Sunday School 32 - Alma 43-52

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Brothers and sisters, 

We are going to embark on the wars of the Nephites and Lamanites. The gospel had now had been taught to their little world now but I noticed that Satan was not defeated but changed tactics. He enticed the souls of those that wanted power and money. From the fight with the decenting Amlicites (Alma's story) to the Zoramite's story (A to Z; haha, notice?), decention is now running rampant. This has become a powder keg and the wick is lit. Chief Judge Nephihah appoints a young man named Moroni to lead the people because the Lamanites are getting getting bold and greedy because of the Nephrites who broke away using them (the Lamanites) to get power. This man Moroni was a God loving man who turned to prayer and fasting to know his enemy and know how to defeat them.

Now how does this apply to us?

We need to examine the leaders of the war. In the story there is two leaders, Moroni (introduced in Alma 43) and Amalikiah (introduced in Alma 46). While Moroni had responsibility thrist upon him his foil lusted after power. Moroni lead with compassion, faith and integrity, his antagonist lead with fear, deceit and intimidating his followers. As a leader and parent we need to examine how we can protect and guide those more volunerable than us. 

In the gospel there is layers of knowledge and defense. Like Moroni, we need to help our children with the full armor of God, to protect young minds and hearts from wickedness. It's not enough to protect them but we must teach them to protect themselves. Moroni, learned about his enemy, turned to the Lord and His prophet for guidance. He armed his people and cities with weapons and armor, then trained them to defend themselves. He kept spies to keep an eye on the wicked to protect the innocent. 

Moroni stood as a banner to encourage people and started with himself by wrenting his coat symbolic of a covenant. Suddenly several people are pricked in their hearts and a covenant keeping people are racing to stand for the right. Several again can say they have had a similar experience at a theater or dance and in doing what is right, it sparks others to do the same. 

These great leaders taught that we are children of God and when we recognize our potential and who is on our side, it doesn't matter how big the apposing army is. When we wrestle with the Lord against our own natural instincts, as Jacob did in Genesis, we will get the promises of Good, a calm spirit, peaceful home, and comfort and protection of the Lord.

Moroni taught soldiers do not fight because of their skill in warfare but they fight for those that have no skill. We teach our children of the war of heaven to arm them. "No surrender" is our battle cry.  Oh ok the battle cry is... (Alma 46:12-13)

12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole. 13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land.

 We fight and defend our homes because there are some in our home that cannot defend themselves. We study, watch and pray so that our own strength can be sufficient where we lack. 

One more thing, humbly celebrate your victories and give thanks. Then strengthen and fortify your weak spots. If it is your mind or heart, do what you can and council with the Lord. He gives us weakness to turn to Him for strength (Eather 12:27).

Heavenly Father love us and he knows our struggles. As the trials get tough turn to the Lord. He will help us. No one is forgotten, no one is abandoned.