Alma Chapter 23

23:6 - "...as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away..."
When we come to a greater understanding, often that is enough to keep us along the right path - if we continue faithful.  I'm sure it took a lot of work for these Lamanites, but they remained faithful.


23:6-7 - "...as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away. For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren..."
It takes a lot of faith to put down your weapons like that.  It would be tempting to keep the swords close by, because you want to protect your family.  However, they had faith that the Lord would protect them or at least help them, or that their experiences would be for their good.  We need that level of faith.


23:16-17 - "...therefore the king consulted with Aaron and many of their priests, concerning the name that they should take upon them, that they might be distinguished. And it came to pass that they called their names Anti-Nephi-Lehies; and they were called by this name and were no more called Lamanites..."
Names are incredibly important.  Associations and distinguishment and honor result from names.  These Lamanites changed their name to Anti-Nephi-Lehies so they would be distinguished from the Lamanites and not have the same connotation applied to them.  We also do the same thing with the gospel.  We take upon us the name of Christ - and thus have that connotation applied to us.  It takes effort, but having that name means a lot (D&C 18:34-35, Mosiah 5:7-9).