Alma 43-52: “Stand Fast in the Faith of Christ” (August 3-9)

Twenty five—that’s how old Moroni was when he began commanding the Nephite armies. Thirteen years later, he stepped down to “spend the remainder of his days in peace” (Alma 62:43). What kind of man was he? Mormon makes it clear that Moroni “did not delight in bloodshed” but that he was committed to the liberty of his people (Alma 48:11, Alma 55:19). He was innovative, inspiring, and unyielding in his defense of the oppressed. As a result, he successfully led the Nephites to victory over two invading armies, the first led by a man named Zerahemnah, and the second led by a man named Amalickiah.

A couple of years ago, I spent a month studying all of the war chapters in the Book of Mormon, including the chapters we are studying this week. Here is a post summarizing what I learned that month, including lessons about acting with integrity, preparing for the future, and praying with faith:

Lessons from Wars in the Book of Mormon

Here are some posts about this week’s reading:

When and how to defend yourself and others

• Do as little harm as possible: When Is Violence Justified?
• Defending the truth without enmity: We Do Not Desire to Be Men of Blood – Alma 44:1
• Are you willing to consider other people’s perspectives? We Are Not of Your Faith – Alma 44:9
• Don’t lower your standards: He Durst Not Go Down – Alma 47:10-12
• Preparing for the future: What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Self-Reliance?  What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Provident Living?
• Multiple lines of defense: Heaps of Earth, Timbers, and Frames of Pickets – Alma 50:1-6
• Be careful whom you trust: He Being a Very Subtle Man – Alma 47:3-4

Leadership lessons from Moroni

• Seven exemplary attributes: Moroni Was a Strong and a Mighty Man – Alma 48:11-13
• The power of a single person to inspire others: What Was the Title of Liberty?
• Prioritizing: It Was His First Care – Alma 51:13-16
• Steadiness and consistency: Supposing by Their Numbers to Overpower Teancum- Alma 52:21-24
• Trusting the people you lead: How Can I Delegate More Effectively?

Personal Integrity

• Motives matter: In That Selfsame Hour That They Cried unto the Lord – Alma 43:48-50
• Keeping our prosperity in perspective: They Grew Rich in Their Own Eyes – Alma 45:24
• How our decisions change us: They Became More Hardened and Impenitent – Alma 47:36
• Creating tangible reminders of our promises: He Caused the Title of Liberty to Be Hoisted upon Every Tower – Alma 46:36
• Praying with sincerity and with intensity: What Does It Mean to Pour Out Your Soul to God?