Serve + Work = Power

Alma 52

The war chapters make it harder for me to find my nugget to chew on.  This chapter is about the strategy Moroni used to defeat the Lamanite armies.  I would love to have a glimpse into this particular conflict.   How many is a large army?   Who provided their needs?  These are questions I always ponder as I read these chapters.  The armies of Teancum ran into the wilderness and the Lamanites followed them given the fact they looked like a small group they could easily overtake.  What they didn’t know was the armies of Moroni were in their rear, waiting for them to tire in their march to destroy Teancums army and thus give them the advantage.  If this wasn’t enough, the army of Lehi was waiting on the sides as well.  They did subdue the army of the Lamanites to where they surrendered their weapons and those who were not were compelled and imprisoned.

What do I learn from this?  The quote “it takes a village to raise a child” comes to mind.  We must work together as believers in the gospel to raise our children in such a way that they will be valiant and strong in their efforts to serve the Lord in whatever capacity they are called.  Our war is of a different nature but no less dangerous.  In fact, I believe our war is more so because we are fighting for the eternities of our children and families. 

So how is it done?  The answer is very much what I am focusing on in my Leadership Training coming up in less than a week.  We must foster within the members of our wards a feeling of unity and love that the members will desire to help one another in whatever effort is needed.  It would seem to be a simple thing, but is hard to get through to our young people.  How do we care for each other?  It starts in the home, i.e. visiting teaching and home teaching.  Instantly friendships are made and we can prayerfully seek ways to help each other.  Serving side-by-side with each other also accomplishes this goal.  Those with whom we work become close friends and we want to help each other in our times of need.

Now in serving and working with each other a very interesting thing will begin to happen.  As we grow in our testimonies thus becoming stronger against the adversary.  His attacks are less effective in our daily lives and the army of the Lord becomes stronger.