Not long after the extraordinary signs of the Savior’s birth, the people are beset with assault after assault from the forces of evil. They learn to meet the enemy in the strength of the Lord. Nevertheless, in the space of not many years they are carried down on the slippery slope of worldly pride and find themselves, with few exceptions, in a state of spiritual squalor, having rejected the prophets of God.
Thus we see that the words of the Lord’s prophets will all be fulfilled (see D&C 1:38). Those who are faithful will be vindicated and validated in times to come. In addition, we learn again that iniquity will separate us from God and His light and put us within the power of the devil if we do not repent. We are counseled to be wise and learn from those of the past (see Jacob 4:5; Mormon 9:31). Moreover, the Lord once again teaches in these passages the evils of pride and its devastating power to ruin the lives of individuals and families. How surely are we instructed to overcome pride. Through faith and obedience we can become pure disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.