Warfare in General Conference

No I'm not referring to the atmosphere that street protesters bring. I did hear two interesting spiritual principles elucidated today.

1. I just described how discipline can increase the power of an otherwise underwhelming group of people like the Stripling Warriors. One member of the Seventy discussed how tempered glass, just like tempered steel can withstand large amounts of pressure. He went on to say that we need to be temperate in our lives. As we patiently bear the trials in our lives we become hardened like steel and able to withstand many more events.

2. Second, the role of warfare as a blessing was described using a verse from Alma 62 which reads:

41 But behold...because of the exceedingly great length of the war...many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility.

Overall, I find it interesting that things like tempered steel, and the humbling effects of war are so easily used. This tells me that at many basic and correct principles of warfare have filtered down to every level, where even non military men and audiences know how to use and understand them. The language of warfare, such as discipline and hardened steel, is an important medium in describing the very real spiritual dangers out there.

Bonus:Nothing requires patience quite like an 80's training montage, enjoy Fire Makes Steel by Survivor.