Category Archives: Battle

Graduating from the Obliviousness of the Benchwarmer

16 Wednesday Dec 2015

Posted by in Battle, Divinity, General, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, Sports

≈ Leave a comment

 

bench

When I was a sophomore in high school, I was able to dress out, and sit on the end of the bench during the varsity basketball games. There were 4 or 5 of us. We loved it because we felt absolutely no pressure to win because we were just afterthoughts, or decorations really. We were basically cheerleaders in uniforms, as we were so far down the bench we could barely see the coaches at the other end.

On occasion, however, when we (the varsity team) were up big, we would get our chance to play in garbage time. We would get in and play our hearts out for our shot at getting our name in the paper by scoring a point. That was the ultimate goal, in our 15 year old minds, to become famous by getting our name in print.  Of course, we also had a great time inventing the now infamous celebratory dance that we named “the chicken”. The game itself meant nothing to us really, because we weren’t seniors, and it wasn’t really even our team. We just thought about how awesome we could dance, and hoped we could get some playing time, maybe. We looked a lot like these guys..Who are hilarious by the way…

Although we had a great time, and made fools of ourselves dancing, the thing we didn’t understand really until later, was that the games actually meant something. Not that what we were doing was anything bad, but we kind of missed the opportunity to be more of a part of the real game that was going on. We were a little oblivious to the reality of what was at stake. We were a bit blinded by whatever-ness, or lack of perspective. We were content in our little party space at the end of the bench, while the real game was happening all around us.

Today, I feel, many of us are still living our lives like we are the benchwarmers. We are content in our little corners of our lives and sometimes fail to see the importance and gravity of the game that is going on all around us. We are in a game for our lives. The outcome determines our  place in the eternities. And sometimes we are only concerned if we can get mentioned in the paper the next morning.

If we take a step back, and look at the test we are in we can think…who are the players? Who are we playing against? Do we even realize we are living right in the middle of the final minutes of the most important game ever?

So how does this look in real life? Over the last few months, there have been an increase in dramatic events that have changed the way many people feel about their lives. With terrorist attacks in Paris, and now in San Bernadino right here at home, it has created an increased level of anxiety and fear. People are grasping at anything, everything, and anybody who claims to offer safety and security. Safety and relative peace cannot be guaranteed, and seem unattainable even impossible. But, we need to remember… what game we are playing?

Are we playing the “whoever dies with the most stuff wins” game? Or,  the “whoever gets their name in the paper the most wins” game? Or, the “whoever can dance the most awesome chicken at the end of the bench” game? If so, we will look for peace and safety in the wrong places. We will fall prey to the illusion of secular security, which is nothing more than false security.

When we look at our lives differently, the way we should see them, everything changes. We then begin to realize that the real game is between good and evil and we are here to choose for ourselves which team we want to be on, and then become key players on the team. The only way to win, and achieve true safety and real peace is to align ourselves as close as possible to the One who will ultimately win the game. He is the author of the peace we seek, the Prince of Peace.

Jesus Christ is the only way to find peace. He alone provides the real lasting safety that we all seek, because that is the whole point of this game of life we are all playing. In this game, the elusive sentiment of true happiness is only awarded when we completely and fully disregard the world’s mirage of secular security. When we stop concentrating only on how awesome our chicken dance is, and actually start playing to win.

It is then we will realize that we are involved in a game on a much larger playing field than we ever thought, and we aren’t just hoping for the few minutes of playing time awarded to the scrubs in garbage time, our minds and hearts can be more committed to the pursuit of real and lasting peace, love, security and divine safety that comes only through the Savior of the world.

Joseph Smith wrote about the way the game will end, and its perfect to read when we feel overwhelmed with all the negative or when the evil in the world seems overwhelming, and the game seems to be lost. Just remember, we choose which team we want to be on!

He wrote, “the Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).

Real peace and safety can come to us. But, it comes when we look to Christ. He pours it upon us when we try to be like Him, and follow Him. He has invited all of us to do so, and find the peace and safety only He provides.

