What I Have Learned From War in the Book of Mormon

I knew someone who once criticized the "war chapters" in the Book of Mormon. The war chapters in the Book of Mormon are from Alma 46-63. He stated that it was a section filled with violence and very little for us today. However in general, have learned that this is not the case. The Gospel Doctrine teacher's manual suggests that just as the Nephites were under attack we are under attack by the forces of evil. Ezra Taft Benson stated, "I testify that as the forces of evil increase under Lucifer’s leadership and as the forces of good increase under the leadership of Jesus Christ, there will be growing battles between the two until the final confrontation. As the issues become clearer and more obvious, all mankind will eventually be required to align themselves either for the kingdom of God or for the kingdom of the devil. As these conflicts rage, either secretly or openly, the righteous will be tested. God’s wrath will soon shake the nations of the earth and will be poured out on the wicked without measure." (I Testify, Ensign, November 1988, pg. 87). 

The Book of Mormon was written for our day and teaches us how we can survive the conflicts that we encounter. So here is partial list of some of the things that I have learned from the war chapters of the Book of Mormon.

• Stand up for what is right.
• The power of righteous leaders.
• A testimony of the immortality of the soul and the afterlife.
• The need to be vigilant.
• The power of personal righteousness.
• The need to fortify oneself where one is weak.
  
• The importance of being prepared.
• God will help his children. 
• The need for unity.
• The need to control one's temper.
• The importance of covenants.
• The Lord will protect those who keep his commandments.
• The power of the youth of the church.
• The power of righteous parents.
• We need to act on our beliefs.
• How we can face trials.
• Forgiveness for misunderstandings.

There are many more lessons that we can learn from the wars in the Book of Mormon if we study them. The scriptures can bless our lives and teach us what we need to know if we read and apply them.