Alma Chapter 50

Read it HERE

Moroni fortifies the lands of the Nephites—They build many new cities—Wars and destructions befell the Nephites in the days of their wickedness and abominations—Morianton and his dissenters are defeated by Teancum—Nephihah dies and his son Pahoran fills the judgment-seat. About 72—67 B.C.

I think it is interesting how there are so many places in the scriptures that describe wars and preparations for wars. In this chapter we begin reading about how Moroni did not stop making preparations for war, or to defend his people against the Lamanites.

Now I think it's easy for us to skim over these verses, since we don't see any "quotable scriptures" or spiritual moments. But, if we try and liken the scriptures to us, we actually can find a lot of symbolism.

I like to think about how we are always fighting a spiritual war. A war against temptations. A war against even. And even though we do not need to dress in armor and fight against an enemy, we actually DO need to dress in the armor of God and fight against the adversary.

So isn't it interesting that even though Moroni and his armies were not fighting at this very moment, they were still making all the preparations necessary. I think we can do this in our own lives. We always need to be preparing ourselves. That is why we attend church, pray, read our scriptures, fulfill our callings, attend the temple, have family home evening, go visiting teaching, listen to conference. These things help us to prepare to be strong in times of war -when adversity and temptation hit us really hard.

And you know what? As we are righteous and do all of these things as we are commanded,

18 And they did prosper aexceedingly, and they became exceedingly rich; yea, and they did multiply and wax strong in the land.

19 And thus we see how merciful and just are all the dealings of the Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the children of men; yea, we can behold that his words are verified, even at this time, which he spake unto Lehi, saying:

20 Blessed art thou and thy children; and they shall be blessed, inasmuch as they shall keep my acommandments they shall prosper in the land. But remember, inasmuch as they will not keep my commandments they shall be bcut off from the presence of the Lord.

22 And those who were faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord were delivered at all times, whilst thousands of their wicked brethren have been consigned to bondage, or to perish by the sword, or to dwindle in unbelief, and mingle with the Lamanites.

23 But behold there never was a ahappier time among the people of Nephi, since the days of Nephi, than in the days of Moroni, yea, even at this time, in the twenty and first year of the reign of the judges.