42 And it came to pass that the wicked part of the people began again to build up the secret oaths and combinations of Gadianton.
43 And also the people who were called the people of Nephi began to be proud in their hearts, because of their exceeding riches, and become vain like unto their brethren, the Lamanites.
44 And from this time the disciples began to sorrow for the sins of the world.
It would be convenient to be able to divide the world into the wicked and the righteous. The wicked break the commandments, avoid religious activities, and participate in secret combinations. The righteous are active in their religion, are humble, and do good works continually. Unfortunately, the world isn’t so simple.
At this point, a portion of the people had chosen to “rebel against the gospel of Christ.” They had taken on the name of “Lamanites” (4 Nephi 1:38). Mormon tells us that this “wicked part of the people” were reviving the secret oaths of Gadianton. Then, he turns to the people of Nephi, who were supposed to be the good guys. Because of their riches, they had become proud, just like the Lamanites, which caused the disciples to mourn.
It is possible to be an active church member and yet be unable to progress spiritually because of pride. Church attendance gives us many opportunities to recognize our pride, to humble ourselves, and to repent, but the ultimate choice to do so is still ours.
It is possible to be an active church member and yet be unable to progress spiritually because of pride. Church attendance gives us many opportunities to recognize our pride, to humble ourselves, and to repent, but the ultimate choice to do so is still ours.
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