Elder Robert D. Hales and Sis. Elaine S. Dalton, mentioned the story of Lehonti, during our recent General Conference (Oct. 2008).   Poor Lehonti.  He was an example of how foolish action can jeopardize us, even unto death.  (Alma 47)

This is such a great story to use as an example of how Satan works; little by little, “by degrees”.  Amalackiah was truly a type and shadow of Satan.  Later on, Giddianhi will also be a type and shadow.  Only the person who deals with him, Lachoneus, shows us how to correctly confront a “Satan” type.

In 3 Nephi 3, Giddianhi, leader of the Gadianton Robbers, writes a letter to Lachoneus, governor of the land.  As you read the letter carefully, you can easily spot various lies, flatterings, threats, etc. Giddianhi uses to try to scare Lachoneus into giving up and giving power to him.

Lachoneus is my hero.  Upon receiving the letter, he “could not be frightened”, and he “did not hearken” to Giddianhi.  He immediately gathered his people to “cry unto the Lord for strength” (v 12).  That is an important key—to gather.  When we are threatened with evil, we as family, as wards, as stakes must gather together.  He had fortifications built up to give protection and strength to their borders and set up guards to watch both day and night (v 14).  In the world we live in we have to protect our families aggressively.  We must watch constantly against evil that may trickle in unawares.

He preached repentance to his people that they may stand pure before the Lord, in order to receive His protection (v 15), and “they did exert themselves in their might to do according to the words of Lachoneus (v 16).  More prophets were called to lead the people and gather them in.

Interestingly, the people wanted to go into the wilderness and attack the robbers and destroy them.  This was Lehonti’s downfall.  He thought he could outsmart Amalackiah; that the best way to protect yourself was to attack, or leave the center.

Gidgiddoni, the prophet Lachoneus placed as chief captain, or prophet, explained to the people the Lord’s way, “The Lord forbid; for if we should go up against them the Lord would deliver us into their hands; therefore we will prepare ourselves in the center of our lands, and we will gather all our armies together, and we will not go against them, but we will wait till they shall come against us; therefore as the Lord liveth, if we do this he will deliver them into our hands” (v21).

If we go our own way, act independently, think we know how to handle things on our own, we lose strength and power, and more importantly, the Lord cannot help us, because we have chosen to help ourselves.  On the other hand, if we gather in the center, we are strong in defense of one another.  As well, by defending what we hold dear, and by praying and repenting continuously, the Lord will fight our battles.  We’ve seen it work multiple times throughout the Book of Mormon and the Old Testament.  This is the Lord’s Battle Plan for us.  A guide each of us can watch for and avoid Satan’s tricks.

Relief Society sisters can teach this plan clearly in lessons.  We can be visiting teachers who gather all into the fold, to be protected in the center.  We can help guard one another, motivate one another, give one another hope.  We need each other for strength, for comfort, for support.