Alma 50

Even after decisively beating the Lamenites and returning to a time of peace, Moroni did not let up in his preparations for war and creating strong defenses for his people. Which seems wise from a political war standpoint, but also reminds me of the counsel not to forget God when our lives get easy. In times of crisis it is easier to remember to pray always and seek the Lord’s comfort and counsel, but the times of peace between the times of war, are when it is easy to be lazy in maintaining that relationship and seeking His help. I have to be constantly diligent in my own preparation but also in preparing and protecting my family.

And Moroni didn’t just do one type of fortification, he did everything thing he could think of to protect the people, with walls and then timbers and then pickets and the secure and armed towers. I think too often I have a good enough approach to everything. It is something I have struggled with my whole life, like only wanting to do one draft of a paper, or not rechecking my work. Moroni teaches me about working hard and putting a whole best effort, not good enough effort. And also that we have to do everything that we can to fortify our families. It isn’t enough to just have family prayer, we need all the help of family scripture study and family home evening and going to church together, and gospel discussions, and constantly praying for them. If it is important to keep them safe, it needs to be a constant best effort in every possible way.

Moroni also worked hard to make a clear line between the Nephites and the Lamenites. We need to protect our family by making sure the lines between right and wrong are clearly defined as they can be. That we are as valiant as we can be as an example of what is good. So that the line between us and our enemy is clearly defined and defend-able.

Moroni’s army increased daily because the people saw the protection that his preparations offered them. Which seems like it would be another side effect of dedicated work in the kingdom. If we are clearly trying to be good and avoid the appearance of evil, but make clear lines, it is easier for people to see what it looks like and want to be a part of it. They will know what it is that keeps our family safe, and it will be easier for them to believe.

I love Mormon’s “thus we see” inserts throughout his summary, and how he wants to point out important things he is learning from the text.

It is an interesting side note that Alma first tried to give the plates to Nephihah before giving them to Helaman, but he wouldn’t take them. How different would the record be if he had accepted the calling? Or perhaps the record would be no different, but Nephihah would. Or maybe he felt inspired not to?

The responsibility of the chief judge of the Nephites was huge. It is also interesting that they had no separation of church and state. One of the things the chief judges swore their oath to do was support and maintain the cause of God. I think that was once implied in the U.S., but that surely does not seem to be the case now.

Alma 50