“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Psalms 4:8)

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)

“Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.” (D&C 6:34)

The Land of the Covenant

12 Wednesday Aug 2015

Posted by in Battle, Blessings, General, Poems, Success, Trials

≈ Leave a comment

Abrahampoem

 “…Inasmuch as thy seed shall keep my commandments, they shall prosper in the land of promise.”      -1 Nephi 4:14

                                                                         

God has always made covenants with His people. He promises his blessings of prosperity to those who enter into this covenant with Him, and who obey Him. We learn that this is the case all the way back to the beginning of life on this earth. When Adam and Eve were cast out, they covenanted with the Lord to do his will, and obey him. In return, the Lord would bless them.

Abraham, Moses, Noah, and on and on and on, all were part of this covenant people. In the Old Testament we learn about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob (later known as Israel) has 12 sons, known now as the 12 tribes of Israel. Joseph, who is one of his sons carried on this special covenant. We get a hint of what happens to his special lineage in Genesis..

“Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall…..Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb: (Genesis 49:22,25)

When Lehi sent Nephi back for the plates of brass in Jerusalem, it was partly because they contained a genealogy for their family. Upon obtaining them, they learned that they were descendants from this very same Joseph. Those words in Genesis have a more literal meaning now right? As Lehi and Nephi were lead to their “promised land” they were, in essence, “running over the wall”. They also took in themselves them the lineage of the Abrahamic covenant and the promised blessings.

We also learn that the Land itself, this “Promised Land”, is a part of this Covenant. The Prophets Lehi, and Nephi, as well as all subsequent prophets of the Americas hammered on this like a drum. They had been led to, and given a promised land, and instructed that: “Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; but inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence.” (2 Nephi 1:20).

So, how did the people on the American continent do? They did fine when they were keeping God’s commandments, but as soon as they slacked off, they were toast. It happened over and over again, the Jaradites? Toast. The Nephites? Toast. All because they couldn’t keep their end of the bargain. The Lord will bless those who follow Him, but eventually destroy those who do not.

So, lets fast forward a little bit. Its now 1776, and there are a bunch of new guys living on this “promised land”. They were guided here by inspiration (1 Nephi 13:12), and started to grow as a people. they were a righteous God-fearing people. And by living the commandments, and turning to God, they invoked the blessings of the land of promise. This people, who were severely outgunned, outmanned, and outmatched, were victorious in their fight for independence and liberty principally because they were righteous, and God had blessed them according to the covenant that lay upon the land.

Lets now fast forward to about 1844, the year Joseph Smith was martyred. Evil was flourishing. The saints were being slaughtered, illegally imprisoned, God’s temples were being burned, and slavery was rampant in the south. The land of the covenant needed a cleansing. The people as a whole had turned from God and chosen not to obey his commandments. And, by so doing, would soon be “cut off from His presence.”

The official cleansing process of the promised land would begin not even 20 years later in 1861. The year of the start of the Civil War. The civil war would claim the lives of 620,000 men, or 2% of the total population at the time, in today’s society thats the equivalent of 6.1 million dead soldiers.

The interesting thing to me that I learned about this war, and particularly Abraham Lincoln, was the mindset of the people, soldiers, and the president. It changed from the early days of the war into an assured and pure understanding of the meaning and reason for the conflict. By the end of the fighting, many soldiers, their leaders, and especially the President understood that the will, and hand of God Almighty was cleansing the land, the north and the south, of its sinful ways.

Its not unlike all the stories in the Book of Mormon, whose people cycled over and over again from wickedness and pride, to forced humility, then repentance and finally renewed blessings for their return to righteousness.

Listen to some of the quotes from Lincoln regarding his role, and the reason for the horrific war that he found himself smack dab in the middle of, and think to yourself – Would the leaders of our country today, this same country and covenant land, say these words?

Said Lincoln:

“Whatever shall appear to be God’s will, I shall do1.”

“I talk to God…When I could not see any other resort, I would place my whole reliance in God, knowing that all would be well, and that He would decide for the right”

“It has pleased the Almighty God to put me in my present position, and looking up to Him for divine guidance, I must work out my destiny as best I can.”

In his private journal after contemplating the war, and its effect on the people, he wrote:

“I am almost ready to say this is probably true-that God wills this contest, and wills that is shall not end yet.”

As the war continued, Lincoln’s understanding of the civil war as God’s will crystallized, and he felt that the war was indeed meant to free all men. He then declared his Emancipation proclamation, thereby freeing all the slaves in the southern states.

