Spiritual Fortification in the Last Days

 

We have heard many times over the years that these are the last days before the coming of Christ. Apostles and prophets have taught us that we can no longer be complacent when it comes to living gospel. We must be prepared to defend ourselves against Satan.

“You’re smart. You’re even exceptional. President Gordon B. Hinckley has stated repeatedly that you are the finest generation this earth has ever seen. But that prophetic endorsement notwithstanding, you’re not that smart. You are not resilient enough to tangle with the adversary” -Sheri Dew.

 If we believe we can go about our lives without reinforcing our testimonies daily, we are fooling ourselves. Just as the Nephites fortified their cities in preparation of the Lamanite invasion in Alma 49, we must be prepared! If we do the work to prepare, on the day that we need it the most, we will surprise the adversary with our ability to withstand temptation. As we are faithful, we will have the spiritual strength to remain faithful in the last days.

In addition, we must not let ourselves be led away the by Amalikah's in our lives (Alma 46)

1 And it came to pass that as many as would not hearken to the ^awords of Helaman and his brethren were gathered together against their brethren.

2 And now behold, they were exceedingly wroth, insomuch that they were determined to slay them.

3 Now the leader of those who were wroth against their brethren was a large and a strong man; and his name was ^aAmalickiah.

4 And Amalickiah was desirous to be a ^aking; and those people who were wroth were also desirous that he should be their king; and they were the greater part of them the lower ^bjudges of the land, and they were seeking for power.

5 And they had been led by the ^aflatteries of Amalickiah, that if they would support him and establish him to be their king that he would make them rulers over the people.

6 Thus they were led away by Amalickiah to dissensions, notwithstanding the preaching of Helaman and his brethren, yea, notwithstanding their exceedingly great care over the church, for they were ^ahigh priests over the church.

7 And there were many in the church who believed in the ^aflattering words of Amalickiah, therefore they ^bdissented even from the church; and thus were the affairs of the people of Nephi exceedingly precarious and dangerous, notwithstanding their great ^cvictory which they had had over the Lamanites, and their great rejoicings which they had had because of their ^ddeliverance by the hand of the Lord.

8 Thus we see how ^aquick the children of men do ^bforget the Lord their God, yea, how quick to do ^ciniquity, and to be led away by the evil one.

God has given us all the tools to be successful in the last days. As we remain steadfast, having faith in God, and heeding to the warnings, we will be blessed.