Starting With Myself

In chapters 43-60 in the book of Alma in The Book of Mormon are known as the "war chapters." Usually when those who are reading The Book of Mormon get to the war chapters they moan and groan and try to get through them as quickly as possible. Which I think is ridiculous because I LOVE THEM. The book of Alma can get pretty lengthy at times so that is why I always look forward to the war chapters because it's a nice change of pace. And I find the war chapters to be extremely applicable to the spiritual war I fight every day. 

One of the most influential men in the whole Book of Mormon is a man named Captain Moroni. Throughout the war chapters he leads the Nephite army to defend themselves against the Lamanites. He is the best example for any leader I have ever seen. He does an excellent job of making sure the Nephites are well protected from the Lamanites. The first thing he does to ensure this is in Alma, chapter 43, he protects the individuals of the Nephite army by armoring them with brass shields, breast plates and armor that protects the vital organs of their body. Next in chapter 49 he makes the city of Noah, which was well known for its weak protections, become strong and defensive. It doesn't say specifically exactly what he did except that he built "fortifications." Which I assume means that he built walls and kept people there to defend the city. But Moroni doesn't stop there. In chapter 50 he then takes those fortifications and makes them even stronger. And instead of focusing on destroying the Lamanites he focuses on keeping the Nephites from being destroyed. 

We can apply the things that Moroni has done in protecting his army to our own lives. Notice how Moroni first makes sure the individuals are protected. And then focuses on the cities. It is important we do the same. In order to help others it is important for us to reflect deep within us to fix ourselves. Once we  do that then we will more effectively be able to help people. This is exactly why you are to repent all of your sins before you leave for your mission. Because if you still have those sins on your conscience when you leave for the mission field then you are not able to help others as you should. 

It is so important to fix yourself first before you start finding the faults in others. Once we do this then service may be more efficiently displayed. The gospel is true and I can't wait to go on my own mission some day where I may be able to bring others the joy I feel from living the gospel.