Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Jim Greer

LW contributor

“The Lord told us how with simple, but stunning, reassurance: If ye are prepared ye shall not fear,” declared President Russell M. Nelson at the women’s session of the October General Conference. “What a promise. It is one that can literally change the way we see our future.”

Members of the church have known for years to store food and water and have financial reserves. COVID-19 and the resulting economic challenges bear testimony of the wisdom of that counsel. Elder Nelson again urges us “to take steps to be temporally prepared. But I am even more concerned about your spiritual and emotional preparation.”

As commander of the Nephite armies, Captain Moroni faced opposing forces that were stronger, greater in number and ruthless. Accordingly, Moroni prepared his people in three critical ways.

First, he helped them create “places of security.” He reinforced cities with barriers, forts and walls. Today, as turmoil rages around us, we must protect our own places of physical and spiritual security. Today, our homes are our first line of defense, sanctuaries where the Spirit dwells.

Temples are places of security, unlike any other. In them, we are endowed with priesthood power through sacred priesthood covenants, and it’s where our families are sealed for eternity. Places of security are anywhere you can feel the presence of the Holy Ghost.

Second, Captain Moroni prepared “the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord.” The Lord asks us to increase our faith by seeking “learning, even by study and also by faith.”

Regular immersion in the Book of Mormon builds faith. No other book testifies of Jesus Christ with such power and clarity. Knowing this, Book of Mormon prophets saw our day and selected the most helpful doctrine and truths for inclusion.

Our security comes as we yoke ourselves to our heavenly father and Jesus Christ. President Nelson testified, “Life without God is a life filled with fear. Life with God is a life filled with peace.” Spiritual blessings come to the faithful, and personal revelation is one of the greatest of those blessings.

Third, Moroni never stopped preparing his people, even when things were going well. He knew the more emotionally and spiritually self-reliant we are, the more prepared we are to withstand Satan’s relentless assaults.

President Nelson pleads with us to “keep going! Your vigilance in safeguarding your homes and instilling faith in the hearts of your loved ones will reap rewards for generations to come.”

President Nelson further testified that the Lord has placed us here, knowing we could navigate the rough waters of the latter days. The days ahead will not be easy, but the future will be glorious for those who are prepared to be instruments in the Lord’s hands.

Concluding his remarks, President Nelson promised, “As we create places of security, prepare our minds to be faithful to God, and never stop preparing, God will bless us.” He will “deliver us; yea, insomuch that he will speak peace to our souls, and will grant unto us great faith, and cause us that we can hope for our deliverance in him.”