We can find joy even in troubling times. During the ten-year period from the eighteenth through the twenty-seventh year of the reign of the judges (about 74-65 BC), the Nephites experienced multiple attacks and multiple threats to their freedom. Their military commander, Moroni, had to remind them constantly that they must defend their families, their freedom, and their right to worship. He also organized their efforts to prepare themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually for the additional attacks which were inevitable.
And yet, in the middle of it all, during a brief period of respite, Mormon tells us, “There never was a happier time among the people of Nephi, since the days of Nephi, than in the days of Moroni” (Alma 50:23). He says that God’s promise to Lehi, that inasmuch as his descendants would keep His commandments, they would prosper in the land, had been fulfilled. They prospered and found joy. (See Alma 50:17-22.)
We all face challenges and threats of different kinds. It is important to be vigilant, to prepare ourselves, and to defend our families, as Moroni and his people did. But we can also have confidence in God’s promise to Lehi: When we “stand fast in the faith of Christ,” He will help us prosper and experience happiness and peace.
Here are some other lessons I’ve learned from these chapters:
Outline
- Alma 43 – The Zoramites and Lamanites attack. They fight hard, but Moroni and the Nephites fight harder because they are defending their families.
- Alma 44 – The Zoramites and Lamanites are defeated and make a covenant of peace.
- Alma 45 – Alma blesses his sons, the earth, and the church, and then departs.
- Alma 46 – Amalackiah attempts a coup. Moroni creates a flag called the Title of Liberty and inspires people to defend their freedom.
- Alma 47 – Amaliackiah becomes king of the Lamanites by murdering a millitary leader and assassinating the king.
- Alma 48 – Amalackiah stirs the Lamanites up to anger, while Moroni prepares his people to defend themselves.
- Alma 49 – Amalackiah’s army attacks and suffers heavy losses because the Nephites are prepared.
- Alma 50 – A Nephite leader named Morianton causes internal contention. His escape is thwarted by a maidservant.
- Alma 51 – King-men fail to overthrow the Nephite government. Amalackiah captures many cities and is killed by Teancum.
- Alma 52 – Moroni, Teancum, and Lehi lure a Lamanite army out of the city of Mulek and retake the city.
Key Themes
- We stand on solid ground when we do the right things for the right reasons. Inappropriate motives, in contrast, lead to instability and eventual defeat.
- We can be courageous in defending what is right while treating those who oppose us with dignity and respect.
- Sometimes, words aren’t enough, and leaders need to find creative ways to galvanize other people to action.
- Our decisions shape our character, so make choices which lead you toward the person you hope to become.
- We can overcome the storms and the pressures which we will face if we avoid contention and are unified.
- We make wiser decisions when we counsel together.
Connections
- Alma taught his sons, “The Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance” (Alma 45:16). The Lord reaffimed this principle in a revelation to Joseph Smith in 1831: “For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.” And He added the following assurance: “Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30-32).
- As Nehemiah supervised the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem, his enemies repeatedly tried to lure him away from his duty. He replied, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down” (Nehemiah 6:3). The Lamanite commander Lehonti similarly resists Amalackiah’s entreaties at first, but eventually gives in, with disastrous consequences.
Applications
- Seek for guidance from God by hearing and following the words of prophets.
- Be careful whom you trust. Even as we strive to be inclusive and kind, we must also be observant and careful.
- Be careful not to be “stirred up” by the impassioned arguments of other people.
- Prepare your mind for future challenges by making small fortifying decisions.
- Live providently: Be aware of the risks you face, and take prudent action to mitigate those risks.
- Self-discipline is essential for success. Do not let yourself be ruled by passion.
- Maintain a disciplined focus on your highest priorities.
- When you delegate, trust the judgment of your leader on the ground, and listen to their feedback.
Recommended Posts
- Was Alma Translated?
- What Was the Title of Liberty?
- Why Did Mormon Say That Captain Moroni Had a “Perfect Understanding?”
- When Is Violence Justified?
Blog Posts: August 13-18
After the Holy Order of God
Alma and his sons preached “after the holy order of God.” This conveys a sense of joint action, of collective effort. Jesus wants His disciples to be one because some needful things can only be accomplished through organized, collective effort.
War and Peace
Some principles for dealing with conflict from the Book of Mormon: 1. Disciples of Christ promote peace. 2. We have a duty as citizens to uphold the law. 3. Some things are worth fighting for. 4. Comfort and bless those who are harmed by conflict.
“Never to Give an Offense”
The Nephites were taught to defend themselves but “never to give an offense.” We all know how difficult that is. Often, people take offense where none is intended. But we can often frame our words and actions in ways that are conducive to peace.
Never Stop Preparing
One key to Moroni’s success was preparation. He prepared his troops with armor. He turned cities into fortresses. After successful battles, he “did not stop making preparations.” We can follow his example by continuously preparing for future challenges.
Decoys
Multiple times, Nephite armies recaptured cities by luring Lamanite armies out where they were more vulnerable. We can learn from these stories. Don’t allow low-priority goals to distract you from your main mission. Stay focused on what matters most.
Recognizing Unexpected Answers
Helaman’s people prayed for strength, support, and deliverance. They received peace, faith, and hope. Those spiritual gifts enabled them to improve their situation. We need to learn to recognize the unexpected answers to our prayers.
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