The heavyweight prizefighter who climbed into the ring had been anointed a "contender" by the boxing pundits and wags. He possessed all the tools required of a world champ — power, speed, footwork and a deep-pocketed entourage of managers, trainers and promoters.

The boxer's opponent that night enjoyed no such resource or acclaim. He'd been dubbed a "seasoned journeyman" by the bout's gate-savvy matchmaker. But anyone who followed the sport accepted that generous euphemism with a wink. No, the outcome of this fight seemed a foregone conclusion — a safe opportunity for the contender to pad his impressive record with another win and, most likely, another early knock-out.

The contender and his people had their eyes locked on future treasure and an inevitable title shot for the championship belt.

Still, it was evident to all at ringside that the promising boxer had neglected his training. His shoulders had rounded some since his last bout. His belly looked a bit softer. No one seemed concerned. The talent gap between the contender and the journeyman was simply too wide. Few allowed the underdog even boxing's proverbial "puncher's chance" to win.

The first two rounds passed as expected. The contender danced about his slow-heeled opponent, scoring with quick shots to the head and body. He seemed in no hurry to finish the bout. Why not give the ticket-buying fans a show? Whenever the journeyman gamely stepped in close to throw a few punches of his own, the contender utilized his superior reach to brush back his attacker with a stiff jab to the nose.

But as the bout wore on a few of the veteran writers in attendance caught a flaw in the contender. Each time he threw his powerful right jab, his left glove dropped an inch or two below his face, leaving his jaw open for a split-second. With each passing round, the contender's 8-ounce gloves appeared to grow heavier. His poor fitness had left him unexpectedly vulnerable.

Tiring and anxious to end the fight, the contender attempted to stagger his opponent with a flurry of punches. Then it happened. At the moment the big man flicked what would be his final right jab, the journeyman threw all his weight behind a right hook that landed true and heavy on the contender's exposed chin. The contender's knees buckled. He collapsed to the canvas. The referee, momentarily stunned, paused before counting, one, two, three, four. The fallen man was still down when the referee reached 10.

The contender-who-would-be-champion had entered that ring believing his fortune and fame were certain. The newspapers would report his path to the title was waylaid by a desperate man's right hook. Truthfully, it was the contender's failure to prepare that spoiled his vast potential.

So it may be with each of us when we fail to prepare for the battles of our own lives. Few must ready themselves for a prizefight, but every person will be battered by life's certain trials.

Our preparation — our spiritual fitness — begins when we follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Savior likened those who follow His counsel to the wise man, "which built his house upon a rock;

"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

"And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand;

"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it" (Matthew 7: 24-27).

In his counsel to priesthood holders gathered for the April 2009 general conference, President Thomas S. Monson spoke of the daunting difficulties and challenges facing the world. But when God is at our side, he said, "We cannot fail. We will not fall. We will be victorious. Such victory will come from being spiritually fit and prepared.

"Are we prepared for our journey through life?" asked President Monson. "The pathway can at times be difficult. Chart your course, be cautious, and determine to study diligently, pray fervently and live righteously.

"Let us never despair, for the work in which we are engaged is the work of the Lord. It has been said, 'The Lord shapes the back to bear the burden placed upon it.' "

Elder Walter F. Gonzalez of the Presidency of the Seventy added that today is the best day to prepare for powerful temblors that will drop the spiritually unfit.

"We don't know when or how earthquakes will hit us. They likely won't be literal shakings of the earth … but rather quakes of temptations, sin, or trials such as unemployment or serious sickness.

"Today is the time to prepare for when that type of quake comes. Today is the time to prepare — not during the crisis. What are we doing today to engraven in our souls the gospel principles that will uphold us in times of adversity?" (October 2007 general conference.)