“God had decided this question in favor of the slaves” and later continued saying that he would keep, “this promise to myself, and to my Maker”.

In his second Inaugural address he said:

“Fondly do we hope-fervently do we pray-that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away…Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondman’s two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn withe the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, “the judgments of the lord are true and righteous altogether.”

These are the words of a man who completely understood the covenanted land in which he lived. He understood the reason for the conflict, and he understood the way out was to turn to God, as a people, and by so doing it would invoke His blessing, to once again bring peace.

Abraham Lincoln shares a name with one of the greatest prophets that has ever lived, and whose name is associated with the covenant that God has always kept with his people. That is no coincidence. He was a humble man, a man who was placed in his position to help lead the people in our covenant land back to God.

Do we today look to God as we should? Are we as a people and a society worthy of the blessings of Heaven? Are we fulfilling our end of the bargain, or are we ripening for another cleansing? Lets all try and be more like Abraham Lincoln and recognize that we live in a precious “promised land” but only if we live to deserve it.

The Land of the Covenant

Storm-black skies of thunderclouds,
Had blinded eyes with sinful shroud,
And settled down amidst the proud,
Who’d burned God’s temple to the ground2

The Covenant people fell.

They killed the mouthpiece of the Lord,3
Who’d warned with his inspired words
That soon, all men would meet the sword,
Of justice, heretofore ignored.

The truth rejected by the land.

As saintly blood unjustly spilled,
Cried out for justice unfulfilled,
From underneath Missouri’s fields,
And echoed thrice4 its claim appealed.

The Lord withdrew his hand

The covenant broken, unretained,
By forcing men to live in chains,
Their freedom cry would be sustained,
By his familiar sacred name.

The covenant name of Abraham.

And then the lightning struck with fire,
Dividing houses with God’s ire5,
Fulfilling Joseph’s words inspired6,
Repentance now would be required.

The time had come for Abraham.

To once again restore the land,
Dissevered by the sins of man,
God inspired the humble hands,
And bended knees of Abraham.

Humility across the land.

The war-torn land of death and pain,
Would kneel again, and sing refrains,
Of humble praise, from sin abstain,
And serve the Lord their God again.

Repentant land of Abraham.

And now with blessing from on high,
Gods people now had heard the cry,
For freedom, that was once denied
To men, Who now had wings to fly7

Freed by father Abraham.

Invoked anew this covenant land,
Humbled by the Lord’s own hand,
A nation forced to kneel-NOW STANDS!
God bless the name of Abraham!

Notes

1 All Lincoln quotes were taken from the book, “The Lincoln Hypothesis” by Timothy Ballard

2 On October 9th, 1848, the Nauvoo temple was burned and destroyed by an apparent arsonist.

3 On June 27th 1844, the prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were shot and killed by a mob while in the Carthage Jail in Illinois.

4 Joseph Smith, following this revelation from the Lord, asked for redress for the slaughter of his people in the state of Missouri.  All three petitions fell upon deaf ears.  D&C 101:86 Let them importune at the feet of the judge; 87 And if heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the governor; 88 And if the governor heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the president;

5 On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces fired upon Ft. Sumter in South Carolina officially the start of the Civil War. This would essentially divide the country in half.

6 On December 25th 1832, Joseph Smith received the revelation found in D&C 87 predicting the civil war almost 30 years prior to its actual occurrence.

7 On January 1, 1863, while still in the middle of the civil war, Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, an executive order that, in essence, changed the legal status of 3 million slaves in the southern states from “slave” to “free”.

Flaming S-Words

25 Tuesday Nov 2014

Posted by in Battle, Swords, Words

≈ 1 Comment

Many of us are impacted in marvelous ways by great and powerful words.   Sometimes these words are spoken and heard, other times they are written and read.  Sometimes these words are eloquent and fancy, and sometimes they are very plain – even “as plain as word can be”. 1 

Many of us relate to and are inspired by those who have the gift of delivering these words, some verbally, some written.  We see and experience the sensation they have caused to take place within our hearts and wish that we could share this great power and to be able to affect others in the same way that we have been affected.   Many of us wish that we could also write with this great power and have it impact readers with truly great power, and not only that – but that our words could fill the earth and be read on the mountaintops in order to affect as many people as possible.  I (like Alma) have this wish (see Alma 29:1).  Not only do I have this wish, I have a terrorizing fear of not being granted this wish.

