The Secret Combinations in Our Souls

And behold, in the end of this book ye shall see that this Gadianton did prove the overthrow, yea, almost the entire destruction of the people of Nephi.

Behold I do not mean the end of the book of Helaman, but I mean the end of the book of Nephi, from which I have taken all the account which I have written. --Helaman 2:13-14

In the Book of Mormon we read many stories about individuals and groups who actively rebelled against the Lord and His people. Although their rebellion often hit a culmination out in the open, their planning, devising, and promises were often carried out in secret. These began with Laman and Lemuel devising to kill Nephi and their father, Lehi. Later on we read about Nehor and his "order," and then about the "kingmen" and then Gadianton, Kishkumen, and their "secret combination" of robbers who made oaths to overthrow the judges each time they were elected. Secret combinations transcend even the Book of Mormon, and Cain is considered the first among them, conspiring against his brother Abel. In his landmark talk "Beware of Pride," President Ezra Taft Benson said:

"Pride results in secret combinations which are built up to get power, gain, and glory of the world. (See Hel. 7:5; Ether 8:9, 16, 22–23; Moses 5:31.) This fruit of the sin of pride, namely secret combinations, brought down both the Jaredite and the Nephite civilizations and has been and will yet be the cause of the fall of many nations. (See Ether 8:18–25.)"

Now, surely if the pride that fuels secret combinations has proven and will yet prove the destruction of many nations, it must first destroy those who fuel the fire of enmity in the first place; As one who studies group dynamics, I know that no one act is done in isolation, and that interaction with people creates reciprocal behavior between aggressor, recipient, and observer; and though the whole is usually greater than the sum of the parts, individuals are still affected. With this said, I think it behooves us to look at the effects that pride and enmity have on our own souls, irrespective of the influence we have on others and which they likewise have on us.

In the same talk, President Benson said,

"Pride is a sin that can readily be seen in others but is rarely admitted in ourselves. Most of us consider pride to be a sin of those on the top, such as the rich and the learned, looking down at the rest of us. (See 2 Ne. 9:42.) There is, however, a far more common ailment among us—and that is pride from the bottom looking up. It is manifest in so many ways, such as faultfinding, gossiping, backbiting, murmuring, living beyond our means, envying, coveting, withholding gratitude and praise that might lift another, and being unforgiving and jealous."

It seems to me that here are diverse ways that we might do wrong or commit sin, but if we follow the counsel of the prophets new and old, I am assured that we will be able to fend off the pride that seeks to silently "combine" within us until we are overtaken by it. To again take from the prophet:

"Let us choose to be humble.

We can choose to humble ourselves by conquering enmity toward our brothers and sisters, esteeming them as ourselves, and lifting them as high or higher than we are. (See D&C 38:24; D&C 81:5; D&C 84:106.)

We can choose to humble ourselves by receiving counsel and chastisement. (See Jacob 4:10; Hel. 15:3; D&C 63:55; D&C 101:4–5; D&C 108:1; D&C 124:61, 84; D&C 136:31; Prov. 9:8.)

We can choose to humble ourselves by forgiving those who have offended us. (See 3 Ne. 13:11, 14; D&C 64:10.)

We can choose to humble ourselves by rendering selfless service. (See Mosiah 2:16–17.)

We can choose to humble ourselves by going on missions and preaching the word that can humble others. (See Alma 4:19; Alma 31:5; Alma 48:20.)

We can choose to humble ourselves by getting to the temple more frequently.

We can choose to humble ourselves by confessing and forsaking our sins and being born of God. (See D&C 58:43; Mosiah 27:25–26; Alma 5:7–14, 49.)

We can choose to humble ourselves by loving God, submitting our will to His, and putting Him first in our lives. (See 3 Ne. 11:11; 3 Ne. 13:33; Moro. 10:32.)"

I know that we can choose to submit ourselves in all things to the Savior, to become meek like unto Him. therein will we be able to conquer the secret combinations of the soul, and be enabled as sons and daughters unto the Most High, and to be esteemed as friends of God.

Have a great week!

Fearing What We Might Find

But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves,
and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God,
and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord,
even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish.
And now, O man, remember, and perish not.
--Mosiah 4:30

I am a firm believer that the Atonement of Jesus Christ can penetrate every fiber of our being, and create a change in us that only the truly faithful and learned in the ways of God could have anticipated. It happens as we slowly, grace for grace become aware of our many weaknesses and frailties. learning that at the end of the mountain is yet another, which in many ways dwarfs the pinnacle we have just overcome. And often as we get in touch with reality we look back at what now to us seems easy in comparison to the impending trial, and long for those ways. We may say to ourselves, "why can't I go back to that simpler time?" or "don't I deserve a rest right now?"

While such an attitude may be undesirable, it is quite admirable when compared to when we don't even attempt to see the height of the initial mountain. Very often we don't look inward for fear of what we might find. We may fear that in fact we have so much farther to go than we could ever imagine. If we refer to King Benjamin, we notice that such errors when not corrected can be deadly. In order to qualify for eternal life, we must do as King Benjamin directs, and watch our thoughts, actions, words, and deeds. I believe that as we do this that we will gain greater access to the Atonement, and thereby be able to move closer to God, and be enabled to serve.

This week's thought is short, but I would like to simply admonish you to notice your inner self, and upon gaining understanding quietly and confidently seek the Lord's help in becoming a saint.

Have a great week!