Even though the Lamanites were more numerous than the
Nephites (v. 6) and more blood thirsty, they “did not prosper against” the
Nephites (v. 9). What was the Nephites’
secret? Unlike the Lamanites, the
Nephites observed the commandments they had received in the Law of Moses. Their
secular laws were very strict, and their leaders were “mighty men in the faith
of the Lord” (v. 7), and they used their prosperity and their industry to,
among other things, establish a strong military defense. Even today, a society living like that would
be invincible, for it would have the Lord’s strength. One person cannot influence an entire society
to become like that of the Nephites. But
one person (or one couple, or one family) can create that kind of “society”
within his/their/its own sphere. We can
observe the commandments we’ve been given.
We can strictly obey our secular laws.
We can follow those who are mighty in the faith of the Lord. And we can use our means to prepare ourselves
spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally to be ready for the ills and
adversity that can befall us. And we can
prepare our homes against possible disasters.
The Nephites didn’t reach, nor did they maintain, this state of
preparation easily. Their prophets had
to stay on them constantly. For us it
requires self-discipline and practice, but we can achieve it with the Lord’s help
it if we will.
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