Humility and pride are common themes that run throughout the Book of Mormon. We see this theme as early as the story of Nephi and his brothers. As Lehi led his family into the wilderness to escape Jerusalem, Nephi choose to learn why it was worth following his father and asked the Lord to teach him even as he had taught his Father. On the contrary, Lamen and Lemuel were obstinate and murmured in the echo chamber of their own pride. They failed to see the Lord’s hand guiding their father and their family, and they refused to apply the efforts needed to learn if there was truth in the teachings of Lehi and Nephi. It was this pride that led Laman and Lemuel to ultimately reject Nehpi as their teacher and leader resulting in the separation between the Nephites and Laminitis.
Laman and Lemuel were not without witness however. Together they had seen more spiritual manifestations, miracles, and promises fulfilled than many could ever hope to see in a lifetime. Despite all of these things the two brothers became fixated on the hardships they had endured rather than their blessings and managed to decide themselves into falling away. Nephi recalls his brothers would often murmur saying, “Our younger brother thinks to rule over us; and we have had much trial because of him; wherefore, now let us slay him, that we may not be afflicted more because of his words. For behold, we will not have him to be our ruler; for it belongs unto us, who are the elder brethren, to rule over this people.”
They failed to see Nephi’s wisdom as a leader. All they saw were their hardships and placed the blame upon Nephi. Often times trial is a means of leading to greater prosperity and happiness. Because of the leadership of Nephi and Lehi, Laman and Lemuel escaped captivity and had inherited a land of promise. When one is blinded by pride however, they think more about what the cost was to them, and not about the blessings of enduring trial. This anger caused the Lord to instruct Nephi and his righteous followers to leave Laman and Lemuel creating two factions that could have cooperated and coexisted if it were not for the pride of Nephi’s elder brothers.
As the Nephites began their civilization, they were righteous and did follow the Lord in all things. Nephi recalls that their obedience quickly led them to prosperity. While the Nephites prospered the Lord cursed the Laminates for their wickedness, and it would be hundreds of years before they would be ready to enjoy the same blessings of the Nephites.
I believe we can see similar themes in the church today. Just like Nephi we are promised blessings and a sense of peace as we strive to diligently follow the commandments. Not every aspect of the church may be easy however. The church long history, and out of context there may be doctrines or historical events that are difficult to understand. The church is also led by volunteers who try their very best to lead by the spirit, but at the end of the day may be subject to human imperfections. For what ever reason it may be, people may look at an extenuating circumstance as a reason to stop following the teachings of the gospel. Despite a lifetime of blessings and a witness of truth, doubt, anger and pride lead some to rejecting the gospel outright. The story of Laman and Lemuel teach us that a witness of truth alone is not sufficient to always follow the commandments. It is only through the humble practice of gospel principals that we gain the strength needed to follow the straight and narrow path and prosper, as Nephi and his people prospered through abiding by true principals.
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