"He did cause that his people should cry unto the Lord for strength against the time that the robbers should come down against them" (3 Nephi 3:12)

In my scripture study today, reading about the Gadianton robbers and the Nephites who were trying to protect themselves from the robbers (see 3 Nephi 3) led me to ponder "robbers" in our day. We have robbers of all kinds, they sneak into our homes and rob us of virtue, peace, family, joy, liberty, and many other God given gifts. But there are ways to protect ourselves from these robbers.  Here are some thoughts about how to protect our families from the robbers in our day:

The Nephite governor, Lachoneous, "was a just man, and could not be frightened by the demands and the threatening of the a robber" (3 Nephi 3:12). I love that the leader of the righteous people was not frightened by a robber. As a parent, and governors of our homes, we too, do not need to be frightened by the robbers who want to steal away our peace, safety, and freedom. Rather than succumb to fear, we can act as the governor did. "He did cause that his people should cry unto the Lord for strength against the time that the robbers should come down against them" (3 Nephi 3:12). I love this! We have been given great advice by our prophets to gather our families in prayer. "Never hesitate to gather your family around you for your prayers, especially in those times when more than morning and evening family prayer is needed. Extra needs require extra prayers" (Pres. Spencer W. Kimball). Crying unto the Lord for strength offers us protection against the robbers that are waiting to steal all that is precious from us.

United in learning offers protection 

Another point that jumped out at me was that the governor didn't just pray and then wait for God to do all the work. No, the governor then acted by "gathering together [his people], their flocks, and herds, and all their substance...unto one place" (3 Nephi 3:13). I see this as the same advice we have had from our leaders to protect our families by gathering together for Family Home Evening each week and teach correct principles that keep us safe from these "robbers". I like what Elder Scott had to say about gathering together for family home evening. "The structure of your evening is not as important as the time invested. The gospel should be taught both formally and informally. Make it a meaningful experience for each member of the family. Family home evening is a precious time to bear testimony in a safe environment; to learn teaching, planning, and organizational skills; to strengthen family bonds; to develop family traditions; to talk to each other; and more important, to have a marvelous time together!" (Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority). Gathering our families together offers great protection against those robbers who seek to destroy our homes. This gathering of our families can extend beyond our immediate family to the gathering of loved ones, friends, neighbors, and communities. Uniting together strengthens ties, bonds, and love for each other. When correct principles are taught, we gain the courage to govern ourselves when we are threatened by "robbers".

The next thing the governor of the land did was: "he caused that fortifications should be built round about them, and the strength thereof should be exceedingly great" and then "he caused that armies...should be placed as guards round about to watch them, and to guard them from the robbers day and night" (3 Nephi 3:14). We too must put "fortifications" around our homes and families and guard them against robbers. Putting filters in place helps with the robbers that come through the internet. But ultimately we must teach our children to be their own guards of their spirituality and purity by aiding them in gaining a powerful testimony of the saving power of Jesus Christ. Sister Linda S. Reeves taught this powerful truth. "Brothers and sisters, how do we protect our children and youth? Filters are useful tools, but the greatest filter in the world, the only one that will ultimately work, is the personal internal filter that comes from a deep and abiding testimony our our Heavenly Father's love and our Savior's atoning sacrifice for each one of us" (Protection from Pornography- A Christ-Focused Home).

We don't need to be afraid of the robbers that are waiting to "sally forth from the hills, and out of the mountains, and the wilderness, and their strongholds, and their secret places" (3 Nephi 4:1). No. We "cry unto the Lord for strength against the time that the robbers should come down against [us]" (3 Nephi 3:12)  and then we prepare. For "if ye are prepared ye shall not fear" (D&C 38:30). I know that we are made strong as we govern our families in faith and press forward as we act upon the council that has been given to us from the Lord. It is a great comfort to me as a mother to know that I need not fear the robbers that are there, but that we will be strengthened, protected, guided, and aided through the wars that are ahead as we live the testimonies we have of the power of Jesus Christ. This I testify.

Gathering with family and loved ones...definitely good protection with this bunch!

Love gathering together with grandma and grandpa!