Decoys of the Devil

Did you know that even though the Lamanites were the enemies of righteousness in the war chapters of the Book of Mormon, that we can still learn from their example?

Specifically because they were not led by the Lord, because they had incorrect and carnal motives, we can learn from their mistakes.

Take this article for example.

Alma 52
21 And it came to pass that Moroni, having no hopes of meeting them upon fair grounds, therefore, he resolved upon a plan that he might decoy the Lamanites out of their strongholds.
22 Therefore he caused that Teancum should take a small number of men and march down near the seashore; and Moroni and his army, by night, marched in the wilderness, on the west of the city Mulek; and thus, on the morrow, when the guards of the Lamanites had discovered Teancum, they ran and told it unto Jacob, their leader.
23 And it came to pass that the armies of the Lamanites did march forth against Teancum, supposing by their numbers to overpower Teancum because of the smallness of his numbers. And as Teancum saw the armies of the Lamanites coming out against him he began to retreat down by the seashore, northward.
24 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that he began to flee, they took courage and pursued them with vigor. And while Teancum was thus leading away the Lamanites who were pursuing them in vain, behold, Moroni commanded that a part of his army who were with him should march forth into the city, and take possession of it.
25 And thus they did, and slew all those who had been left to protect the city, yea, all those who would not yield up their weapons of war.
26 And thus Moroni had obtained possession of the city Mulek with a part of his army, while he marched with the remainder to meet the Lamanites when they should return from the pursuit of Teancum.

Now... I play a game called Clash Royale - incredibly addictive to me. I stay up late at night sometimes, beyond the planned time to sleep, just playing this game.

Multiple times have I said, "I'll just play a few games." And those few turn to hours of playing.

I have decided that that temptation to just play a few games is much like the decoy that Moroni set up for the Lamanites to be enticed. And I was enticed.

So, I have decided to delete the game. Some of you may decide that that's a little harsh. Why don't you just exercise some restraint Aaron?

Well, I would like to note how I feel afterwards. I seem to rush my prayers after playing. My mind is rushing and overexcited. I sometimes can't sleep, and justify that I might as well keep playing. I don't feel comfortable afterwards.

Isn't that evidence of a bad choice. For me personally, I also believe I could be doing other better things, even if I am not sleeping.

We would do well to identify the decoys the devil has given us in the past, which we have either succumbed to or resisted, and make commitments based on our analysis of our choices.