This world is in desperate need of good male leaders, righteous men who demonstrate what it means to have integrity, to be masculine, to have intense faith and spirituality, to be protectors of family and freedom, and to be committed to fulfilling the specific roles given to us when our male spirits were created previous to being born into this life.
The gospel of Jesus Christ requires us to become his disciples, which means that we pattern our lives after Jesus. We can learn a lot about the Savior’s attributes from studying the scriptures written about him. I always find that helpful. However, living up to the perfection that is embodied in Jesus Christ – as the premortal Jehovah, the mortal Messiah, and the resurrected Savior – is clearly unattainable for us humans, who are carnal and sinful by nature.
It is motivating to have other lifestyle models of people we can relate to as being imperfect while still being being highly exemplary. Captain Moroni, whose story is told in Alma chapters 43 though 63, is one of the best examples (Joseph in Egypt is another of my favorites) in the scriptures of someone worthy of emulation.
From his description of Moroni, it is clear that Mormon – the prophet historian who abridged The Book of Mormon after reviewing hundreds of years’ worth of records in ancient America – had a very high level of respect and admiration of the Nephite military leader who lived in the hundred years previous to the Savior’s birth. It’s likely that Mormon even named his own son after captain Moroni, whose personal qualities made him a solid example of what a father would want his son to be like.
Most readers of The Book of Mormon are this verse in Alma 48.
Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.
Alma 48:17
I’ve always thought that was a very flattering tribute from Mormon in describing the character and influence of captain Moroni, the man who was known among his people as a righteous guardian of freedom and a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.
Here are some of the specific qualities that make Moroni a worthy example. This list of Moroni’s attributes come from Mormon’s description of who he was as well as from Moroni own words and from the words of his contemporaries, which were included in Mormon’s abridgment of the record. I’ll include specific verse references for each of these attributes.
Physically Impressive
Moroni is described as “a strong and a mighty man.” (Alma 48:11) It is impossible to picture him with the “dad bod” considering the physically challenging tasks that he performed with diligence.
While not every man can be tall and naturally large in stature, it is important for men to strive to be strong and capable physically.
I’m raising my kids to be fit and athletic (we’ve even built a business around this idea) based upon the spiritual principle that requires us to literally stretch ourselves physically. Moroni’s example of being fit and capable is one that I’ve referenced with my kids on several occasions to motivate them to be better physically.
Learned and Intelligent
After describing Moroni as being strong and mighty, Mormon points out in the same verse (Alma 48:11) that he was “a man of perfect understanding”. Captain Moroni had educated himself such that he understood the intricate details of human behavior, and he had a highly developed sense of discernment. Because of his temporal learning and intelligence, Moroni was able to predict things and react to them beforehand, including building places of security that could not be penetrated by the Lamanites, and maneuvering through complicated political and military situations to accomplish goals.
Mature
Moroni was given command over the Nephite army when he was 25 years old. He clearly spent his early years developing a reputation of being serious, and developed an uncommon maturity that made him a leader as a young adult.
Courageous
Moroni fearlessly led the Nephite people as their chief captain against the Lamanites, whose failures to defeat and enslave the Nephites seemed to make them increasingly determined to accomplish that feat.
As Moroni personally stood at the head of his armies against the Lamanite armies led Zarahemnah, who numbered more than twice the size of Moroni’s armies, he clearly didn’t fear for his own life, despite there being a significant possibility that he could lose it in battle. Having checkmated Zarahemnah’s armies, Moroni’s offer to spare the lives of Zarahemnah and his men under a covenant of peace was rejected. Despite his frustration with the Lamanite leader’s stubbornness, Moroni had the courage and fortitude to return their weapons (which they had confiscated from the Lamanites under the temporary truce that had been achieved) so that the battle could be fought fairly. (Alma 44)
In a subsequent war, the Lamanite king Amalakiah publicly swore (Alma 49:27) to drink the blood of Moroni. This threat did not dissuade Moroni from continuing to prepare to defend his people from invasions, and then to take the threats head-on when they came.
Moroni was not afraid to take on difficult situations, mentally or physically. His courage is enviable.
Assertive
Moroni made assertive decisions to protect his people from their enemies. He had the confidence that comes from being worthy of personal inspiration. His extensive experience with making good decisions and observing the fruits of those decisions gave him the ability to make quick and meaningful decisions with regard to preparing for war, handling dissenters who threatened the Nephites, executing effective strategies during battle, and dealing with enemies both external and internal to the Nephite nation.
When faced with the prospects of a corrupt government that was withholding important provisions to allow his armies to function, Moroni was assertive about going after those in power in government, threatening to root out corruption among those who were charged with governing the nation. Moroni’s made good on his threats to do away those who were undermining his country.
Hard Working
Moroni worked tirelessly to ensure that his people were not susceptible to the threats of their enemies. He is described as “a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.” (Alma 48:12)
There are many examples cited in the Book of Alma of the work ethic of Moroni, including his diligence in making the Nephite cities places of security. (Alma 50:4)
Moroni’s work ethic is captured well in this description: he was “a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.” (Alma 48:12)
Bold
Moroni’s interactions with other leaders were bold and fearless. Despite having compassion on the Lamanite armies under Zarahemnah, which motivated him to stop “shedding their blood” and to attempt to negotiate a peace, Captain Moroni was clear with the Lamanite leader that if he did not accept his offer and make a commitment to stop attacking his people, there would be consequences. Moroni was bold and clear about his intentions, “Now as ye are in our hands we will spill your blood upon the ground, or ye shall submit to the conditions which I have proposed.” (Alma 44:12)
Grateful
After describing Moroni as a hard worker, Mormon points out another important attribute of his. Moroni was “a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people.”
Perceptive
Complementing the attributes of being intelligent and discerning, Moroni was a perceptive many. One important example of this came when his armies faced the intimidation of the Lamanite army, Moroni was quick to perceive that the momentum was turning.
“And it came to pass that when the men of Moroni saw the fierceness and the anger of the Lamanites, they were about to shrink and flee from them. And Moroni, perceiving their intent, sent forth and inspired their hearts with these thoughts—yea, the thoughts of their lands, their liberty, yea, their freedom from bondage.” (Alma 46:48)
A Freedom Lover
One of the attributes that distinguishes Captain Moroni from many of the other righteous examples of manliness is his dedication to the preservation of freedom. Whether it was his willingness to lead the Nephite armies with faith and confidence against Lamanite invaders or his determination to take on corruption within his own government, Moroni demonstrated what it means to be a strong advocate for freedom.
Of all the godly attributes exemplified by Moroni, this commitment to freedom and breaking up corruption may be one of the most important for our day.
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