Today’s Reading: Alma 47 & 48
17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.
If someone asked you to name your top five heroes from the Book of Mormon, chances are that Captain Moroni would appear on your list. Who isn’t inspired by this “strong and mighty man,”[i] who at the tender age of 25, was chosen to head the Nephite armies to war against an army of Lamanites, Zoramites, and other Nephite dissenters, all of whom had an intense hatred for the Nephites?
We thrill to read about how thorough and smart Captain Moroni was in preparing himself and his troops to defend themselves against these bloodthirsty people. Moroni crafted strong defensive armor and superb weapons of war, sent spies among his enemies to learn of their battle plans, developed brilliant strategies to combat those plans, gave inspiring speeches, created and hoisted the “Title of Liberty” from every tower, and supervised the digging of trenches and the building of fortifications that would make the Nephite cities practically impenetrable. He was an incredible military leader who employed every resource at his command to protect his people from physical attacks.
Those preparations alone would have been enough to inspire any patriot to follow this leader into battle, but Captain Moroni had something even more compelling than his military acumen and his patriotism. He had the power, strength, and spirit that come from righteous living.
We know from the scriptures that Moroni was “a man of perfect understanding . . . whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people . . . a man who was firm in the faith of Christ.”[ii]
Perfect understanding, gratitude, hard work, and firm faith in the Savior. Those are characteristics of any good leader. And they are leadership characteristics obtainable by anyone who is striving to lead others on the path of righteousness. Moroni was called of God. And as we know, “whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies”[iii]. But I wonder if Moroni was a great leader, not just because he was the chosen one or because God gave him special abilities, but also because he chose to do the right things so he could be a great leader.
Captain Moroni developed the characteristics of a good leader by choosing righteous behaviors and attitudes. Surely he learned and studied the word of God in order to gain “perfect understanding[iv].” He must have pondered and prayed in gratitude to develop a “heart [that] did swell with thanksgiving[v].” He disciplined himself to work hard, and he did all that he could to strengthen his faith in the Savior.
As the mothers of our families who live in a sin-sick world in which the family and all that is good and holy is under attack, we must live and lead as Moroni did. We must inspire and protect our children by being righteous leaders. Said Sister Julie B. Beck, former General Relief Society President,
The responsibility mothers have today has never required more vigilance. . . . Children are being born into a world where they ‘wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places’ (Ephesians 6:12). However, mothers need not fear. When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children [vi].
Just as Captain Moroni was a great leader to his armies, you and I can be great leaders in our families. Great leadership characteristics are within our reach–as we rely on the Lord and choose righteous behaviors and attitudes, we too can be “like unto Moroni”.
I am a daughter of God who loves me. I am also a wife, mother, sister, and friend. After moving around the country for the first 32 years of my life, I happily settled in Orem, Utah, where I find myself surrounded by beautiful mountains, amazing friends, and awe-inspiring temples. I love to read, hike, bike, and study and teach the word of God.
I love how you relate Moroni’s characteristics to those desirable among women. Beautifully said and very relatable. I am so glad to have you on the team and to get to learn more from you!!
Thanks, Jeni! I feel fortunate to have joined this group of lovely, wise women. I’m excited to learn and share more!