Hardened Their Hearts and Blinded Their Minds

Amalickiah gained control of the whole Lamanite nation by very devious and violent means, and now he desired to conquer the Nephites.  In other words, he wanted to rule over his whole world.  So he set speakers to talk to the Lamanites to stir up their desires to go to war against the Nephites.

  3 Therefore he had accomplished his design, for he had hardened the hearts of the Lamanites and blinded their minds, and stirred them up to anger, insomuch that he had gathered together a numerous host to go to battle against the Nephites. 

We also have influences around us who would love to harden our hearts and blind our minds.  They may be doing it with full Satanic knowledge, or they may just be misguided, or looking to "get gain".  Whatever the reason, we need to put on the armor of God, so that we are not so susceptible to evil influences.  We don't have to be like sheep, wandering wherever the group goes.

If we're following our anointed leaders and listening to the Spirit, we can guard against those who would influence us for evil, whether they be political or moral.   We don't have to join the mob, or click on the link, or watch the movie, or buy the product.  We can be agents unto ourselves, and follow only the Lord and our leaders who have inspiration for us.