Fortification

Today I was reading from Alma, in the Book of Mormon, and in the chapters I was reading it was about how Moroni prepares his people to defend themselves against the Lamanites, their enemy. Moroni fortified his weakest cities and strongholds by creating great walls. In Alma 48:9 it says "in their weakest fortifications (Moroni) did place the greatest number of men; and thus he did fortify and strengthen the land which was possessed by the Nephites."

Like the Nephites, we too have a enemy close at hand. Satan is one of the greatest advisories to be, and we too must fortify ourselves against our enemy. What does this mean? It means that we can’t be complacent in our protection or the protection of our families. In Alma 49:4 it says that Moroni "dug up a ridge of earth round about them, which was so high that the Lamanites could not cast their stones and arrows at them that they might take effect." In addition to these ridges they built wooden walls higher than the Lamanites could reach. Because of this even though the Nephites were well armed and more prepared then they had ever been before, they we not able to hurt the Nephites, and during the battle none of the Nephites were killed. We too must protect ourselves from Satan. We can’t be complacent and just build weak walls, or sort of dig ridges around part of our homes, or the enemy will get in. while this is better than no defense we must realize the seriousness of the enemy and the devastation that can come if we don't fortify our weaknesses. We must prepare for the worst and not take any risks. President Spencer W. Kimball taught that the fight against Satan and his forces “is not a little skirmish with a half-willed antagonist, but a battle royal with an enemy so powerful, entrenched, and organized that we are likely to be vanquished if we are not strong, well-trained, and watchful.”

Stay far from the edge, because the drop can be devastating and the further from the edge we are the safer we will be. As anyone in a dangerous line of work will tell you, accidents do happen, we have the choice though to keep ourselves far from dangers hand. This does not mean we can't be in the world, for we are all in the world. What it means as James E. Faust says in the talk, Acting for Ourselves and Not Being Acted Upon, "you must not only avoid evil, but also the appearance of evil." Do not get in a possession where you are around drinking if you can help it, choose good friends, as well as many other things. Use wisdom when deciding if you are too close to the edge, use wisdom to know when you are in the appearance of evil.

A scripture that came to mind while reading from Alma today was Ether 12:27, “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” We each have weaknesses that Satan will try to attack, just as the Lamanites tried to against the Nephites. To strengthen our weaknesses we must have faith in the Lords ability to make us strong. Ask in faith for the strength needed to overcome a weakness. We also must put on the Armor of God as it talks about in Ephesians 6:11–17 and D&C 27:15–18. The Lord will not always take a weakness away, but we can still fortify ourselves and our homes by running from evil as Joseph ran from Potiphar’s wife.

If you fortify your weaknesses and, “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30). There is reason to be watchful and alert for evil, but do not despair, the Lord loves you, and through him all things are done in faith. Life is such a wonderful gift, live it in joy and happiness. "Men are that they might have joy" Being prepared and fortified does not mean sacrificing happiness or joy, in fact it ensures happiness and joy, and spiritual security.