Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
President Thomas S. Monson: “So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment.
“Charles Swindoll—author, educator, and Christian pastor—said: “Attitude, to me, is more important than … the past, … than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.
“We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2012/01/living-the-abundant-life?)
President Ezra T. Benson: “I testify that as the forces of evil increase under Lucifer’s leadership and as the forces of good increase under the leadership of Jesus Christ, there will be growing battles between the two until the final confrontation. As the issues become clearer and more obvious, all mankind will eventually be required to align themselves either for the kingdom of God or for the kingdom of the devil. As these conflicts rage, either secretly or openly, the righteous will be tested. God’s wrath will soon shake the nations of the earth and will be poured out on the wicked without measure . . . But God will provide strength for the righteous and the means of escape; and eventually and finally truth will triumph” (I Testify, Ensign, November 1988, pg. 87).
President David A. Bednar: “Have you ever wondered why so much is recorded in the Book of Mormon about war?
There are approximately 100 recorded instances of armed conflict in the Book of Mormon. The word war occurs 132 times in the Book of Mormon. The war chapters of Alma 43-63 alone include more than 50 pages- approximately 10 percent of the entire Book of Mormon.
"Let me suggest that one of the primary reasons so much information is recorded about war in the Book of Mormon is to help you and me in these latter days appropriately seek the gift of courage.
"I testify and promise that the courage you will need can be invited into your life through fervent prayer and diligent study of the Book of Mormon.” (Brigham Young University-Idaho Commencement, August 22, 2003).
President Russell M. Nelson: “The battle with sin is real. The adversary is quadrupling his efforts to disrupt testimonies and impede the work of the Lord. He is arming his minions with potent weapons to keep us from partaking of the joy and love of the Lord. (Russell M. Nelson, “We Can Do Better and Be Better,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 68)
"The adversary is increasing his attacks on faith and upon us and our families at an exponential rate. To survive spiritually, we need counterstrategies and proactive plans. (Russell M. Nelson, “Opening Remarks,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 7)
President Russell M. Nelson: “There has never been a time in the history of the world when knowledge of our Savior is more personally vital and relevant to every human soul. Imagine how quickly the devastating conflicts throughout the world—and those in our individual lives—would be resolved if we all chose to follow Jesus Christ and heed His teachings.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, and Pure Revelation,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 6)
Elder Neil L. Andersen: “There are many on the earth who know very little of Jesus Christ, and in some parts of the world where His name has been proclaimed for centuries, faith in Jesus Christ is diminishing. . . . As the world speaks less of Jesus Christ, let us speak more of Him. As our true colors as His disciples are revealed, many around us will be prepared to listen. (Neil L. Andersen, “We Talk of Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 88, 90)
President Dallin H. Oaks: “If we cease valuing our churches for any reason, we threaten our personal spiritual life, and significant numbers separating themselves from God reduce His blessings to our nations.
“Attendance and activity in a church help us become better people and better influences on the lives of others. In church we are taught how to apply religious principles. We learn from one another. . . .
“. . . I pray that we will all be steadfast in these Church experiences as we seek eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God. (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Need for a Church,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 24, 26)
Elder Ronald A. Rasband: “What is religious freedom?
“It is freedom of worship in all its configurations: freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, freedom to act on personal beliefs, and freedom for others to do the same. Religious freedom allows each of us to decide for ourselves what we believe, how we live and act according to our faith, and what God expects of us. . . .
“I invite you to champion the cause of religious freedom. It is an expression of the God-given principle of agency.
“Religious freedom brings balance to competing philosophies. The good of religion, its reach, and the daily acts of love which religion inspires only multiply when we protect the freedom to express and act on core beliefs. (Ronald A. Rasband, “To Heal the World,” Liahona, May 2022, 91, 93)
Elder Ronald A. Rasband: “There is [a] scourge sweeping the globe: attacks on your and my religious freedom. This growing sentiment seeks to remove religion and faith in God from the public square, schools, community standards, and civic discourse. Opponents of religious freedom seek to impose restrictions on expressions of heartfelt convictions. They even criticize and ridicule faith traditions.