I see and recognize many who have this gift – and I look up to them and want to be like them.  Some of these ancient scripture heroes include Nephi, Abinidi, Alma, Enoch, Nephi and Lehi (sons of Helaman), Nephi (grandson of Helaman), and many more modern heroes including Bruce R. McConkie, Spencer W. Kimball, Gordon B. Hinckley, Neal A. Maxwell, all of the current apostles, and so many of the current authors of amazing books that are available (this list is long).  Some of these people have been instrumental in my understanding important and fundamental things  – such as my mission president.  He truly spoke with ‘great power and authority’ and to this day his words, and even the sound of his voice have that affect on my heart.  These leaders all share a common gift in the sense that they can speak ‘with great power and authority’2, which raises the question: How?  There must be a method or pattern that allows for that power to be gained and infused into their words.

Nephi explained that after we have received the Holy Ghost, we can “speak with the tongue of angels” but directly after that statement asked his readers “how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost”? 2 He continues: “Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, wherefore they speak the words of Christ”. 3 This means they speak the actual words of Christ. What this means for any and all who have perfected this method, and any and all of us who are trying to develop this talent, is that we don’t get to decide which words have power.  We don’t get to decide or prepare or determine the best phrase, manner, or method of delivering the message.  If we are to be effective teachers, talkers, or writers, our most important and effective tool is to listen to, understand, and submit to the power of the Holy Ghost as it directs us to the choice of correct words, sentences, phrases, and topics.  In other words – in order to speak with power, we need to listen with power.   We need to seek, learn, and understand His word.  We need to feast upon the existing words of Christ (See 2 Ne. 32:3).

The process (many great and powerful speakers not using their own words, but those directed by the spirit) may seem counter-intuitive, or a bit of a disappointment, but as Nephi explains ‘if ye cannot understand…it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore ye are not brought into the light’.4  We must be brought into the light during the preparation stage if we ever hope to share that light, or to reach our audience during the delivery stage.  How could it be any other way?  We need to learn and understand this language when spoken to us if we ever hope to speak it to others.   This helps that disappointment dissolve, because then we realize these great speakers/writers have exercised great faith and diligence in “seeking and obtaining the word, prior to their declaring of the word” (See D&C 11:21) unto us.

Once we’ve understood the necessity of this concept we are ready to understand the next phase of this process, which is that “when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men”.5  This relationship is the key to understanding why some words affect us so powerfully – because they were spoken (or written) “by the power of the Holy Ghost”, and they were then carried “by the power of the Holy Ghost” directly unto our hearts.  We can then further that teaching power when we understand that as listeners or readers, the only way to truly understand these words, is by that same power – receiving those words by the power of the Holy Ghost.5.5

That is the only way to speak with “a voice of thunder” or with “great power and authority”.    When these processes are working together (a teacher submitting and speaking by the power of the Holy Ghost, and then the Holy Ghost carrying these words unto the hearts of their listeners), that is when the words become “the words of Christ”.6  The actual, literal, exact, specific “words of Christ” that He would have said if He were present himself.  This is why some words have such power.  This is why some words are mighty.  This is why some words “cutteth to the very center”.  This is why some words can “make the earth to tremble”.  This is why people can speak as if it were “with a voice of thunder”.  This is why the preaching of the word has “a more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else” and this is why “in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”. 7

I can speak, write, or express my own words, my own opinions, and my own thoughts all day long – but until I speak “by the power of the Holy Ghost” and it’s carried “by the power of the Holy Ghost” unto your heart – it will not affect you in the way that I want it to.  It cannot be done.  All effective teaching (the kind that is truly powerful) is given, carried, and received “by the power of the Holy Ghost”.

On the other side of the coin – especially since Nephi includes us in his guidance – let us examine ourselves as listeners, readers, pupils, or other recipients of those who are speaking the “words of Christ” to us.  If we want to be affected in the way that our leaders, teachers, and writers would have us be affected – let us believe.  Let us open our ears to hear and our hearts to understand.  After all – the Holy Ghost carries the message unto our hearts, not unto our ears or unto our minds.  Let us listen, and if we do, “Christ will show unto us, with power and great glory, that they are his words”8 and we can know of a surety that Christ himself – by His very word – has spoken to us individually.

