BATTLE FOR OUR SOULS

 

This is a story for those of us who want to be heroes. There was once a king by the name of Ahab who ruled the northern kingdom of Israel from 885-874 B.C. He was the most wicked king Israel had ever had for he married a Phoenician princess by the name of Jezebel and established the worship of Baal as the religion of state (1 Kings 16:30-33). Ahab and Jezebel killed all the prophets and persecuted Elijah to the point of madness, seeking his life. Ahab teaches us a very profound lesson in the manner of his death. When he led his army against the forces of Syria, he took every precaution to avoid being injured, even disguising himself so that the Syrians would not recognise him and focus on his destruction.  The only thing he didn’t do was wear enough armour so someone drew his bow at random and hit the king between the sections of his armour. By night time he had bled to death (1 Kings 22:30-35). When I read the story of Ahab, I always feel that the manner of his physical protection from danger equalled the negligent spiritual protection he provided for himself. Where did Ahab go wrong spiritually? He eradicated the worship of Jehovah not only in his kingdom but more importantly, in his life. So it is with us…..The degree of protection we have from the adversary is directly proportional to the diligence and heed we give to the Lord's commandments.  The extent and strength of our armour is a good indication of how valiant we are in our testimony of Jesus.  We cannot afford to choose which commandment we will obey and which we will let slide because each commandment provides a section in our armour against sin.  

 

If you ever wanted to be a hero, this is the time and the place.  Examine the cracks in your armour and sharpen your sword of righteousness.  President Ezra Taft Benson said: "You will never have a better opportunity to be a greater hero in a more crucial battle than in the battle you will face today and in the immediate future. Be warned that some of the greatest battles you will face will be fought within the silent chambers of your own soul.  David's battles in the field against the foe were not as critical as David's battles in the palace against a lustful eye.  We will each find our own battlefield". (Ezra Taft Benson, "In His Steps", 1979, Devotional Speeches of the Year, 60).

 

We are engaged in a battle of all battles. The most important battlefield we will ever get to fight is the battle for our souls. The adversary will use every tactic to bring us down. When Joseph lost 116 pages of the Book of Mormon manuscript, the Saviour told him that if he had been faithful and not feared man He would have supported him against all the fiery darts of the adversary (D&C 3:7,8). The foundation of our faith in Christ and our obedience to Him is the strength of our defence. When the war is over and the battle won, whose side will you be found on?

 

He is the Captain of our souls:

 His arms are our shelter,

His heart is our home,

Our only hope

For protection 

from the battle’s storm.

 

 

 - CATHRYNE ALLEN