by Elder Neil L. Andersen

As I mentioned before, overcoming the world was a prevalent theme I noticed during conference. Read more…

I recently read what is commonly referred to as the ‘war chapters’ in the Book of Mormon (Alma 45-62). The thought occurred to me as I read the account of the great wars of this people that it could be analogous for those of us who strive to be Christian.

At first, we have accepted the Spirit and our feelings are warm. Our testimonies give us light and help us be prepared. We are enthusiastic and trusting. We accept the gospel and strive to do all we can to defend our knowledge of the gospel.

But time happens. Our armor receives chinks in it. We may grow tired or careless of preparing and strengthening our fortifications. We notice the imperfections of people we once admired and looked up to. Our feelings aren’t as strong as they once were and we have to rely on our memories.

Doubts may begin to take hold. Tiredness replaces enthusiasm. We may even lose trust in things we used to know and believe. In short, the battle wears us out.

We become like the Nephites who shouldn’t have lost any ground but did lose cities and their people were taken prisoners. Our strongholds are used against us.

All of us are in this battle to overcome. The results will be similar to the people of Nephi. “But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility” (Alma 62:41).

Each day, with each battle, we make a choice to either overcome with faith or let our faith be overcome. There is a lesson in those war chapters for each of us.

Overcoming the World