They Were Aware of the Intent of Their Enemy

"Therefore the people of the Nephites were aware of the intent of the Amlicites, and therefore they did prepare to meet them; yea, they did arm themselves with swords, and with cimeters, and with bows, and with arrows, and with stones, and with slings, and with all manner of weapons of war, of every kind."  Alma 2:12

We are engaged in a war against the enemy who is trying to destroy the sanctity of marriage and family from every angle. Satan desires nothing more than for us to be “miserable like unto himself” (2 Ne. 2:27 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.). We have what he will never - a body and a family.

We are aware of the intent of our enemy, but what are we doing to fortify our marriages and families?!

As a take a look back on my own marriage of twenty years, I can see the times where we were not doing our part to strengthen our marriage, and the weakness that created in our fortress. It was easier for us to slip into poor habits, to be short with one another, to find fault in one another quickly, and to lack a desire to do better. Satan is clever and will slowing pull us away from one another and from the Father if we allow him to create and grow weaknesses in our fortress. 

President Spencer W. Kimball teaches us, "Some think of happiness as a glamorous life of ease, luxury, and constant thrills; but true marriage is based on a happiness which is more than that, one which comes from giving, serving, sharing, sacrificing, and selflessness." In a day and age where we can quickly compare our boring and mundane lives to those of our peers seemingly glamorous lives, via social media, it can become even more challenging to find the joy in our own marriages and lives. But, if we follow the counsel of President Kimball and seek opportunities to serve, share and sacrifice for one another we will be able to find a deeper and more lasting joy and bond with our spouse and loved ones. 

Again, while we know what the intent of our enemy is, how are we going to be like the Nephites and prepare ourselves and our families to meet the adversary? What are you doing in your own homes to fortify your marriage or family, and prepare to meet the adversary on all sides?