As I read in 3 Nephi 6–7 today, I felt an uneasiness settle in my heart — not fear exactly, but deep pondering.
In 2024, Clyde and I began listening to the Adamic Code series by Timothy Knutsen. As we’ve listened, I sometimes wonder what the world might yet become. Will there come a time when prophets and apostles must disappear quietly, even be hunted or silenced? We have been told that the Book of Helaman — and the chapters that follow — were preserved for our day, that we might recognize the patterns preceding the Savior’s Second Coming. Still, it feels almost unfathomable.
I look at our prophet, President Dallin H. Oaks, and I see a man respected throughout the world, an instrument for tremendous good. People love him. It is difficult to imagine a world that would reject such goodness — yet scripture reminds us that societies can change far more quickly than we think.
In just 6-7 years, the Nephites moved from peace and unity back into class distinctions and division. Prosperity returned, and with it came pride. Pride truly is a slippery slope.
Some remained humble while others became prideful. What made the difference?
Agency.
The church itself fractured within only a few years. Interestingly, those Lamanites who had been converted remained firm, steadfast, and immovable, diligent in keeping the commandments of the Lord. Those who fell away were not merely confused — they willfully rebelled. They succumbed to the familiar tactics of Satan: pride, power, authority, riches, and the vain things of the world.
It is that word willfully that troubles me most.
I know people dear to me who once stood solidly in faith but now choose to ignore sacred promises they once cherished. One temptation — the pull of attention or worldly validation — has proven stronger than expected. Watching this unfold makes these scriptures feel painfully current.
There is one difference I still hope remains between their time and ours. We have not yet seen believers secretly put to death for their testimonies of Christ as described in 3 Nephi 6:23. Yet we do see corruption — judges and lawyers who fail to uphold justice, wrongdoing left unpunished, and increasing distrust in institutions meant to protect society.
Just a short time ago - 2022, I wondered how the divisions described in these chapters might appear in my small world. I thought perhaps nations or states would fracture. By 2024, my thoughts shifted toward political and ideological divisions already forming — movements and identities separating people into camps. And now, as I write on March 2, 2026, global tensions and discussions of war remind me how fragile peace truly is.
Chapter 7 raises another question for me: What regulates our country?
For us, regulation comes through the Constitution of the United States — an inspired document. While there are movements seeking to weaken or dismantle it, there are also many striving to preserve and protect it. The scriptures describe a tragic moment when the people were “united in their hatred and desire to destroy the government.” What a sobering commentary on what collective anger can become.
And yet — amid all this chaos — one figure stands out — Nephi.
While society collapses into tribes and division, Nephi is visited daily by angels. He goes forth boldly preaching repentance and remission of sins through faith in Jesus Christ. He casts out devils, heals the afflicted, and even raises his brother from the dead after he had been stoned. The people witness miracles with their own eyes — and yet many grow angry with him because of his power.
How can someone see a miracle and deny its divine origin?
This is what happens when the Spirit ceases to dwell within us. Spiritual blindness replaces spiritual sight.
As I relate these chapters to our day, I cannot help but feel we may be approaching a similar place in our story. The Brethren continually preach love, repentance, and returning to the covenant path. Their message is consistent and urgent.
God is in relentless pursuit of His children. Even as societies divide and hearts harden, His invitation remains unchanged: “Turn ye, turn ye unto me.” The question is not whether He is calling — but whether we are willing to hear Him.
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