Fortification for the Soul (Part 1: Walls and Towers)

Fortification is a system of defence that has been prepared for an attack.  Through out the history of the world, men have made different fortifications to protect their homes and country from an attack from an enemy.  It has gone from simple wood walls, to majestic castles, to high tech radar that spots enemy movements long before the attack is made.  It is necessary for nations to be fortified in order to protect their rights and liberties.  The same thing applies to us.  We need spiritual fortification in order to protect ourselves from Satan and his lies.  If we are not fortified he can break through to our hearts and put us under his control.  I have here step-by-step instructions how you can built an unbeatable defence that Satan cannot punch through.

(Alma 48:11-13, 17)

In the Book of Mormon, in Alma Chapter 50, verses 1-6, it talks about about a man who fortified his people when their security was endangered.  His name was Captain Moroni.  He was the supreme commander of the Nephite Armies.  He came around during a time of great crisis.  The enemies of the Nephite Nation were invading their borders, jeopardizing their dearly treasured freedoms. The Lamanite Nations, their enemies, wanted to destroy all Nephites.  Naturally you'd expect tons of preparation immediately taking place once the attacks began.  However, they did not start building weapons and fortifying their cities once the Lamanite armies began marching into their county.  They were already prepared long before the attacks were made.  Verse one says that they never stop preparing for war and making fortifications.  It doesn't say, "and we began to fortify our towns and training our armies once the Lamanites attacked."  Once the Lamanites attacked there was no time left for preparing their fortifications.  Therefore they needed to be ready NOW, not later.  How do we get ready Now? Let's read on to find out what Moroni did to prepare now, then we will apply it to ourselves so that we are fortified and ready.

First he built "ridges/heaps of earth" around each city (verses 2-3).  He set up walls to slow the enemy down so they could not enter the city as fast.  We can build walls around us in order to protect ourselves.  We set up strong standards or morals to help keep unwanted influences out.  It's a matter of decision, it's like saying, "I am never going to drink alcohol."  When we decide to choose good over bad it adds stones to our walls.  When we are so set on choosing good, we have so high a walls that Satan cannot reach us.  When offered that drink, you will promptly refuse it and avoid the nasty consequence that follows.  The same can be said for Pornography, drugs and other vices.  Make sure your standards are strong stone walls, not simple wood walls that can be burned down.  Those are called, "maybe I won't choose bad". It's not firm.

Once the walls were built Moroni constructed towers.  Why would he want towers? Are not walls good enough?  Towers were built as a early warning system, long before airplanes and satellites were built.  Sending patrols of men were not good enough either.  In the case of a surprise attack, these men could not warn the city in time.  Towers could see the attack before it happens and give a warning just in time to meet the attack.  Since people in towers can see more than someone on the ground, they are able to know what is coming.  Our towers are people who we can trust that can guide us in life from a source of truth.  It can be parents, teachers, friends, or people of inspiration.  You wouldn't let a drunk or a lazy bum to stand guard in your towers now would you?  We should be very careful who we choose to follow.  There are many people who can lead you down "false paths" and into the land of shame and misery.  Christ has said, "By their fruits ye shall know them." (Matt. 7:20) If their actions and philosophy are not in harmony with God's commandments and will not help you become a better person, then it wouldn't be a smart idea to follow them.  God is usaully the best one to have in our towers.  Look to him, and Christ as often as you can.  He will never let you down.

(See "Fortification for the Soul (Part 2: Weapons) to have further instruction for you defence)