Fighting Against the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb (1 Nephi 11:36)

“…the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and it fell…Thus
shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that
shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (1 Nephi
11:36)

What does it mean to “fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb”?

Obviously, it refers to those in Christ’s day who persecuted and killed the apostles; those who crucified Jesus Christ.

Today it includes those who persecute Christians, who scoff at and ridicule the Church. It includes countries who have laws contrary to God’s word, such as China’s abortion requirement. It includes those who preach there is no God, scientists who ‘disprove’ creationism, and all who disdain or reject the Lord and His teachings.

But couldn’t it also apply to those who are members of the Church who simply disregard the teachings of the prophet and apostles? Those who pick and choose which commandments to follow and which to ignore? People who ‘believe’ the Church, but see nothing wrong with viewing an R-rated movie or having an occasional glass of iced tea.

Doesn’t it apply to me—when I find an excuse not to go to church or participate in other activities on the Sabbath day? When I can’t find time to attend the temple or do visiting teaching? When I ‘forget’ to have Family Home Evening or family prayer and scripture study? When I am judgmental or unkind to others?

When I do these things, I am fighting against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.