What's Worth Fighting For.

The Content:

Alma 43

Verse 48

And it came to pass that when the men of Moroni saw the fierceness and the anger of the Lamanites, they were about to shrink and flee from them. And Moroni, perceiving their intent, sent forth and inspired their hearts with these thoughts—yea, the thoughts of their lands, their liberty, yea, their freedom from bondage.

The Comments:

The Lamanites come at them with so much anger and fierceness that the Nephites almost bolt.

Let’s go back…At first, the Lamanites were afraid of the Nephites because of their armor, so they left and tried attacking a different spot.

Not the Nephites in Manti must have had armor as well, so somehow the Lamanites were “inspired” to get over it and attack anyway (verse 36).  They may have felt the trap coming too.

In verse 43 the Lamanites were trapped and fought back hard.  Being killed by your sworn enemy is a great motivation for fighting as hard as you can.

So here the Nephites are stunned and afraid of the Lamaintes sudden energy and anger.  And who can blame them? At first the Nephites weren’t being killed, just injured—thanks to the armor.  But then their protection isn’t enough, and they falter.

I know this happens in my life. When I think I’m prepared and things will go well, it is all good. When something comes along and tosses the preparation to the side without any effort, I freak out too.

But I think this is all okay.

The next part is the big kicker.

Moroni sees exactly what’s going on (maybe he was feeling the exact same way) and sends words of encouragement to his men. Moroni speaks to their hearts and reminds them of why they are fighting.  And I would wager that the men may have thought about the Lord’s words in verse 45-47.

Fear is all too real, and it is a powerful motivator. It’s easy to listen to, but we see here that the words of the Lord/ the Spirit and our own motivator are, in fact, more powerful.