The awful demon of pride!

4 Nephi

I have written at the top of this book:  It was the best of times; the worst of times.  The Nephites prospered in the land and were a righteous people.  They lived the law of consecration and were a happy people.  Then pride began, and some decided they wanted to be Lamanites.

As I was talking with Clyde at breakfast this morning, I said, “What would that be like to be the first person to say ‘I think I’ll go back to being a Lamanite’?”  I admit I am powered by guilt.  I think that one would just about do me in.

I have a post-it note at the end of this chapter that is so powerful.  The quote is by President  Kimball.  “May I suggest three fundamental things we must do if we are to “bring again Zion”, three things for which we who labor for Zion must commit ourselves.  First, we must eliminate the individual tendency to selfishness that snares the soul, shrinks the heart, and darkens the mind.  Second, we must cooperate completely and work in harmony one with the other.  There must be unanimity in our decisions and unity in our actions.  Third, we must lay on the altar and sacrifice whatever is required by the Lord.  We begin by offering a “broken heart and a contrite spirit”.  We follow this by giving our best effort in our assigned fields of labor and callings.  We learn our duty and execute it fully.  Finally, we consecrate our time, talents, and means as called upon by our file leaders and as prompted by the whisperings of the Spirit. [Ensign, May 1978, p81]

Bruce R. McConkie said “The awful demon of pride – manifest here in clothing and jewelry and indifference to the needs of others – proved to be the death knell to the Nephite Zion.  Once a people begin to focus on themselves they are no longer in a position to focus on the needs of others.  The laws of consecration and stewardship can operate only among a pure people, among a people who seek the interest of their neighbors and do all things with an eye single to the glory of God.  In the absence of the proper motives, classes and cliques and castes soon arise. “  BOM Commentary, Vol 4, p205

What do I take from reading this morning?  It doesn’t take long for pride to creep into the soul of man.  All that needs to happen is that we think on ourselves more than we think of others.  Do I?  Does this mean I should take back the new outfit I bought yesterday?  I hope not.  Then I look at Pres. Kinball’s quote.  I think I need to keep a balance.  That said, it’s off to the temple.  Today is my day to play the organ!