Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection

Understanding the Concept of a Spiritual Fortress

Elder Rasband uses the analogy of a fortress to describe our spiritual defenses against the adversary. Just as physical fortresses provide protection from external threats, our homes, testimonies, and obedience to God's commandments can act as spiritual fortresses, shielding us from the influences of the adversary.

For our safety, we must build a fortress of spirituality and protection for our very souls, a fortress that will not be penetrated by the evil one.

Our homes are fortresses against the evils of the world.

Your testimony of Jesus Christ is your personal fortress, the security for your soul.

• What does Elder Rasband mean by a "spiritual fortress"?
• How can our homes act as spiritual fortresses?
• How does our testimony serve as a spiritual fortress?
• What steps can you take to strengthen your spiritual fortress?
• How can you make your home a stronger spiritual fortress?
• What can you do to strengthen your testimony as part of your spiritual fortress?

Recognizing the Adversary's Tactics

Elder Rasband warns of the subtle ways the adversary seeks to penetrate our spiritual defenses. He highlights the importance of vigilance and discernment in recognizing and resisting these tactics.

Satan is a subtle snake, sneaking into our minds and hearts when we have let our guard down, faced a disappointment, or lost hope.

Satan knows his days are numbered and that time is growing shorter. As crafty and cunning as he is, he will not win. However, his battle for each one of our souls rages on.

We should take to heart the words of Peter, the early Church Apostle, who cautioned, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

• What tactics does the adversary use to penetrate our spiritual defenses?
• Why is vigilance and discernment important in our spiritual defense?
• How does the adversary seek to lead us astray?
• What can you do to be more vigilant against the adversary's tactics?
• How can you improve your discernment to recognize the adversary's influences?
• What experiences have you had where you recognized and resisted the adversary's tactics?

Building Spiritual Strength through Obedience

Elder Rasband emphasizes the role of obedience in building our spiritual fortress. He encourages us to follow the examples of faithful individuals in the scriptures who demonstrated obedience to God's commandments.

We are obedient. The Lord commanded Father Lehi to send his sons back to Jerusalem to "seek the records, and bring them down hither into the wilderness."

Do we act with the willing obedience of Nephi? Or are we more inclined to question God's commands as did Nephi's brothers, whose lack of faith eventually turned them away from the Lord?

Obedience, exercised with "holiness of heart," is what the Lord asks of us.

• How does obedience contribute to our spiritual strength?
• Why is "holiness of heart" important in our obedience to God's commandments?
• What scriptural examples of obedience does Elder Rasband refer to?
• What commandments or counsel are you striving to be more obedient to?
• How has your obedience to God's commandments strengthened your spiritual fortress?
• What can you do to exercise obedience with "holiness of heart"?

The Role of Testimony in our Spiritual Fortress

Elder Rasband explains that our testimonies of Jesus Christ serve as a key component of our spiritual fortress. As we gain a witness from the Holy Spirit and live the gospel, our testimonies connect us to the heavens and provide protection against the adversary.

When we live the gospel of Jesus Christ, when we draw upon the Savior's Atonement and press forward with faith, not fear, we are fortified against the wiles of the adversary.

Our testimonies connect us to the heavens, and we are blessed with "the truth of all things."

And, like pioneers protected by a fortress, we are safely encircled in the arms of the Savior's love.

• How does our testimony serve as a protection against the adversary?
• What role does the Holy Spirit play in strengthening our testimony?
• How does living the gospel fortify our testimonies?
• What experiences have strengthened your testimony of Jesus Christ?
• How has your testimony protected you against the adversary's influences?
• What can you do to continue strengthening your testimony?

Helping Others Build their Spiritual Fortress

Elder Rasband encourages us to extend our love and support to those who are struggling to build their own spiritual fortresses. As disciples of Christ, we are called to guide and help others in their spiritual journey.

Put your arms around those who stumble and, with the strength of the Spirit within you, lead them lovingly back to the fortress of spirituality and protection.

Seek "to be like Jesus" in all that you do; shun evil and temptations; repent, as we were admonished yesterday by our dear prophet; be honest in heart; be upright and pure; show compassion and charity; and love the Lord your God with the devotion of a true disciple.

• How can we help others build their spiritual fortresses?
• What qualities and actions does Elder Rasband suggest we cultivate to better support others?
• What does it mean to "lead them lovingly back to the fortress of spirituality and protection"?
• Who in your life could use support in strengthening their spiritual fortress?
• How can you show more compassion and charity in your efforts to help others?
• What can you do to "be like Jesus" in your interactions with others?