of our best defenses is to honestly look at ourselves and admit our weaknesses, so that we can work to them strengths. We have a promise from our Savior that if we come to Him he will make our weaknesses strengths. At one time the Lamanites came to the same place to start their war as a place where they had won before. But Moroni had already thought of that. I see that as learning from our mistakes. Through repentance we can correct our mistakes, and part of that is to not repeat those mistakes. Also, difficult times and trials can be experiences that can make us stronger. In Alma we read a descriptions of the defenses that Moroni made to many cities, strongholds. They included ridges of earth, timbers, then pickets on the timbers, towers and then places of security in the towers. We have been counseled repeatedly on having many layers of defense: study to gain knowledge of God’s laws, stand in Holy places, follow the prophet, live worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost, hum a hymn, choose good associates, prayer and many more. Obedience is the key. The Nephites won and prospered when they were obedient. Only fighting from within and then wickedness led to their destruction. And so it is with us, Satan can only win, if we are disobedient and let or defenses down.