Forgiveness

The Pride Cycle

The “Nephite Pride Cycle” is repeated through out the Book of Mormon.  It starts with a period of righteousness (Helaman 3:24-32, 4:15) that is complimented by blessings and prosperity (Helaman 3:25&32, 4:15) as the Nephites are keeping the commandments of the Lord.   The Nephites become prideful (Helaman 3:33-36, 7:23-24) and begin to forget who brought them their prosperity, which leads them into a period of wickedness (Helaman 3:33-36, 10:3).  This iniquitous time ushers in a period of destruction and suffering (Helaman 4:5, 11:4) from wars, famine and pestilence.  This, sometimes accompanied by a prophet calling them to repent, humbling them to repentance (Helaman 4:15, 11:4) and is followed by a period of righteousness.

            This serves as a warning to me that I need to put in place safeguards to help me avoid this cycle in my life.  I must always remember that the Lord is the source of my blessings and prosperity.  I need to stay close to my Heavenly Father, praying constantly and expressing my gratitude consistently.   I must always put out my best effort in keeping His commandments.  I know that as I regularly study the scriptures, I will have the strength needed to resist temptation and be better shielded from the fiery darts of the adversary.  Being aware of the signs of falling into this cycle will help me to break it in my life and hold fast to the iron rod. 

And the people of the church began to set their hearts upon riches and upon the vain things of the world that they began to be scornful one towards another.

This same cycle occurred in the days of Helaman.  At one point Helaman describes his people in this way:  And it came to pass in that same year there was exceedingly great prosperity in the church insomuch that there were thousands who did join themselves unto the church and were baptized unto repentance.  And so great was the prosperity of the church, and so many were the blessings that were poured out upon the people that even the high priest and the teachers were, themselves, astonished beyond measure.  

It was not long until the full cycle was completed, however.  Within five years of the period just cited, Helaman makes this report regarding members of the church:  And in the fifty and first year of the reign of the judges there was peace also, save it were the pride which began to enter into the church.  Not into the Church of God, but into the hearts of the people who professed to belong to the church of god.  And they were lifted up in pride, even unto the persecution of many of their brethren.

These abrupt changes in the condition of the people led Helaman to lament.  "Yea, and we may see at the very time that he doth prosper his people, yea, an increase of their flocks and their herds and their fields, and in gold and in silver, and in precious things of every kind and in fine, all things for the welfare and happiness of his people, yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and they do forget the Lord their God."

It is one thing to look back upon the events of history.  It is another to regard our own time.  We have the Lord's assurance that he will bless and prosper his people if they will keep his commandments and remember to look to him as the source for their blessings.

--Dean L. Larsen, OCTOBER 1992 - THE LORD WILL PROSPER THE RIGHTEOUS