“Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection (excerpts),” New Era, May 2019, 46–47.
Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection (excerpts)
Christ-centered homes are fortresses for the kingdom of God on earth in a day when, as prophesied, the devil “rage[s] in the hearts of the children of men, and stir[s] them up to anger against that which is good” [2 Nephi 28:20].
People have built fortresses throughout history to keep the enemy outside. Often those fortresses included a guard tower where watchmen—like prophets—warned of menacing forces and coming attacks. …
So it is with us. Our homes are fortresses against the evils of the world. In our homes we come unto Christ by learning to follow His commandments, by studying the scriptures and praying together, and by helping one another stay on the covenant path. …
Brothers and sisters, we are at war with Satan for the souls of men. The battle lines were drawn in our pre-earth life. Satan and a third of our Father in Heaven’s children turned away from His promises of exaltation. Since that time, the adversary’s minions have been fighting the faithful who chose the Father’s plan. …
For our safety, we must build a fortress of spirituality and protection for our very souls, a fortress that will not be penetrated by the evil one. …
When we build a fortress of spiritual strength, we can shun the advances of the adversary, turn our backs on him, and feel
the peace of the Spirit. …
What are some ways we can fortify ourselves in troubled times? …
We are obedient. …
We trust the Lord. …
We stand for the truth. …
We make and renew our covenants by partaking of the sacrament and by worshipping in the temple. …
We should have integrity in all that we do. …
As we diligently strengthen our fortifications, we become like Jesus Christ, as His true disciples, with our very souls in His protection. …
Our testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ, our homes, our families, and our membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be our personal fortresses of protection surrounding us and shielding us from the power of the evil one.