Alma knew that contention among his people would negate every effort to solidify them and make his people as one. Therefore, he warned against strife and contention. He wanted no quarreling or angry disputes to mar their peaceful way of life. Let "every man love his neighbor as himself."
Alma was, under God, the founder of His Church in Lehi-Nephi and was the High Priest to the people. He was not jealous of his office but instead exacted a full measure of devotion to God; he tolerated no rivalry in the worship of Him. Only those who were given authority to preach and to teach were permitted so to do. That authority came from God through Alma, and through him because he was the High Priest.