January 9, 2011

Tonight I read Helaman 4 which tells how within just the space of ten years the Nephites go from being strong in the faith to becoming lifted up in pride and consumed with their riches, which brings contention and dissension among them. The dissenters join the Lamanites and battle against the Nephites, taking over many of their lands. Verse 13 stood out to me which says that the Nephites boasted of their own strength, so the Lord left them to their own strength, which truly wasn't much after all and they ended up loosing possession of their lands. There were many different forms their wickedness took, such as oppressing the poor, not caring for the hungry and the naked, mocking sacred things and those who were humble, denying the Spirit, murdering, plundering, lying, stealing, and committing adultery... but it all began as a result of pride in their hearts and that pride started because of their great riches. 

I think we still experience these same pride cycles in our society today. Our country right now is in a state of economic depression and so there are not much riches to be proud over. Perhaps some of the best times of life are those when we are deprived of wealth because of how it helps us to remain humble and teachable. I, for one, am grateful for the important things I've learned as a result of our economic struggles and I really do feel that I've been able to use this time to draw closer to the Lord. I hope that I would not follow the Nephites' example, and that I would also use times of wealth and plenty to draw closer to the Lord as well. I trust that He knows my strengths and weaknesses well enough that if I am to be blessed with riches, I will be in a place emotionally and spiritually where I would not be distracted by them but would use them to bless the lives of others and help accomplish the Lord's work. That is my desire.