Contention – the road to destruction

Alma 51

Contention – the road to destruction.   The Nephites are contending amongst themselves.  We have king-men who want to change the laws and set up a king, and there are the people of Nephi who want to protect their freedom, their families and their land. 

This “warm dispute” between the two types of Nephites causes them to lose their vigilance in guarding their land.  The Lamanites see this as an opportunity to attack, and many lives are lost.

This chapter is a warning of two kinds:  One, to this great nation.  There is much contention going on in the country today.  It seems every night the news is full of contentious stories to report especially as it is an election year.  This should be a concern to us as a nation as we become more vulnerable to the enemy.  Who is the enemy?  Of course it is any nation wanting to harm us, but it is also the evil that seems to be polluting the earth at a rapid pace.  Second, this warning is to families.  Contention erodes the foundation of love that a family is built upon.  When it creeps into the lives of the members of a family, it seems to be a slippery slope and spreads like an insidious disease.

I have noticed that contention seems to be a characteristic of those who struggle to keep the spirit in their lives.  I watch those running for election.  I don’t even dare enter that conversation, but it is easy to see those whose core values do not align with the characteristics of a charitable person.   [See 1 Cor 13:4-13]

On a more personal note, I reflect on someone close to me who use to be so easily offended or provoked (1 Cor 13:5).  When she embraced gospel principles and tried to emulate the type of person she was trying to be, she was quick to blow off things that might have been offensive to her in an earlier life.  As she is currently struggling to become the person she was for a while and desires again to be, she is finding offense more easily again.  I do believe I see a pattern. 

So what are my marching orders from this day’s effort in the Book of Mormon?  Definitely I must give others the benefit of a doubt.  Do not take offense where none is intended and even if offense is intended, do not engage.  Do NOT engage.  That is a mantra Clyde and I have adopted.  There is just no room for it in our lives if we hope to enjoy the companionship of the Spirit.