When this is understood, the scriptures can take on new and increased meaning, conference can take on a new meaning, receiving and giving priesthood blessings can take on a new meaning, the Ensign can take on new meaning, and each Sunday at church (and especially during the sacrament) should take on a new, much more powerful meaning.  When we truly understand that what was prepared and what is being spoken by the spirit are the actual “words of Christ” let us remember that He Himself has also said “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same”. 9

The heroes that I admire so much mentioned above were (or are) able to receive, understand, and relay the actual words of Christ – in order to deliver them in a manner with “great power and authority”.   Their words – and the words of many others have been “carried unto my heart” by that same power and authority, and I love them.

With that preface, and my love for words (spoken and written) – and my sincere desire to use them effectively, let us make a connection that I had previously missed – the connection between words, s-words, and finally, flaming s-words.

Let’s identify the classic battle armor as described in Ephesians 6 (verses 11-17) and D&C 27 (verses 15-18).

  1. Girdle of Truth
  2. Breastplate of Righteousness
  3. Shoes (feed shod) with the preparation of the gospel of peace
  4. Shield of Faith
  5. Helmet of Salvation
  6. Sword of the Spirit – which is the word of God

When we think of swords, we think of protection, strength, and battle, which are all correct symbols of the sword.  But, “the sword also symbolizes discernment, and that which separates”.10 Think of Ammon separating an arm from a body, think of Nephi or David separating a head from a body, think of a sharp “two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow”. 11 Think of the only offensive weapon* listed above, and you will know that which separates.   The first 5 items on the list are to protect us from “the wiles of the devil” and “the fiery darts of the wicked”, but when it comes time to divide asunder, we need a sword.  Not just any sword, but a sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.  These s-words, are the very words that we speak, hear, feel, obey, receive, and covenant by the power of the Holy Ghost.  It cannot be otherwise.  These are s-words that have power to separate.  These are s-words that offend some and bring tears of joy to others; these are s-words that make some men furious and some men faint with a desire to repent.  These are s-words that divide asunder.  These are s-words that separate in a very real sense.

We all know that swords are just plain awesome, but what if we were to take our sword – the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God – and actually light it on fire?  It becomes a flaming sword. Not flaming with mortal fire or temporal fire, but with celestial fire.  Yes!  The already awesome sword was just magnified by an exponential factor of 1,000.  “Flames are a manifestation of the godly or celestial nature of a thing.  They represent holiness, illumination, inspiration, enlightenment, and purification”. 12 They can also serve as a symbol of God’s presence.  God’s presence on my sword?  Yes indeed.

“The symbolism of the sword as the word of God is enshrined in the word Sword, i.e. se-word or is-word [meaning] the Fire or Light of the Word.  The Anglo-Saxon for a sword was seax [which meant] “the Fire of the great Fire.”  Similarly the Italian spada resolves into sepada [which translates] the Fire of the Shining Father, and the German sabel into Fire of Bel.  “Thus it appears that in [the s-words, and] the flaming s-words we have a symbol of the celestial and divinely revealed words, commands, or covenants used to discern, protect, and separate the righteous from the disobedient”. 13 Words, covenants, teachings, and revelations (literal and figurative flaming swords made effective by the power of the Holy Ghost) that “cutteth to the very center”, even to the “dividing asunder of both joints and marrow”.  These flaming s-words, as they separate the wicked from the righteous, could also be the same sword referenced in Helaman and Alma as the “sword of justice”14 – “and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a flaming fire, which ascendeth up unto God forever and ever, and hath no end”.15

I don’t know about you, but when I take a sword into battle – especially if it’s the lone offensive* tool I have at my disposal – I want a sword, a sharp sword, AND I want one that is literally on fire – with unquenchable flames that ascend up unto God that hath no end.  Those are the words, s-words, and flaming s-words that I am striving to utilize.

Let us be humble, let us strive to “obtain the word, so that we can declare the word” as directed by the one force that can actually give power to our words –by the power of the Holy Ghost.  Let us live and strive to be worthy of the Holy Ghost and His “constant companionship”16 so that our s-words can be as sharp and flaming as possible.

