As Benjamin began again to speak to the people, he calls them to attention (4:4) as he had before (2:9), and then delivers to them the fifth section of his speech (4:5–12). This section begins and ends with a clear statement of the need for us to remember our "nothingness" (4:5 and 11). We don’t hear this kind of negative talk about ourselves very often from our Church leaders. It can make us feel uncomfortable. However, it is certainly true. But the point is not that we are truly nothing in an absolute or potential sense, but when we are compared in our present state and condition with the great goodness of our God, we must bow and confess, "O Lord, my God, how great thou art!" In his talk "You Matter to Him" (from the 2011 general conference), President Dieter F. Uchtdorf similarly taught,
"But even though man is nothing, it fills me with wonder and awe to think that ‘the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.’
And while we may look at the vast expanse of the universe and say, ‘What is man in comparison to the glory of creation?’ God Himself said we are the reason He created the universe! His work and glory—the purpose for this magnificent universe—is to save and exalt mankind. In other words, the vast expanse of eternity, the glories and mysteries of infinite space and time are all built for the benefit of ordinary mortals like you and me. Our Heavenly Father created the universe that we might reach our potential as His sons and daughters.
This is a paradox of man: compared to God, man is nothing; yet we are everything to God. While against the backdrop of infinite creation we may appear to be nothing, we have a spark of eternal fire burning within our breast. We have the incomprehensible promise of exaltation—worlds without end—within our grasp. And it is God’s great desire to help us reach it."
This beautiful explanation captures the same inspired encouragement and urgency that pervades King Benjamin’s desires for his people.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "You Matter to Him," Ensign, November 2011, online at churchofjesuschrist.org.