The sons of Mosiah were still faithful, even though they had spent the last fourteen years in a very difficult mission field. They had gone to the enemies of their people, both politically and religiously. How did they fortify themselves against the overwhelming culture in which they found themselves? They had turned to the word of God, and searched the scriptures diligently. That model is easily applied to the modern world, where many find themselves daily surrounded by those with different beliefs, and sometimes customs. Just as the sons of Mosiah, we have access to the word of God in the scriptures, and may use that source to deepen our understanding and relationship to God despite the pressures of the world around us.
Textual: As an editor, Mormon understands that he has separated the stories of the sons of Mosiah from that of Alma the Younger. When he comes to this juncture, he reminds us of who these men were so that we may better follow the story. His description includes their relationship to Alma and his conversion, and their current spiritual relationship. This continuance in the way of the Lord is an important revelation for two reasons. First, these were men who were, as was Alma, enemies of the church only fourteen years before. Even though they had been converted, it is important to note that they had not reverted to their original ways. The second reason for describing their righteousness is that they have been fourteen years among the Lamanites, among those who believe differently, and perhaps were the source of the beliefs the sons of Mosiah held during the time they persecuted the church. Thus it is important information to know that the strength of their conversion was equal to that of Alma the Younger.