1 2 Ne. 32:7 – And now I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be.

2 2 Ne. 32:2  – Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?

3 2 Ne. 32:3 – Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

4 2 Ne. 32:4 – Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark.

5 2 Ne. 33:1 – And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.

5.5 2 Ne. 26:13 – …he manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith.

6 2 Ne. 32:3 – Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

7 John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

8 2 Ne. 33:11 – And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness.

9 D&C 1:38 – What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

10 See ‘Gospel Symbolism’ by Joseph Fielding McConkie – pg. 272

11: See D&C 6:2  – ‘Behold, I am God; give heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my words’. Note the added emphasis to give heed to the words when they are indeed ‘his words’.

See also Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

12 See ‘Gospel Symbolism’ by Joseph Fielding McConkie – pg. 272

13 See ‘The Lost Language of Symbolism’ by Alonzo Gaskill – pgs. 299-300

14 See Helaman 13:5 – …the sword of justice hangeth over this people,..

See also Alma 26:19 – …why did he not let the sword of justice fall upon us…

See also Alma 60:29  – …the sword of justice doth hang over you, and it shall fall upon you and visit you even to your utter destruction.

15 1 Ne. 15:30 – And I said unto them that our father also saw that the justice of God (corresponds to the previously cited scriptures in note 14) did also divide the wicked from the righteous; and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a flaming fire, which ascendeth up unto God forever and ever, and hath no end.

16 D&C 121:46 – The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and they scepter and unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth…

See also D&C 20:77 (or Moroni 4:3) – O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

See also D&C 20:79 (or Moroni 5:2)- O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen
* Please click here for a post that may be helpful as it relates to offense vs. defense.

Offense vs. Defense

25 Saturday Oct 2014

Posted by in Battle, Opposition, Strength

≈ Leave a comment

I think all of us (at least all of us who have been familiar with sports) at one time or another have heard or participated in a debate of offense vs. defense. We’ve likely even heard the phrase ‘the best offense is a good defense’ or even ‘the best defense is a good offense’.  Both of these tend to be supported by those who specialize in one area or the other.  For example – a fantastic offense (think of Oregon in years past) would likely feel confident enough in their talents, skills, stamina, and strategy that by the end of the game they (the offense) would have produced more results  (a.k.a. points) than their opponents’ offense therefore allowing them to come out victorious in the end (without too much thought about defense – or at least what appeared to be a much less focused emphasis on defense).  There are others (think of Alabama in years past, the SEC, or maybe even Provo High School basketball in years past) who subscribe to the opposite school of thought in the sense that they feel confident enough in their defensive strategy, skills, schemes, and stamina that by the end of the game, their defense allowed fewer points than their opponents defense did, also allowing them to come out victorious in the end.

Now, the important part of relating this concept to a spiritual setting is not whether you subscribe to the offensive or to the defensive mindset (as both have very valid points), but whether we can truly and fully understand the concept of an offensive defense and a defensive offense – at the same time.  Hold that thought – because before we can understand that concept we need to understand exactly what the traditional differences are between offense and defense.

Offense:  There are two main definitions for offense and I think both of them are appropriate in this particular context.  The first is: the act of attacking, or a pattern or style of scoring attack, and the second is: something that offends or displeases (or the act of offending or displeasing).   The main (traditional) idea is that when we are offensive, we are in the state of attacking, or on the move attempting to dismantle, outsmart, outplay, or be stronger than any defensive attempt made by our opponent.  Depending on the type of game you are playing, this might be one play at a time (football), or it might be a sequence of plays off and on (basketball or soccer), a very established set of events (half inning in baseball), or a one-on-one defense/offense showdown such as boxing, tennis, or fencing.  The whole point of offense is to force the opponents defense to retreat, give in, or be moved allowing us to gain the goal, or in other words, to force the opponents defense to surrender.

Defense:  The best definition for defense in this context is: resistance against attack; or the practice or art of defending against attack.  The main (traditional) idea is that while on defense, we are not actively attacking, but straining to prevent an attack from the opponents offense.  There are just as many strategies, schemes, and formats for defensive positioning, all with the goal of strengthening the defensive stance against the opposing offense.  Similar to the offense described above, there are times when it is performed one play at a time, one sequence at a time, in a series, or in a one-on-one showdown.  The whole point of defense is to not allow the opponents offense to gain ground or score, or in other words – to force the opponents offense to fail.

