During April, I have studied the wars in the Book of Mormon. In particular, I’ve focused on the following wars:
- Zoram leads the Nephite army to victory (Alma 16)
- The Lamanites attack the people of Ammon (Alma 24-25)
- The battle of Jershon (Alma 28)
- Captain Moroni defeats Zerahemnah (Alma 43-44)
- Captain Moroni prepares the Nephites to defend themselves (Alma 46, 48-50)
- Captain Moroni defeats Amalackiah and Ammoron (51-55, 59-62)
- Helaman leads his young Ammonite army (Alma 56-58)
- Moronihah leads the Nephite armies against the Lamanites (Helaman 1, 4)
- Lachoneus leads the Nephites to victory against the Gadianton robbers (3 Nephi 3-4)
- Mormon leads the Nephite armies in their final war (Mormon 1-6, Moroni 9)
- Coriantumr leads the Jaredite armies in their final war (Ether 13-15)
Just as I’ve done with other types of content, I have tried to learn lessons from these chapters that I can apply in my daily life from these stories. The lessons I have learned fall into the following categories:
Responding to Adversity
- When we face daunting challenges, we ought to adopt an attitude of solemnity, and turn our hearts to God.
- We must keep trying, even when we encounter discouraging situations.
- Difficult experiences can motivate us to humble ourselves and change, just as successes can inspire gratitude in our hearts.
- Take time to connect with God and listen to His Spirit during times of adversity.
Acting with Integrity
- We should follow Captain Moroni’s example by acting with strength and wisdom, being kind and respectful of the people around me, being thankful for the privileges I have been given, and being hard-working and dependable.
- We should fulfill our duties quietly and consistently.
- Sincerity and virtue will ultimately lead to success.
- Our integrity can inspire integrity in others.
- We need to avoid being distracted and remember our priorities.
Self-mastery
- We need to be the master of our passions, not a slave to them.
- We need to control our negative emotions and not allow them to be directed toward others.
Preparation
- Some of the decisions which are most impactful occur long before they are needed.
- It’s important to prepare our minds for the challenges we will face in the future.
Loving Others
- Feelings of animosity toward others will drive away the Spirit of the Lord. Even as we defend the truth, we must treat others with respect.
- We should love all people, even those who are difficult to love, including those who don’t seem to benefit from our love.
- When we love others, we welcome them, but we also warn them of danger.
Power in Unity
- A strong sense of community is essential for our collective safety and prosperity.
- There is power and safety in unity.
- We can overcome the storms and the pressures we face if we choose to face them in unity.
Leadership
- Words of truth, courageously spoken, can inspire others to courage.
- Leaders must remember that the people they lead are counting on them to make wise decisions on their behalf.
Repentance
- Repentance enables us to receive the power of God.
- We can avoid catastrophic outcomes by repenting quickly.
God’s Love
- When God judges us, He will be both just and merciful.
- If we choose to repent, we can be “clasped in the arms of Jesus.”
Prayer
- We need to make sure that our motives are aligned with God’s will, so that we can pray with confidence.
- We should follow the prophet’s guidance to pray, listen, write the answers that we receive, and act upon what we learn.
There is one place in the BofM that shows two different responses after a terrible war. After the same war, one group humbled themselves, while another group rebelled against the Lord, and stopped being faithul. I can’t find that scripture. Would you please be able to assist me. thanks
LikeLike
Alma 62:41 – “But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility.”
LikeLike