“Such an attitude marginalizes people, devaluing personal principles, fairness, respect, spirituality, and peace of conscience.” (Ronald A. Rasband, “To Heal the World,” Liahona, May 2022, 91)
Russell M. Nelson: “A … theme in the scriptures requisite for significant accomplishment is difficult to summarize in one word, so I shall link two to describe it-strength and courage. Repeatedly, scriptures yoke these attributes of character together, especially when difficult challenges are to be conquered (see Deuteronomy 31:6, 7, 23; Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18; 10:25; 1 Chronicles 22:13, 28:20; 2 Chronicles 32:7; Psalms 27:14, 31:24; Alma 43:43, 53:20)” (Conference Report, Apr. 1988, 40; or Ensign, May 1988, 35).
Personal Preparation Principles
Elder David E. Sorensen: “Resisting the temptations of today’s electronic media is not easy. It takes focused courage and effort. In the small town where I grew up, one had to drive at least an hour to find trouble. But today on the Internet, trouble is just a few mouse clicks away. To avoid such temptations, be like Captain Moroni of old; set up “fortifications” to strengthen your places of weakness. Instead of building walls of “timbers and dirt” to protect a vulnerable city, build “fortifications” in the form of personal ground rules to protect your priceless virtue.
'Remember, such “fortifications” are not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, they show strength. The scriptures tell us Captain Moroni was so strong that if all men would be like him, “the very powers of hell would be shaken forever.” Remember, Moroni’s “strongholds” were the key to his success. Creating your own “strongholds” will be the key to yours” (Conference Report, Apr. 2001, 54; or Ensign, May 2001, 41-42).
Elder Paul V. Johnson: “Moroni had prepared his people in a way that hadn’t been done before. The same preparations his people had made for the earlier battle would not have been enough to protect them from this attack. Moroni’s objectives had not changed, but he did make some needed tactical changes to be ready for this battle. He had helped make their weak places strong, and he had anticipated their attacks. Even after they won this great battle against the Lamanites, Moroni did not stop making preparations for war, because he knew his adversary would be back to fight again (see Alma 50:1)” (‘Preparing the Rising Generation,’ January 28, 2011).
Brother Miller's Notes
Title of Liberty – theme mentioned several times in the scriptures before it is written on a piece of Moroni’s coat.
Howard W. Hunter: “Obviously we could profit greatly by studying the life of Captain Moroni. He is an example of faith, service, dedication, commitment, and many other godly attributes. I could spend all of the brief time we have tonight speaking of this magnificent man, but instead I have chosen to focus on those who are not seen in the limelight or do not receive the attention of the world, yet are “no less serviceable,” as the scripture phrased it.
"Unless I miss my guess, some of you are going to feel a little lost … perhaps a little lonely and forgotten … Not everyone … is going to be the student body president or the Relief Society president or the teacher of the elders quorum. Not all of you are going to be like Moroni, catching the acclaim of your colleagues all day every day. No, most will be quiet, relatively unknown folks who come and go and do their work without fanfare. To those of you who may find that lonely or frightening or just unspectacular, I say you are “no less serviceable” than the most spectacular of your associates. You, too, are part of God’s army.
"…The limelight of history and contemporary attention so often focus on the “one” rather than the many. Individuals are frequently singled out from their peers and elevated as heroes… But sometimes that recognition is not deserved or may even celebrate the wrong values. This presents us with the challenge of choosing our heroes and examples wisely, while also giving thanks for those legions of friends and citizens who are not so famous but who are “no less serviceable” than the Moronis of our lives” (“No Less Serviceable, BYU Speeches of the Year 1990).
