In my Book of Mormon class, my professor presented an analogy between sin and the war chapters of Alma (specifically chapters 43-50) that has really stuck with me. I used to have a hard time with the war chapters because I only read a chapter a day or less and so the plot didn't make much sense to me. I used to shout out joyous strains when I had finally read through the war chapters. But this past week as I have been reading I have found it exciting to try and think of a way I could compare the war chapters to my life. I was also reading more at a time and so the story line became more easy to understand. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat when the Lamanites and Nephites were in battle. I even found myself imagining what it was really like for the men. Camping in the woods, walking all day, eating meager food simply to survive, and then battling blood-thirsty Lamanites to protect your liberty, your freedom, your religion, your peace, and your family. There are a couple of strategies that the Nephites used to win the battle against the Lamanites which we can also use in our battle against sin.
In chapter 43, the Nephites have the upper hand because of their armor. The Lamanites show up naked except for a loin cloth. They were not very excited to see the Nephites because they were prepared."And when the armies of the Lamanites saw that the people of Nephi, or that Moroni, had prepared his people with breastplates and with arm-shields, yea, and also shields to defend their heads, and also they were dressed with thick clothing" (verse 19). Heavenly Father has provided us with figurative armor to protect us from sin. Some examples of these include: the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, Doctrine and Covenants, prophets and apostles that speak to us twice a year at General Conference, temple, prayer, Priesthood, Seminary, and Institute. Heavenly Father will not force us to wear this armor, we must make the choice to put it on ourselves.
In chapter 49, the Lamanites are unable to overcome the Nephites in battle because their cities are fortified. This time, the Lamanites came with armor, but they were not prepared for the fortifications that the Nephites had built up to protect their city. Again, the Lamanites were discouraged."But behold, how great was their disappointment; for behold, the Nephites had dug up a ridge of earth round about them, which was so high that the Lamanites could not cast their stones and their arrows at them that they might take effect, neither could they come upon them save it was by their place of entrance" (verse 4). I would like to point out here that God is not playing keep up with Satan. It is quite the opposite. God is constantly providing more protection and Satan is trying to find a way in. We can build up fortifications by protecting and strengthening our family and our friends. Sharing your testimony, Family Home Evening, studying the scriptures, praying together, and fasting for each other are some ways to build fortifications around you and your family.
In chapter 50, the Nephites fortify the line between their cities and the city of the Lamanites. By doing this the Nephites were able to push the Lamanites back even further. They didn't allow them to even get close. We can do this as we push sin back through making a conscious effort every day to do better, by not allowing even the smallest degree of sin in our lives. We cannot be perfect in this life, but the daily efforts we make to become more humble, more meek, more patient, more long-suffering, more loving, more kind, and more obedient will make Satan's job a lot harder.
Although we are not literally participating in a physical war, we are in a war against Satan and against sin. It is important that we are prepared, that our testimonies are strong when trials come our way.
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