We're in the heart of what many people think of as "the war chapters" in The Book of Mormon. Not hard to see why. But woven throughout these chapters are spiritual lessons that can apply to anyone. Chapter 50 has one that I've referred to frequently. The first several verses describe Moroni's efforts to strengthen the Nephite cities. Layer upon layer of fortification are added to discourage their enemies. Just as Moroni and his people made intentional efforts to harden their cities against the Lamanites, we can do the same to protect ourselves spiritually. We read elsewhere in the scriptures about putting on the whole armor of God (Isaiah 59, Ephesians 6, D&C 27). Each piece of the armor of God (righteousness, faith, truth, etc.) can protect us from temptation, evil, and the effects of sin. From Moroni we learn that intentional preparation, adding simple layers of protection that together create an impenetrable fortress, is the path to safety.

Alma 43-44 are kind of a prelude to the rest of The Book of Alma, which is primarily concerned with wars between the Nephites and Lamanites. In 43, we meet Captain Moroni.