Discussion of the first part of the war chapters in the Book of Alma. In this lesson we search themes that Mormon may have wanted us to pick up on and that we can apply to our lives, of which I find eight: (1) the Nephites were motivated by a better cause, (2) the Nephites were prepared for Lamanite attacks, (3) the Nephites recognized the hand of God in their actions, (4) the Nephite success in battle strengthened the church, (5) Nephite leaders were men of God, (6) the Nephites recognized the link between religion and freedom, (7) the Nephites knew that most people are decent, but they can be led to do bad things, and (8) the Nephites were happy even in the midst of challenges. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from Hugh Nibley’s 1983 BYU commencement addressed titled “Leaders and Managers.”