The parallel
between the city of Ammonihah and true repentance strikes me today. The
Lamenites had been able to cause destruction there previously because of the
wickedness of the people, and so assumed they would be able to again. But the
people had rebuilt it and strengthened it to the point that the Lamenites could
not get anywhere in their attempts to attack it. Repentance is partially making
weak things become strong through Jesus Christ. I have read things, and used to
believe, that once you have given in to certain temptations that will also be a
weakness for you, like if you give into the temptation of premarital sex you
will be more tempted than other people to have an affair in your marriage. But
with true repentance, true change of heart, that isn’t true. Our weaknesses
become our greatest strengths. He changes us into something strong and pure and
good, and impenetrable.
Sometimes life
appears too overwhelming, and sometimes it is the wickedness in the world that
seems too great to win against. Sometimes it is the wickedness in my heart that
seems too big to conquer. Just like the Lamenite army was huge and well
prepared, they believed they would easily overcome the Nephites. But because
they Nephites were following Moroni in their preparations, who in his faith was
following the Lord, they were strong enough to overcome insurmountable odds.
With God nothing is impossible, even the war inside myself.
It is interesting
that when the Lamenite captains got to Noah they had to attack even though they
knew it was a bad idea, because they had sworn in front of the people to do it.
It is a lesson in being careful with what you say. Is it also a lesson in
honor, that they did what they swore to do, or is a lesson in pride that they
would not back down because they had already sworn? Sometimes I am not sure
which of those is a virtue. Like when I give my kids a punishment that I later
regret, do I stick to it, or do I tell them I made a mistake a change it? Does
changing my mind make them not trust me or respect what I say I will do? Maybe
it matters why I changed my mind? I really struggle with this.
It is sad how
many Lamenites died for no reason because of their stubborn leaders. Why were
they willing to keep following them?
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