Alma 54-55 Weapons of War

I’m in the war chapters currently and I have to constantly remind myself that today’s war is not being fought with swords and other war tools.  It is not a war against a people.  It is a war against the evil in the world.  It is a war against Satan and his minions.  It is a war against the filth that is destroying civilization and decency in this world.  It is a war against our very souls.  Satan would have our souls, and he will stoop to any level to obtain them.  Why does he want our souls?  Of what value is it to him?  It is his pride.  It is his desire to destroy the work of our Savior, Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father.  It is a desire to stop the growth of the Church so that salvation can become available to the children of God who desire it. 

Although putting us in a position to protect our homes and family against evil, which could include guns, the bigger tool of defense is our testimony.  I’m seeing some mighty people fall, and their fall is swift (supposedly) and hard.  I’ve currently observed the fall of what I have always thought was a very faithful Priesthood leader.  This has been a hard thing to watch and his family has been left in total disbelief.  He just boarded a plane out of country and seemed to change overnight the direction he was headed.  No more being driven by morals, commandments, decency, obligation to family and community or God.  How does this happen?  How do we guard ourselves against this type of tragedy?

I’ve spent hours talking with his wife and trying to answer these questions for myself.  Without violating confidences I have made the following observation of things that are critical to fight the war against the evils of Satan:

• Prayer – family, couple and personal
• Scripture study – family, couple and personal
• Consistent attendance to sacrament meeting
• Bearing ones’ testimony frequently
• Never speak ill of Priesthood leaders
• Follow the prophet
• Nurturing marriage, i.e. holding hands, spending quality time together, talking about things of importance and eternal consequence
• Guard carefully the quiet hours you are alone.
• Listening to each other – looking for trouble areas and being each other’s counselor in them

These are just a few things I have decided are critical to keep us safe from the evils that surround us.  They are important tools to use to keep yourself, your marriage and your family protected from destruction.