Today’s Reading: Alma 55
Captain Moroni is a well-known and beloved Book of Mormon hero. How can you not admire this young, fearless leader, determined to preserve religious freedom and maintain liberty in the land? Whose emotions are not stirred reading how he “rent” his coat and then raised the Title of Liberty? As battle-worn and weary as he surely must have felt, we know he was a “true believer in Christ” who “gladly” took upon himself the name of Christ. [1] The prophet Mormon wrote of Captain Moroni, “If all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moron, 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” (Alma 48:17).
Captain Moroni was a brilliant military strategist, a huge proponent of religious freedom, and an iconic leader. Furthermore, his military tactics and precautions were revolutionary to the Nephite civilization. Never before had a Nephite civilization given more energy to preparation and fortification. But why is knowing his military strategy relevant to us?
When I read scriptures with the youth I teach, I first ask them what story is being told. What is happening? Who are you reading about? What is the historical context? And then I ask them what spiritual lessons they can draw from these scripture stories. Why is this relevant to you? What is the Lord teaching you?
I believe more than wanting us to be impressed by Captain Moroni, the Lord desires that we take note of Moroni’s preparation, continual fortification, foresight gained by erecting watchtowers, and avoidance of the enemy’s strongholds. We may not ever engage in the same physical battles as Moroni, but we are actively engaged in spiritual warfare:
“When armies are formed, battles are generally fought on vast battlefields. But this battle for (our) souls is quite different. The conflict goes on each day in individual lives and pits the Lord’s troops against Satan’s forces of greed, selfishness, and lust.” [2]
In Alma 55 not only did Moroni successfully free Nephite prisoners and take possession of a Nephite city, but he then immediately began to make “preparations” for his next task. [3] It was never enough to be mostly prepared or slightly fortified; he knew the risk was too great and the consequences too far-reaching to settle for mediocrity. To defeat Satan individually and within our homes, we must never be passive in our preparations. We must remain steadfast, just as Captain Moroni, in our pursuit to withstand Satan.
It is important to note that before sending his troops into battle to reclaim cities or to defend their own cities, Captain Moroni provided his army with protective armor, which made a significant difference in the battles that were waged against their enemies. Likewise, we must arm ourselves with the best kind of armor to be protected.
Paul’s counsel to the Ephesians to “take unto (them) the whole armour of God” [4] is timeless and worth remembering. Are we wearing the breastplate of righteousness? Have we armed ourselves with the “sword of the Spirit” by immersing ourselves in the word of God? Are our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace? Are our minds focused on Christ and protected with the helmet of salvation? Have we picked up the shield of faith as a means to defend ourselves?
Speaking of the armor of God, Elder Eldon Tanner said:
Examine your armor. Is there an unguarded or unprotected place? Determine now to add whatever part is missing. No matter how antiquated or lacking in parts your armor may be, always remember that it is within your power to make the necessary adjustments to complete your armor.
Through the great principle of repentance you can turn your life about and begin now clothing yourself with the armor of God through study, prayer, and a determination to serve God and keep his commandments. [5]
Vanessa has been married to Prince Charming since 2007 and is Mommy to three bouncy boys. She spends her days enforcing nap time, avoiding laundry, and setting off the fire alarm.
Wonderful Vanessa! I’m off to inspect my armor for any chinks…