Short Circuit the Pride Cycle

3 Nephi 5 & 6

The Nephites repent and forsake their sins.  Then they prosper.  In comes pride, wealth and class distinctions.  The Church is filled with dissension and the spiral down is swift.  Prophets are crying repentance and slain – secretly.  There are secret combinations again to destroy the church and the government.

These two chapters are a grave concern.  I see much of what happened then happening in our societies today.  There are people prospering because of their goodness.  The Lord blesses those you love him and sometimes those blessings come in the form of wealth.  The key is to remember the lessons from the Book of Mormon and not let that wealth give way to pride.  How is this done?  From lessons in the Book of Mormon I would suggest it is by short-circuiting the cycle.   How does one keep pride from entering their lives?  I believe it is through serving others.  The joy from that service will keep one involved enough they don’t have time to feel more worthy than another for anything.  The other thing is in gratitude.  The prophets tell us repeatedly to show gratitude in every little thing as it is a blessing from Heavenly Father. 

V18 is a concern to me, and a situation I recognize.  “Now, they did not sin ignorantly, for they knew the will of God concerning them, for it had been taught unto them; therefore they did willfully rebel against God.”  It seems to be a short step from pride and its associated sins of seeking for power, authority and riches and the vain things of the world (v15) to the point of open rebellion against God.  If I had it to do over again, as a parent I would drive this point home over and over in hopes of sparing my children this pitfall.  But wait, I believe we did. 

Today I need to find ways to serve others.  I hope serving in the temple qualifies.  Also, I will be taking a future daughter-in-law to run an errand.  I hope this isn’t considered self-serving.  Actually, both of these could come under that column.  Serving in the temple always serves me more.  And being with those I love, even though I am serving, is also a joy.  [sigh]