With this understanding, it is important for us to realize that there are some types of competition, especially in individual competition (boxing, fencing, karate, sumo, chess, etc.) where the lines (strategies, functions) between offense and defense are not entirely clear.  This may make it increasingly difficult for casual observers (and maybe even seasoned observers) to understand if the individuals are taking a defensive stance or an offensive stance, which is which, and when the transition between the two takes place.  They may just see ‘fighting’ or ‘some type of competition in which two people (or teams) are fighting to achieve the same goal’ – which is to win – let’s be clear on that.  That does not, I repeat, that does not discount the fact that there are two very different styles and approaches being utilized by each team (offense and defense) at the same time.

Now, back to the initial debate of offense vs. defense and which stance is better – and I think for all of us the answer is easy:  it’s both – at once.  Especially if we are to ‘liken all things unto ourselves’ and make this a spiritual discussion – we need the best of both worlds.  We need a strong defense, and we need a strong offense – and we need them at the same time.  We need an offense that is literally relentless, and we need a defense that absolutely refuses to yield.  We need an offense that is ‘sharper than a two edged sword’, and we need a defense that can withstand the exceeding fury from Satan himself.

So, how is this to be done?  How can our defense also be our offense?  And how can our offense also be our defense?  The logical answer is to:

  1.     .      Arm ourselves with power that is simultaneously offensive and defensive
  2.    .       Understand that as participants in the ultimate battle between good and evil being defensive is very offensive to our opponent (Satan).

What kind of power is both offensive and defensive?

Before we think of the type of power, it may help if we recall that the places (very literally places of refuge from the storm) that we commonly refer to and attend in order to rest from the constant storm of evil to bolster our defense are in fact the same places that we attend in order to bolster our offense.  For example, our homes are a very real defense against the storm, but they are also the places where we arm ourselves and our children with faith, with testimony, and ‘with the sword of truth and right’ (See Hymn 259).  This defense creates a very real power that we can use offensively.  The temple is another place that we can go to be literally away from the cares of the world and mend our spiritual defenses.  But do not forget that the temple is the one place on earth where we can receive an ‘endowment of power’.

In addition to the places that we go to receive this power, we have tools that can help us receive this power.  The scriptures, living prophets, and maybe the best of all – direct and unlimited communication with the source of said power who is willing (eager even), to bestow as much of this power on us as we are able to bear and use.  This power (the kind that is both offensive and defensive) is the power of the gospel.  This power comes from earnestly seeking, repeatedly asking, and righteously using it.  It comes from obedience.  It comes from knowledge.  It comes from exercising your faith.  It comes from fasting and prayer.  It comes from sharing it with others.  It comes from consistent, diligent, and steady seeking, using, and serving.  It comes from God.  It comes as a gift made available through priesthood ordinances and temple covenants.  It speaks to us and is confirmed to our hearts through the Holy Ghost and it is all made available through the miraculous atonement of our savior Jesus Christ.  It is available to everyone and it is the greatest power there is.

Being defensive is very offensive and being offensive is very defensive.  

As we steadily and diligently acquire this power and as we understand the defensive use of this power is very offensive to our opponent and the offensive use of this power creates a great defense for us.  In fact, the more we use this power, the previously clear lines between offense and defense become less and less distinguishable – and we are simply ‘watching with all perseverance’ (see Eph. 6:18).  The goal is to get to this point (watching), where there is not a series, or play of offense followed by a series or play of defense.   We want to get to the point where our offense is on full attack mode at the same time that our defense is operating in 4th and goal mode where we cannot give an inch.

