My previous post talks about how unity is really important and helps us find peace. The Nephites enjoyed this for 200 years after Christ visited them and taught them His gospel. They were so united and righteous, that they were very blessed and they had become very prosperous. This is unfortunately, a common cycle. People are humbled (destruction at the time of Christ's crucifixion), then they repent and become righteous (when Jesus taught them), they are blessed because of their righteousness. And finally, they start to become prideful because of their prosperity (which ironically, was given to them because of their humility and righteousness).
"And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the fine things of the world." (4 Nephi 1:24)
President Ezra Taft Benson said, in a talk called "Beware of Pride" that pride is the universal sin. It is in our human nature to be competitive, so we become prideful if we are not careful. Satan uses this tactic to tempt us to be prideful. If he can convince us that we are better than some else, because of our possessions, or our talents, or the number of friends we have. Once there began to be pride among them, it was all down hill from there.
"And from that time forth they did have their goods and their substance no more common among them." (4 Nephi 1:25)
From there, it seemed to almost spiral out of control:
"And they began to be divided into classes; and they began to build up churches unto themselves to get gain, and began to deny the true church of Christ." (4 Nephi 1:26)
They were so divided at this point and throughout the rest of the Book of Mormon. I guess he lesson is to be united and know that we are God's children and that He is watching out for us. As we work together with unity and love, there will be peace and righteousness abounding. That sounds good to me.
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