Alma 31

The Zoramites were a fraction of the Nephites that occupied a crucial piece of land (3). The rest of the Nephites worried and feared that the Zoramites would begin associating with the Lamanites which would be a great loss to the Nephites (4). Then Alma had an idea:

"And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God" (5).

As a result, off he went with a group of people to go preach the word.

Today, we should also focus our efforts on the word of God. We should read it. We should listen. We should teach it. Why? President Boyd K. Packer said:

“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. 

“The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. . . . That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel” ("Little Children").

As a result, we should want to be more immersed in the word of God. For it helps to change us. Helps to change us for the better. Sometimes we focus so much on getting everyone to become truly active members of the church, that we forget the importance of getting individual members and families to begin studying the word of God which can help them change for the better. President Ezra Taft Benson said:

“Often we spend great effort in trying to increase the activity levels in our stakes. We work diligently to raise the percentages of those attending sacrament meetings. We labor to get a higher percentage of our young men on missions. We strive to improve the numbers of those marrying in the temple. All of these are commendable efforts and important to the growth of the kingdom. But when individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, these other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow” (“The Power of the Word").