When Lehi left Jerusalem, his family was together. As Lehi grew older, Laman and Lemuel grew more prideful. Eventually, Nephi and his family decided it best to leave the group as it was getting too dangerous and corrupt. The very same reason Lehi and his family left Jerusalem.
Every time the people are righteous, the family or group of people live in peace and happiness and function as a whole. When pride arises the family is torn and like a fire kindled, war is inevitable. Its not a war between Nephites and Lamanites, but righteousness and wickedness. The war takes place in the heart of the people first and eventually spreads to damaging the lives of many. Spiritual decay proceeds physical damage. The application to our days is very accessible. We may not go to war but we have relationships that can grow or diminish as sensitivities and communication are neglected out of selfish pride.
Not all relationships are repairable. Many times the righteous have to flee and start anew in an environment where they can practice their religion freely and without persecution. The early Latter Day Saints made the voyage across the plains as a great family of believers. We see that many were lost along the way, but those that keep the faith are never lost in Christ.
The Book of Mormon is a testament of the unifying power of Christ and the destroying power of pride. Humility and Pride are moving trains that we can't be stagnate on. The people in the book of Mormon show us that we must avoid the flattering words of false prophets, the carnal desires of the natural man, the desire for superiority over others, the love of money and hatred of the poor, and the idea that life has no consequence or purpose.
Its a warning that these mentioned philosophies of men will lead to destruction, as Christ said "a house divided cannot stand." The Savior also said that if we are not one we are not His. His first commandment upon arriving in the Americas was that there should be no more contention and disputes among them (3 Nephi 11). As we live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we must seek to uplift, edify, and forgive as we associate with one another.
Its a warning that these mentioned philosophies of men will lead to destruction, as Christ said "a house divided cannot stand." The Savior also said that if we are not one we are not His. His first commandment upon arriving in the Americas was that there should be no more contention and disputes among them (3 Nephi 11). As we live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we must seek to uplift, edify, and forgive as we associate with one another.
The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles wrote in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"-
Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.
Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.
I believe true success, progress, unity, happiness, prosperity, and victory over all things in the world is completely tied to, and relies wholly upon the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Great Redeemer of mankind, the Author and Finisher of our faith, the cornerstone and stumbling block, the true and everlasting God.
