Alma 43-51

This is our first block in Alma focusing specifically on the "war" chapters. This week, we examined some specifics around individual preparation for war through the practises of Captain Moroni.  The prophet Mormon, paying tribute to Captain Moroni said:

“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” (Alma 48:17).

Commenting on the character of Moroni, Mormon said :

"Moroni was a strong and mighty man; he was a man of perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery." (Alma 48:10) 

The pattern of preparation followed by Moroni is instructive to us: 

"Moroni, on the other hand, had been preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God" Moroni 48:7

"And thus he was preparing to support their liberty, their lands, their wives, and their children and their peace, and that they might live unto the Lord their God and that they might maintain that which was called by their enemies the cause of Christians." Moroni 48:10

The Apostle Paul, speaking to the Ephesians reminded them :

"For we 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

For us, here and now, the war is not as much a physical battle, but one against "principalities and powers".  So, the question of our preparation for this war is real.  Now take some time to ponder what you think would happen you were to meet and counsel with Moroni about your preparation for this conflict ... 

Some questions to ponder and journal at this stage include:

In what ways did Captain Moroni prepare his people to defend themselves? What can I do every day to be prepared for spiritual battles?

Paul, following his description of the nature of this spiritual warfare, warned the Ephesians that they could only withstand the evils which surrounded them by putting on the whole armour of God (which is described in Ephesians 6:11-18).  Take some time to read the passage, then ponder and journal the following questions:

Speaking in the Priesthood session of General Conference in 1979, Elder N Eldon Tanner suggested some questions that we can ponder in relation to the armour of God : 

• Are we studying the scriptures so that we can increase our knowledge and faith and testimony regarding the gospel? 
• Do we keep the commandments? 
• Are we honest and truthful in our dealings? 
• Do we keep the Sabbath day holy? 
• Do we observe the Word of Wisdom? 
• Do we pay an honest tithing? 
• Do we attend our meetings and respond to the calls made of us by our authorities? 
• Are we virtuous and clean and pure in heart and mind and deed?
• Do we fight against the evils around us—pornography,abortion, tobacco, alcohol, drugs?
• Do we have the courage to stand up for our convictions? 
• Can we truly say we are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ? 
• Do we live peaceably with our neighbors and avoid gossip and backbiting and spreading unfounded rumors? 
• Do we truly love our neighbors as ourselves?

Elder Tanner then said:

"If we can answer yes to these questions, then we will have on the whole armor of God, which will protect us from harm and preserve us from our enemies. If we must answer no to these questions, then our armor is weak, there is an unshielded place which can be found, a vulnerable area for attack, and we will be subject to injury or destruction by Satan, who will search until he finds our weaknesses, if we have them.

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."

May we continually prepare as Captain Moroni did, so that we may stand firm.

Resources
Elder Gary E. Stevenson : Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples
N. Eldon Tanner : Put on the Whole Armor of God
LaVell Edwards : Take Upon Yourself the Whole Armor of God
Elder Russell M. Nelson : Prepare for Blessings of the Temple