Royal Skousen: “Joseph Smith acted as scribe for 28 words of the original manuscript (in Alma 45:22). These words are apparently the earliest extant writing in Joseph Smith’s own hand. Here Joseph seems to have temporarily taken over for Oliver Cowdery. The number of words copied by Joseph agrees with other evidence we have that Joseph Smith could see from 20 to 30 words at a time.” (History of the Critical Text Project of the Book of Mormon, Royal Skousen) http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/jbms/11/2/S00003-History of the Critical Text Project of the Book of Mormon.html
President Russell M. Nelson: “Contention drives away the Spirit—every time. Contention reinforces the false notion that confrontation is the way to resolve differences; but it never is. Contention is a choice. Peacemaking is a choice. You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation. I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/47nelson)
President Russell M. Nelson: “We have been promised that “if [we] are prepared [we] shall not fear” [Doctrine and Covenants 38:30]. This assurance has profound implications today. The Lord has declared that despite today’s unprecedented challenges, those who build their foundations upon Jesus Christ, and have learned how to draw upon His power, need not succumb to the unique anxieties of this era”. (Russell M. Nelson, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 94)
Ideas for teaching:
“Charles Swindoll—author, educator, and Christian pastor—said: “Attitude, to me, is more important than … the past, … than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.
“We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2012/01/living-the-abundant-life?)
President Ezra T. Benson: “I testify that as the forces of evil increase under Lucifer’s leadership and as the forces of good increase under the leadership of Jesus Christ, there will be growing battles between the two until the final confrontation. As the issues become clearer and more obvious, all mankind will eventually be required to align themselves either for the kingdom of God or for the kingdom of the devil. As these conflicts rage, either secretly or openly, the righteous will be tested. God’s wrath will soon shake the nations of the earth and will be poured out on the wicked without measure . . . But God will provide strength for the righteous and the means of escape; and eventually and finally truth will triumph” (I Testify, Ensign, November 1988, pg. 87).
President David A. Bednar: “Have you ever wondered why so much is recorded in the Book of Mormon about war?
There are approximately 100 recorded instances of armed conflict in the Book of Mormon. The word war occurs 132 times in the Book of Mormon. The war chapters of Alma 43-63 alone include more than 50 pages- approximately 10 percent of the entire Book of Mormon.
"Let me suggest that one of the primary reasons so much information is recorded about war in the Book of Mormon is to help you and me in these latter days appropriately seek the gift of courage.
"I testify and promise that the courage you will need can be invited into your life through fervent prayer and diligent study of the Book of Mormon.” (Brigham Young University-Idaho Commencement, August 22, 2003).
President Russell M. Nelson: “The battle with sin is real. The adversary is quadrupling his efforts to disrupt testimonies and impede the work of the Lord. He is arming his minions with potent weapons to keep us from partaking of the joy and love of the Lord. (Russell M. Nelson, “We Can Do Better and Be Better,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 68)
"The adversary is increasing his attacks on faith and upon us and our families at an exponential rate. To survive spiritually, we need counterstrategies and proactive plans. (Russell M. Nelson, “Opening Remarks,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 7)
President Russell M. Nelson: “There has never been a time in the history of the world when knowledge of our Savior is more personally vital and relevant to every human soul. Imagine how quickly the devastating conflicts throughout the world—and those in our individual lives—would be resolved if we all chose to follow Jesus Christ and heed His teachings.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, and Pure Revelation,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 6)
Elder Neil L. Andersen: “There are many on the earth who know very little of Jesus Christ, and in some parts of the world where His name has been proclaimed for centuries, faith in Jesus Christ is diminishing. . . . As the world speaks less of Jesus Christ, let us speak more of Him. As our true colors as His disciples are revealed, many around us will be prepared to listen. (Neil L. Andersen, “We Talk of Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 88, 90)
President Dallin H. Oaks: “If we cease valuing our churches for any reason, we threaten our personal spiritual life, and significant numbers separating themselves from God reduce His blessings to our nations.
