Alma 48 includes a fairly detailed description of the character of Moroni, the leader of the Nephite army. The description concludes with this powerful statement:

“If all men 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)

Since Moroni is held up as a model servant of God, it would certainly be wise to examine his traits more closely to see how we are or might be similar to him such that we can be part of the effort to strip the enemy of his power.

According to verses 11 to 16, Moroni was:

A man who was firm in the faith of Christ

There are many different belief systems offered today. The enemy wants us to believe that all roads will lead to the same place and that faith in Jesus Christ is just one option. Let’s make sure that our faith is firmly and solely in the only begotten Son of God. Jesus Christ is so important to us that our Church is named after Him, and the gospel was restored such that we can worship in a manner closer to how Jesus taught rather than how men changed things later.

A man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God

Thanksgiving isn’t just the name of a holiday that we celebrate in November. It’s an attitude of recognizing that all good things in our life come from God and continually praising His name for all that He does for us. The enemy will tell you that you did these things yourself so there’s no need to thank God — you know better.

Faithful in keeping the commandments of God

The enemy tells us that we’re free, so we shouldn’t let anyone tell us what to do. In truth, he wants to be the one telling us what to do. Keeping the commandments of God — which are summarized by Jesus as “love God above all” and “love your neighbor as yourself” — allows us to take our direction from God (rather than the enemy) and live in harmony with our fellow man.

Resisting iniquity

Sin can be made to look oh-so attractive. You know how it goes — everybody does it; it’s OK as long as you just do it a little bit; you’re entitled to a little fun in life, etc. Giving in to iniquity gives the enemy power; resisting strips him of his power.

Taught never to give an offense

Offenses between Church members are the primary cause of people leaving the Church. As Jesus says, “It must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by who the offence cometh!” (Matthew 18:7). Let’s try our best to not cause offenses and to not be offended easily. And when the offenses do inevitably come, be quick to resolve them — an offense that festers allows the enemy to gain power.

A man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people

Let’s not be the type of person who is only concerned about his own soul’s salvation. Rather, let’s do whatever we can to head off the enemy from attacking others, too. Use the gifts and talents that God has given you to labor for the Church and the spiritual and natural welfare of others.

A man of a perfect understanding

Whenever the word “perfect” is used, most people say, “OK, that’s out of my reach.” That’s what the enemy wants you to think so that you will give up in this area and instead focus only on increasing your worldly understanding. Although we may never reach a truly perfect understanding of the things of God in this life, we can try to increase our understanding by reading and studying the Word of God, attending Church regularly, and gaining valuable experience through all of the things described above. Don’t underestimate what God can teach you if you open your mind to the things of God.

The enemy seems to be gaining power in the world today. However, we know he will eventually be defeated. A world full of Moroni-type people would render the enemy powerless today. We can’t force others to be like Moroni, but we can work on ourselves, and we can also try to influence others who we come in contact with. At least within our own circle of influence, let’s do our best to strip the enemy of his power now as we await the time of his ultimate defeat.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.