We can become as the Army of Helaman

This week, I have thought a lot about the Youth. We have been playing Sports with all the Youth in Globe-Miami on fridays and I love being around them! Feeling their sweet spirits and knowing that they have so much potential it worries me about all the craziness that is out there. All those who are having to battle through Middle and High school: This is a post directed towards you all.

The Lord has sent you here at this time for a reason. Satan is reeking havoc and you are in the midst of it. No matter where you turn there is evil all around you. There is someone or something trying to drag you down and away from the path that your Father in Heaven has laid out to protect you. Many will say that certain rules and standards just hold you back, such as no alcohol, drugs or pre-marital sex. But really? Do they really prevent you from having fun or do they keep you out of trouble and worry?

Why no drugs or alcohol? First off, they are just bad for you. I do not care what anyone says, drugs and alcohol not only ruin your life but those around you. The things you have the risk of doing under the influence far out way the pleasure factor. Second, while under the influence you lose all inhibition. You have no control of your body or what happens to it. Think about the simple risk that is. How many health problems and worries you have to deal with if something is to happen. This is just one of those things that is glamorized because Satan wants you to makes mistakes. Word of advice: JUST DON'T. You won't regret it. I never have, and I don't regret it one bit.

Why no pre-marital sex? How can you know you really love someone if you don't sleep with them? Honestly, do you want to be in love with someone for their personality or for their body? Personally, I feel like love is misunderstood now a days. It's not something to take for granted. It's something sacred and special. It's something that we should strive to find. Real love, not love based on physical pleasure.N ot only that, but in the Book of Mormon, in the Book of Alma, Chapter 39 that sexual sin is an abomination in the sight of God. Please remember this. Who is more important to please? The World or God? And if someone wants you to falter with this standard, do they really love you for who YOU are? (Read the chapter here!)

Okay, now I'm not just writing this to call the world to repentance, but to tell you as youth the influence you can have on the world. You may think that you can't do anything because you are just one person. But your example of righteousness can bless the lives of many. In the Book of Mormon, there are 2000 young men who are talked about. They are the Stripling Warriors or the Army of Helaman. These young men are about the age of the youth, 12-18ish and make the choice to go out and defend the liberty of their families. In Alma Chapter 53, Verse 20-21, it describes them as

 20 And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.

 21 Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him.

These young men fought and defended their people. They fought with valor because they doubted not in the Lord. These young men are perfect examples for the Youth of the world today. Those characteristics mentioned above are characteristics we should strive to develop in ourselves. When each and every young man AND woman strives to be as the Stripling warriors, this world will become full of an Army of Helaman of it's own and the devil will no longer have such a grasp. All youth, parents of youth, youth leaders: Read these chapters about these remarkable heroes and see how you can better become or help the youth become as the Army of Helamen. It is found in Alma Chapters 53-58 and all begins right here. I know that as we develop ourselves and help others to develop as these young men, we will have a generation who is ready to "Fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life..." (1 Timothy 6:12)

I love you all!

Love,
Sister Mackenzie Esmond