“Attendance and activity in a church help us become better people and better influences on the lives of others. In church we are taught how to apply religious principles. We learn from one another. . . .
“. . . I pray that we will all be steadfast in these Church experiences as we seek eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God. (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Need for a Church,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 24, 26)
Elder Ronald A. Rasband: “What is religious freedom?
“It is freedom of worship in all its configurations: freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, freedom to act on personal beliefs, and freedom for others to do the same. Religious freedom allows each of us to decide for ourselves what we believe, how we live and act according to our faith, and what God expects of us. . . .
“I invite you to champion the cause of religious freedom. It is an expression of the God-given principle of agency.
“Religious freedom brings balance to competing philosophies. The good of religion, its reach, and the daily acts of love which religion inspires only multiply when we protect the freedom to express and act on core beliefs. (Ronald A. Rasband, “To Heal the World,” Liahona, May 2022, 91, 93)
Elder Ronald A. Rasband: “There is [a] scourge sweeping the globe: attacks on your and my religious freedom. This growing sentiment seeks to remove religion and faith in God from the public square, schools, community standards, and civic discourse. Opponents of religious freedom seek to impose restrictions on expressions of heartfelt convictions. They even criticize and ridicule faith traditions.
“Such an attitude marginalizes people, devaluing personal principles, fairness, respect, spirituality, and peace of conscience.” (Ronald A. Rasband, “To Heal the World,” Liahona, May 2022, 91)
Russell M. Nelson: “A … theme in the scriptures requisite for significant accomplishment is difficult to summarize in one word, so I shall link two to describe it-strength and courage. Repeatedly, scriptures yoke these attributes of character together, especially when difficult challenges are to be conquered (see Deuteronomy 31:6, 7, 23; Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18; 10:25; 1 Chronicles 22:13, 28:20; 2 Chronicles 32:7; Psalms 27:14, 31:24; Alma 43:43, 53:20)” (Conference Report, Apr. 1988, 40; or Ensign, May 1988, 35).
Personal Preparation Principles
- Put on the Whole Armor of God (Alma 43:18-21,37-38).
- Follow the Prophet (Alma 43:23-24) and do your part.
- Knowledge of the Enemy (Alma 43:28-30).
- Develop faith in Christ and be obedient (Alma 45:1-8).
- Make and Keep Sacred Covenants (Alma 46:19-22).
- Fortify Weak Spots (Alma 48:7-10).
- Yesterday’s defenses will not be enough for today (49:8).
- Prepare Strongholds in the Home & Community (50:1-6).
- Stop Contentions (Alma 50:25-36; 51:1-9).
Elder David E. Sorensen: “Resisting the temptations of today’s electronic media is not easy. It takes focused courage and effort. In the small town where I grew up, one had to drive at least an hour to find trouble. But today on the Internet, trouble is just a few mouse clicks away. To avoid such temptations, be like Captain Moroni of old; set up “fortifications” to strengthen your places of weakness. Instead of building walls of “timbers and dirt” to protect a vulnerable city, build “fortifications” in the form of personal ground rules to protect your priceless virtue.
'Remember, such “fortifications” are not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, they show strength. The scriptures tell us Captain Moroni was so strong that if all men would be like him, “the very powers of hell would be shaken forever.” Remember, Moroni’s “strongholds” were the key to his success. Creating your own “strongholds” will be the key to yours” (Conference Report, Apr. 2001, 54; or Ensign, May 2001, 41-42).
Elder Paul V. Johnson: “Moroni had prepared his people in a way that hadn’t been done before. The same preparations his people had made for the earlier battle would not have been enough to protect them from this attack. Moroni’s objectives had not changed, but he did make some needed tactical changes to be ready for this battle. He had helped make their weak places strong, and he had anticipated their attacks. Even after they won this great battle against the Lamanites, Moroni did not stop making preparations for war, because he knew his adversary would be back to fight again (see Alma 50:1)” (‘Preparing the Rising Generation,’ January 28, 2011).