This process can become so developed within us that our opponent will be confused as to which state they are in or should be in to combat us.  They will think they are in the midst of an offensive attack only to realize (when it’s much too late) that they have been misled all along the way by our offensive defense.  A perfect example of this is in Alma 52 where the majority of the Lamanite army is pursuing a portion of the Nephite army (led by Teancum), and during this pursuit (since the Lamanites saw the Nephites start to flee) they ‘took courage and pursued them with vigor’ and ‘supposed by their numbers to overpower Teancum’ (vs 23-24).  At this point, the Lamanites (in their minds) are clearly playing offense, meanwhile, another portion of the Nephite army (led by Moroni) took possession of the Lamanite controlled city of Mulek (also playing offense) without much resistance and yet another portion of the Nephite army (led by Lehi) is waiting to meet the Lamanites near the city Bountiful.  When the Lamanites meet Lehi (who had met with Teancum) and his army the Lamanites ‘fled in much confusion’ likely because they thought they were on the offensive side only to discover that the Nephites were much better at offense in this battle and they had not planned on a defensively offensive approach.  So, the Lamanites attempt to flee back to their base (the city of Mulek) and outrun Lehi only to run into Moroni and the portion of his army fresh from their overtaking the city (which no doubt the Lamanites realized immediately) finding themselves in an extremely defenseless position (surrounded by offensive Nephites).   This battle ends bad for the Lamanites, and there are key phrases (which lead to further understanding) in verses 33 and 34.  “And it came to pass that Jacob, being their leader (of the Lamanites), having an unconquerable spirit he led the Lamanites forth to battle with exceeding fury against Moroni…Jacob was determined to slay them and cut his way through to the city of Mulek (back on offense).  But behold, Moroni and his men were more powerful; therefore they did not give way”.  The Nephite army was definitely offensive (trapping, cornering, taking the city of Mulek), but at the same time, they were extremely defensive to the Lamanite fury that ‘they did not give way’.  This duplicity of strength (offense and defense simultaneously) was so effective that the Lamanites ‘being much confused, knew not whither to go or to strike’ (vs. 36).  This is effectively defending and offending the opponent until they are defeated.

Moroni and his captains knew how to fight.  They knew how to play offense and defense, and they knew how to play them at the same time.  They knew how to acquire power and use it.  They learned this so well in fact, that if we (all of us here and now) ‘had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men’ (Alma 48:17).  This is amazing.  But before we deflate ourselves with the thought that ‘nobody could be as awesome as Moroni’, let’s remember that the very next verse gives us hope since he (Moroni) ‘was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Mosiah, and even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God…and ‘Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni…” (Alma 48:18-19).  It can be done.  It must be done.  We can do it.  We must do it.  We can arm ourselves with such power that we can continually play defense by ‘not giving way’ and continually play offense ‘by gaining power’ and cause our opponents to ‘flee in much confusion’.

As Sheri Dew put it, ‘it seems clear that the only way to fight the fire and brimstone of hell prepared for Lucifer and those who follow him is through the fire and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the fire of testimony’ (See her book ‘God Wants a Powerful People’ – pg. 80).  I can think of some pretty impressive firepower rooted in faith.  The fire of a burning, unwavering, unshakeable testimony of Jesus Christ, his prophet of the restoration Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon.  The fire of obedience and love for truth and right.  The fire of the spirit as it literally burns in our hearts.  The fire that we can call on to defend and protect our souls.  The fire of the gospel as it strengthens us, quickens our understanding, expands our visions, and motivates us to become like Christ himself.  This is the great offensive and defensive power.

Let us become great, immovable rocks planted firmly on the shore, with foundations in and on and through Jesus Christ and his gospel truths.  Let us withstand (defensively) the constant barrage of waves as they roll in from Satan and his followers with their malicious intent to weaken and destroy our homes and our families and our identities and potential.  Let us ‘not give way’ and refuse to yield.  While we are constantly withstanding these waves, let us move together (offensively) to limit his reach and his impact.  Let us offensively defend the shore becoming more and more powerful by moving further and further out to sea while behind us, the trail of our faith and power is creating a more ‘firm foundation’ of rock for us and others to stand on.  Let this continue slowly but surely until at last the small puddle of what used to his great sea of evil is surrounded on all sides by ‘mountains of the Lord’ firmly rooted in Jesus Christ, radiating his pure light, love and truth.  Let this be Satan’s last view as the walls close in.  Family after family linked together in love, the unit he attacked so fervently to destroy, becoming at last the most powerful weapon of all, causing him to ‘weep and to wail, and gnash his teeth’ in one final attempt at glorious darkness only to be extinguished by the piercing and pure light of Christ.