When we read these words at the beginning of Alma chapter 43—“And now I return to an account of the wars between the Nephites and the Lamanites”—it’s natural to wonder why Mormon included these war stories when he had limited space on the plates (see Words of Mormon 1:5). It’s true that we have our share of wars in the latter days, but there is value in his words beyond the descriptions of the strategy and tragedy of war. His words also prepare us for the war in which “we are all enlisted” (Hymns, no. 250), the war we are fighting each day against the forces of evil. This war is very real, and the outcome affects our eternal lives. Like the Nephites, we are inspired by a holy cause—“our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children”—what Moroni called “the cause of the Christians” (Alma 46:12, 16).
Jesus Christ can help me with my spiritual battles.
As you read Alma 43–52, notice what the Nephites did that made them successful (or unsuccessful). Then ponder how you can use what you learn to help you win your spiritual battles. Record your thoughts below:
Alma 43:19: The Nephites were prepared with armor. (I can strive to prepare myself with spiritual armor.)
Do you want to lessen the power of the adversary in your life? One way is to follow the counsel in Alma 48:17 to become “like unto Moroni.” Consider making a list of words that describe Moroni as you read Alma 46:11–28; 48:7–17. What do you learn from Moroni about “stand[ing] fast in the faith of Christ”? (Alma 46:27).
You might also study how Moroni inspired others in “the cause of the Christians” (see Alma 46:11–22). How would you describe that cause? What can you do to participate in it? How can you inspire others to participate too?
One thing Moroni did to inspire others was create the title of liberty, which emphasized principles to inspire the Nephites (see verse 12). What principles are our Church leaders emphasizing in our day? You might look for them in For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices (booklet, 2022), “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” the Young Women and Aaronic Priesthood Quorum themes, or recent general conference messages. You could summarize what they are teaching into some simple statements to create your own title of liberty—something to remind you to be true to the Savior and His gospel.
Satan knows that you aren’t likely to commit big sins or believe obvious lies. Therefore, he uses subtle lies and small temptations—as many as he thinks you will accept—to lead you away from the safety of righteous living.
Look for this pattern in Alma 47, and ponder how Satan may be trying to deceive you. Consider these insights from Elder Robert D. Hales:
“The traitorous Amalickiah urged Lehonti to ‘come down’ and meet him in the valley. But when Lehonti left the high ground, he was poisoned ‘by degrees’ until he died, and his army fell into Amalickiah’s hands (see Alma 47). By arguments and accusations, some people bait us to leave the high ground. The high ground is where the light is. … It is the safe ground” (“Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 74).
What do you learn from the video “Temptation Fades as We Seek Christ in Every Thought” (Gospel Library) that can help you resist temptation?
Despite the Nephites’ armor and fortifications, the Lamanites soon captured many of their cities (see Alma 51:26–27). How did that happen? Look for answers as you read these chapters (see particularly Alma 51:1–12). Ponder what warnings this account may have for you and your family.
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
I can find spiritual protection in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Consider using “Chapter 31: Captain Moroni Defeats Zerahemnah” (Book of Mormon Stories, 85–88) to tell your children about the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites. As you read about the Nephites’ armor in Alma 43:19, you could compare armor that protects our bodies with things that God has given us to protect our spirits. Maybe you and your children could draw a picture of a child and add a piece of armor to the picture for everything your children can name that protects us spiritually.
These verses describe the fortifications the Nephites built: Alma 48:7–9; 49:1–9; 50:1–6. After reading these verses together, your children might enjoy building a fort out of objects like chairs and blankets. The video “Elder Stevenson on Fortifying Families” (Gospel Library) can help you discuss how to spiritually fortify your home.
I can be “firm in the faith of Christ” like Captain Moroni.
Your children could look at the pictures in this outline to tell the story of the title of liberty (see Alma 46:11–16; “Chapter 32: Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty,” Book of Mormon Stories, 89–90). What did Moroni want the people to remember (see verse 12)? What does Heavenly Father want us to remember? Perhaps your children could design their own “titles of liberty” with phrases or pictures that will help them remember these things.
To teach your children about being “firm in the faith of Christ” like Moroni (see Alma 48:13), you could help them find and touch something firm. What does it mean for faith to be “firm”? Read together Alma 48:11–12 to find out what made Moroni firm in his faith in Christ. You could also sing together a song like “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162). What can we do to be “firm in the faith of Christ”?
Read together selected verses from Alma 47:4–19. What would have happened if Amalickiah had told Lehonti what he planned to do from the beginning? What do these verses teach us about how Satan tries to deceive us?
Help your children build confidence. Some children may not feel capable of learning the gospel on their own. One way to build their confidence is to praise them when they participate in learning. Where could you apply this suggestion with the activities in this outline?
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
