I was reading about Captain Moroni (the youngest Chief commander mentioned in the Book of Mormon) this week in chapters 46-52 and was impressed with the thought of how we can never quit preparing for the “race”. We are in the race of a lifetime here on Earth. Battling against Satan at every turn. And even when we feel like we are at the top of our game, or winning the race, we can’t stop “training”.
When the Nephites battled under Captain Moroni’s command they fought for faith, liberty, their families, their land and their peace. If ever we have been in a fight like Moroni’s, it is today!
In verses 10-13 of chapter 48 it describes some of the characteristics Moroni had and what kind of person he was. Mighty and strong (at 25 years old), smart, compassionate, had courage, was grateful, worked hard, he served the people, was faithful and full of integrity and he was obedient. He was such a good man that in verse 17 it reads: Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; Yea the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.
First of all it talks about the way that he taught them to never raise arms unless it was against an enemy to preserve their lives. Then they armed themselves with shields and helmets and breastplates to protect themselves from the enemy. They put on all their armour. Then he fortified the land.
But what stood out to me in all of these chapters as they fought their enemies, was that even after they had conquered their first conflict, he did not take a break. After the people had praised and remembered the Lord and given all credit to Him, Moroni knew that he needed to continue to prepare the land and his people for when the wars would start again.
It says that he commanded the people that they should dig up heaps of earth around the city. Then on top of those ridges add timbers the height of a man. Then on top of those timbers a frame of pickets and they were strong and high. But not only that, he had them build towers so they could see when the enemy was approaching. And also places of security to be built upon those towers. They called all these “strongholds” which defined, is a well fortified place or fortress. Moroni was teaching the people how to keep from being defeated. And I believe that this means both temporally and spiritually.
So the question I have for you today, is how will you build up “strongholds” in your own life? How will you continue training for the race of life? Will you sit down once one race has been won or will you keep training even in the off season?
I have some recommendations here. But ultimately you will have to decide for yourself what you will do to build your own “strongholds” against the enemy. Because you/we are in this fight for our lives!
Have a great day!
XO Wendy
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