I love the book of Alma. It is filled with gospel doctrine: The Fall, justice and mercy, the Atonement, Repentance, Baptism, the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and so on. I would take my time studying the fist part of the Alma, then find that I would be skimming over what have been called "the war chapter" near the end.
A few years ago I made a point to really study these chapters. I wanted to find the deeper meaning and messages contained within. When I went about this in the proper light I found invaluable lessons that I had been missing my whole life.
One of which is the keys to winning the war against the Adversary.
Throughout the battles in chapters 43 through 54, the Nephites used many tactics in their war against the Lamanites. These same tactics can be applied to our battle with the Adversary today.
They are as follows:
1. Know your cause and what you are fighting for. (43:9)
2. Recognize the enemy (43:10-11)
3. Arm yourself and prepare well (43:18-19)
4. Seek and follow the Lord's counsel (43:24,47)
5. Make a strategic plan (43:29-44)
6. Remember your cause (43:45)
7. Cry to the Lord for strength when you need help (43:49)
8. Fight with Divine Power - you are not alone (43:50)
9. Acknowledge the Lord's hand (44:4)
10. Give thanks to the Lord (54:1)
The Stripling Warriors followed a similar pattern:
1. Know your cause and stand fast (58:40)
2. Remember the Lord each day (58:40)
3. Keep the commandments continually (58:40)
4. Have faith in the words of the prophets (58:40)
One of the key lessons we can glean from these war chapters, and the keys to winning our war against Satan, is found in 58:37: "But, behold it mattereth - we trust God will deliver us, notwithstanding the weakness of our armies, yea and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies."
What a wonderful lesson nestled in between the pages of "the war chapters."
A few years ago I made a point to really study these chapters. I wanted to find the deeper meaning and messages contained within. When I went about this in the proper light I found invaluable lessons that I had been missing my whole life.
One of which is the keys to winning the war against the Adversary.
Throughout the battles in chapters 43 through 54, the Nephites used many tactics in their war against the Lamanites. These same tactics can be applied to our battle with the Adversary today.
They are as follows:
1. Know your cause and what you are fighting for. (43:9)
2. Recognize the enemy (43:10-11)
3. Arm yourself and prepare well (43:18-19)
4. Seek and follow the Lord's counsel (43:24,47)
5. Make a strategic plan (43:29-44)
6. Remember your cause (43:45)
7. Cry to the Lord for strength when you need help (43:49)
8. Fight with Divine Power - you are not alone (43:50)
9. Acknowledge the Lord's hand (44:4)
10. Give thanks to the Lord (54:1)
The Stripling Warriors followed a similar pattern:
1. Know your cause and stand fast (58:40)
2. Remember the Lord each day (58:40)
3. Keep the commandments continually (58:40)
4. Have faith in the words of the prophets (58:40)
One of the key lessons we can glean from these war chapters, and the keys to winning our war against Satan, is found in 58:37: "But, behold it mattereth - we trust God will deliver us, notwithstanding the weakness of our armies, yea and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies."
What a wonderful lesson nestled in between the pages of "the war chapters."
