Christian Courage

I have made it to the war chapters in the Book of Mormon (Alma 43-63). I used to slog through them, looking for the "gems" hidden in all the blood and treachery. Things like "if all men had ever been and would be like unto Moroni. . ." and "we do not doubt our mothers knew it." Great scriptures, and great evidences of faithfulness in times of great adversity.

But it occurred to me several years ago that when the prophets said this book was for our day, and that everything in the book is there for a reason, they really meant everything. Even the war stuff. And so I started reading the chapters differently, trying so hard to understand the reason these things were included. I still love all the "gems" in the chapters, and I appreciate the meaning that those scriptures give me. But I have also discovered important truths that we need so desperately in these challenging times, and they include ways to strengthen our children for the adversity they will face, how to strengthen the members, things we need to watch out for so that we are not deceived by Satan, and so forth.

I just read about Amalickiah and his treachery, and it's a pretty depressing chapter, watching this guy get exactly what he wants through evil means, and reading about his supporters--how they were taught the gospel just like the other Nephites, but because they started to love power and prestige more than the truth, they became even more wicked than the Lamanites. I read about how Amalickiah got Lehonti, leader of the portion of the Lamanites that didn't want to fight the Nephites, to eventually come down from his safe place to meet with Amalickiah. Amalickiah was able to then trick Lehonti into doing something that would eventually bring great sorrow to both Nephites and Lamanites, and Lehonti was eventually "poisoned by degrees" until he died so that Amalickiah could have full power. It is sad to think of what could have been avoided had Lehonti not allowed himself to be lulled into thinking that everything would be fine, and that he would be strong enough to leave his safe place.

After reading that particular section, and pondering what I needed to learn from it, I thought I remembered two Church leaders talking about that very section in Alma 47. Upon visiting www.lds.org, I found my memory was correct. Elder Hales and Sister Dalton both referenced this very section in their wonderful talks given in October 2008 General Conference, both so very needed in this day and time. (Just click on the links to read them, if you would like.) Elder Hales spoke about Christian Courage and being a true disciple of Jesus Christ as we interact with others. Sister Dalton reminded us that the value of virtue is more important than ever, and that we cannot allow ourselves to be "poisoned" through gradually accepting the world's values and standards and by being distracted from the true purpose of our existence.

I am so grateful for personal revelation and revelation given by Heavenly Father through living prophets and inspired leaders so that we can avoid the many pitfalls that surround us and so that we can avoid being "poisoned by degrees" until we suffer a spiritual death. The world is so full of half-truths and distractions that we desperately need to cling to the tools our Heavenly Father has given us to help us stay on the path that leads to eternal life. I know that He lives and loves us, and wants us to return to Him someday, and I am grateful for all the tools he has given us to help us do this, including the gift of the Atonement, made possible by our Savior, Jesus Christ, who also lives and loves us. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.