Jewish families prepare for Passover by carefully eliminating all leaven from their homes. Jesus and Paul taught that leaven is representative of impurities in our souls. Thoughts and feelings which "puff us up" make us less holy, less prepared to stand in God's presence and receive His grace.
“It Is Not in Me”: Joseph’s Humility
Joseph didn't take credit for his gift of dream interpretation. Instead, he gave credit to God. Ammon did the same when King Lamoni marveled at his power. When we give credit to God, we remind ourselves and others of the source of our gifts.
The Pride Paradox
The Grossman-Stiglitz Paradox asserts that markets are efficient only to the extent that people believe they are not. Managing pride is similar. Elder Bednar taught, “If you or I do not believe we could be afflicted with and by pride, then we are vulnerable.” No wonder the Lord warned, "Beware of pride."
“O Ye Pollutions”
Moroni asked why we have "polluted to the holy church of God." The church is a hospital for sinners, but as we participate, we are also doctors and nurses. We ought to approach that responsibility with care, recognizing our shortcomings as we help others.
“This March…Gave Moronihah Great Advantage”
When Coriantumr easily took Zarahemla, he concluded that he had crushed the Nephite army. In fact, his army was now surrounded by a more powerful force. We should avoid irrational exuberance and be clear-eyed about the risks we face.
Despised
To despise someone is to "look down on" them. So despisers may have an inaccurate view of their own status and position. Abinadi and Jesus were both despised, so when you are despised, you are in good company.
Stumbling Blocks
A stumbling block is anything that causes you to lose your balance and stop moving forward. The removal of plain and precious truths from the scriptures was a stumbling block to many. So was pride. God can help us overcome every stumbling block we face.
Glorying
Paul gives us the following advice about "glorying" or boasting: 1. Don't glory in yourself. You don't deserve the credit you think you do. 2. Do glory in others. Rejoice with them. 3. Always glory in the Lord. Express gratitude for His blessings.
I Am a Man
It is impossible to be objective about ourselves, but we ought to try. Throughout the scriptures, prophets remind themselves and others that they are human. Alma, Nephi, Ammon, and Peter all used some version of the phrase "I am a man" to emphasize this.
Them Which Sat with Him at Meat
King Herod and King Noah both made tragic mistakes because they feared the people around them. We can also fall into the trap of valuing other people's approval over God's approval. One key is to not let people pressure you to make decisions too quickly.