At War For the Souls of Men

Captain Moroni! Love him! He had prepared his army with arm-shields, breastplates, head-shields, and thick clothing. The army of Zarahemna... had NOT. They had weapons, but were “naked, save it were a skin which was girded about their loins.” When they saw the Nephites, “they were exceedingly afraid of the armies of the Nephites because of their armor, notwithstanding their number being so much greater than the Nephites.” Alma 43

Isn’t that interesting? They had “more than double the number of the Nephites“ and yet THEY were afraid. Why? Because the Nephites had ARMOR.

At times I feel like Satan is WINNING this world. Wickedness is everywhere. The works of darkness aren’t even in the dark- they’re obvious! It feels overpowering. It’s TOO MUCH.

But guess what? We are IN IT.

“Brothers and sisters, we are at war with Satan for the souls of men.” Rasband

BUT-

“It is a war we can and will win.” Pres Monson

We have the BEST kind of armor. And even though our numbers can feel few in comparison, spiritual armor strikes fear into the heart of Satan.

Obedience, trust in the Lord, stand for truth, our covenants, integrity, a testimony of Jesus Christ. This is armor. (“Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection” Rasband)

Zarahemna’s army retreated.

But they didn’t give up- they went looking for another way.

Elder Bednar compares Satan to cheetahs hunting topis, saying, “Satan ‘is the enemy of righteousness and of those who seek to do the will of God.’ All day, every day, his only intent and sole purpose are to make the sons and daughters of God miserable like unto himself.”

We need armor. But what else did Moroni do? THINK and ACT. He plans, STRATEGIZES. He plays what is essentially a brilliant game of Wizard’s Chess!

I love how this plays out. And I love that Moroni did BOTH: use the Lord’s help, but also used his own brain, his own feet, to push the plan forward. He doesn’t just sit idly in his armor waiting for the Lord to protect him. He does ALL HE CAN to be one step ahead of the enemy. He FIGHTS. The enemy is relentless, and we need to be, too.

“If ye are prepared ye shall not fear... that ye might escape the power of the enemy.” D&C 38:30-31