We Are at War

This week in class we dove into the war chapters of the Book of Mormon in the book of Alma. I like the war chapters because they are easy to follow and really interesting- I find myself cheering for the sides and getting into the fight. Chapters 43-49 spent a lot of time going into details about the specific armor and defense of the Nephites and how the Lamanites were afraid when they saw this much smaller army with much better battle gear. I believe it works the same in this life; when we arm ourselves everywhere and go into battle prepared, the enemy will realize we mean business. Temptation and trial will never disappear completely, and they may increase once you put on the armor and step out into the battlefield, but you can never lose when you are steadfast and strong. In chapter 48 verse 17 of Alma, Mormon explains that 'if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto ^aMoroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the ^bdevil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.' I know that can be a direct tie-in to Jesus Christ. If all men were like Him, the most perfect one of all, there would be no battle. But there is, and it's difficult. I really like what someone in class commented about our armor and fighting this battle: 'There is a difference between enduring and enduring well.'