These stripling warriors prove to be a decisive factor in the next phase of the battle for victory. The qualities of faith, trust, courage, obedience, and strength—taught them by their mothers and displayed to perfection in the lives of the “sons of Helaman”—prevail in the future battle to bolster the ranks of the imperiled Nephite army led by general Antipus. Through the blessings of heaven and the faith and courage of the Nephite forces—augmented with the stirring performance of the stripling warriors—the Lamanites and their treasonous Nephite comrades (adherents of the philosophy of the “king-men”) are finally repelled, and peace is again restored to the land.
Even though the reported activity of the sons of Helaman is of short duration (generally in the period 64 BC to 62 BC), the triumph of their spirit continues to reverberate in the hearts and minds of those who study the Book of Mormon with a desire to learn and follow the will of God—especially young people striving to maintain gospel values in a world fraught with evil influences on all sides. Any time an individual acts in the strength of the Lord to sustain and uphold eternal principles of righteousness, truth, and liberty, he or she is following in the footsteps of Helaman’s extraordinary warriors, whose faith he extols using these words: “they stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has made them free; and they are strict to remember the Lord their God from day to day; yea, they do observe to keep his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments continually; and their faith is strong in the prophecies concerning that which is to come” (Alma 58:40).
Like these noble youth, we should be true to our gospel covenants and be courageous in defending truth and righteousness. Like the mothers of the stripling warriors, we should teach children correct principles in their youth, having faith that they will not depart from them. Teaching the word of God has enormous power to bless lives, especially in the case of young people. The greatest thing we can ever do is to teach the word so that others might increase in their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Teachers arise! The next generation is dependent upon us.