How to Prepare to Fight for the Gospel when Christianity is Under Attack
While reading in the Book of Mormon this week, I came across the passages which refer to the great and abominable church trying to take down the Lord’s people. There is comfort however knowing that wickedness will not prevail. “And every nation which shall war against thee, O house of Israel, shall be turned one against another, and they shall fall into the pit which they digged to ensnare the people of the Lord. And all that fight against Zion shall be destroyed, and that great whore, who hath perverted the right ways of the Lord, yea, that great and abominable church, shall tumble to the dust and great shall be the fall of it.” (1 Nephi 22:14)
Before we get to that day, there are going to be some challenges for those who serve Jesus Christ. President Nelson has said recently, “Dear friends, the road ahead may be bumpy, but our destination is serene and secure. So, fasten your seatbelt, hang on through the bumps, and do what's right. Your reward will be eternal.”1
Just in the last year, there have been attacks on Christian communities and churches in The Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and others. Just like the account of Alma and Amulek having to witness the murder of many believers being thrown into the fire, there are those who suffer today for the cause of Christ. Alma explains why he was not allowed to stop the murders from happening. He said, “…for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day.” (Alma 14:11)
The day of the judgment of the wicked is at the door. We must do everything in our power to gather those whose hearts are set upon Jesus Christ. We must prepare now.
We must first know in whom we trust. Is our testimony of the Savior strong enough to endure the latter-day challenges? Are we able to hear His voice and receive answers to our prayers?
“Location, location, location” is the great asset of real estate, but the greatest asset of the cause of Christ is example, example, example. Let others see your values. Let them witness your kindness, your willingness to help, your love for others, and for Christ Himself. We can preach sermons without a word if we strive to live as the Savior did. If we are willing to work in our communities, cities, neighborhoods, or even school districts, we can absolutely fight for the cause of Christ through our examples. Others will see and have respect for our stance. Those who have respect for our values will often come to the aid of our just cause. We can also help create and support laws that will ensure the right to worship. The United States was saved for the very purpose that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ would have a place to grow. Should we not protect that right by standing up for truth?
Whether we speak up for the right to worship or share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others, we must be true disciples of the Savior and fight against “the great and abominable church” no matter what. The Lord will pour down His blessings upon those who fight for the cause of Christ.
1. https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2020-08-05/president-nelson-social-media-post-silver-linings-190304