Giving a chance for the enemy of God

There are just too many lessons from Mosiah 27 to fit into one post.

I really appreciate a lesson that the Spirit retaught me as I read verse 9, which says, speaking of the rebellious and yet-unconverted Alma the Younger: "And he became a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God; stealing away the hearts of the people; causing much dissension among the people; giving a chance for the enemy of God to exercise his power over them." (Emphasis added.)

So, when in life does the enemy of God not have a chance to exercise his power over us?  As I read this verse it seems to me that if the enemy exercises power when there is dissension and the influence of someone "wicked and idolatrous," then the enemy could exercise less power when we are at peace and surrounded by positive examples and influences.

I find that prayer, scripture study, time and conversation with friends and family, temple and church attendance--things that bring the Spirit of the Lord as a companion--are keys to reducing the power of the enemy.  Avoiding those things, putting them off, replacing them with negative alternatives, that's what gives a chance for the enemy to exercise his power over us.