Brother Miller's Notes
- Never stop encouraging putting on the whole armor of God.
- Testify that prophets may give general, inspired advice to be applied in our lives. Follow the Prophet and do your part to receive revelation.
- Teach knowledge of the Enemy’s attacks and their timing.
- Develop faith in Christ and encourage obedience.
- Blessings in making and keeping sacred covenants.
- Fortify, strengthen weaknesses in our lives. Satan will attack our weak spots.
- Yesterday’s defenses will not be enough for today.
- Make the home a ‘stronghold’ of faith.
- Stop contentions wherever they may be.
- In Christ, there is an “assurance of protection” (Alma 50:12).
Title of Liberty – theme mentioned several times in the scriptures before it is written on a piece of Moroni’s coat.
- Alma 43:30
- Alma 43:45
- Alma 43:47
- Alma 43:48
- Alma 44:5
- Alma 46:12 (“Title of Liberty” is raised)
Howard W. Hunter: “Obviously we could profit greatly by studying the life of Captain Moroni. He is an example of faith, service, dedication, commitment, and many other godly attributes. I could spend all of the brief time we have tonight speaking of this magnificent man, but instead I have chosen to focus on those who are not seen in the limelight or do not receive the attention of the world, yet are “no less serviceable,” as the scripture phrased it.
"Unless I miss my guess, some of you are going to feel a little lost … perhaps a little lonely and forgotten … Not everyone … is going to be the student body president or the Relief Society president or the teacher of the elders quorum. Not all of you are going to be like Moroni, catching the acclaim of your colleagues all day every day. No, most will be quiet, relatively unknown folks who come and go and do their work without fanfare. To those of you who may find that lonely or frightening or just unspectacular, I say you are “no less serviceable” than the most spectacular of your associates. You, too, are part of God’s army.
"…The limelight of history and contemporary attention so often focus on the “one” rather than the many. Individuals are frequently singled out from their peers and elevated as heroes… But sometimes that recognition is not deserved or may even celebrate the wrong values. This presents us with the challenge of choosing our heroes and examples wisely, while also giving thanks for those legions of friends and citizens who are not so famous but who are “no less serviceable” than the Moronis of our lives” (“No Less Serviceable, BYU Speeches of the Year 1990).
Royal Skousen: “Joseph Smith acted as scribe for 28 words of the original manuscript (in Alma 45:22). These words are apparently the earliest extant writing in Joseph Smith’s own hand. Here Joseph seems to have temporarily taken over for Oliver Cowdery. The number of words copied by Joseph agrees with other evidence we have that Joseph Smith could see from 20 to 30 words at a time.” (History of the Critical Text Project of the Book of Mormon, Royal Skousen) http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/jbms/11/2/S00003-History of the Critical Text Project of the Book of Mormon.html
President Russell M. Nelson: “Contention drives away the Spirit—every time. Contention reinforces the false notion that confrontation is the way to resolve differences; but it never is. Contention is a choice. Peacemaking is a choice. You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation. I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/47nelson)
President Russell M. Nelson: “We have been promised that “if [we] are prepared [we] shall not fear” [Doctrine and Covenants 38:30]. This assurance has profound implications today. The Lord has declared that despite today’s unprecedented challenges, those who build their foundations upon Jesus Christ, and have learned how to draw upon His power, need not succumb to the unique anxieties of this era”. (Russell M. Nelson, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 94)
Ideas for teaching:
- Look for how the war chapters can appropriately help you seek the spiritual gift of courage.
- The war chapters teaches some great lessons on personal preparation.
- Express gratitude to the “no less serviceable” people in your life.
- Discuss how you can fortify and strengthen where you may have a weaknesses.
- How can you better make your home a ‘stronghold’ of faith.