3 Nephi 6:10-14 -- On Disputation, Pride, and Inequality

"But it came to pass in the twenty and ninth year there began to be some disputings among the people; and some were lifted up unto pride and boastings because of their exceedingly great riches, yea, even unto great persecutions;
For there were many merchants in the land, and also many lawyers, and many officers.
And the people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning; yea, some were ignorant because of their poverty, and others did receive great learning because of their riches.
Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble; some did return railing for railing, while others would receive railing and persecution and all manner of afflictions, and would not turn and revile again, but were humble and penitent before God. And thus there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch that the church began to be broken up; yea, insomuch that in the thirtieth year the church was broken up in all the land save it were among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord."
3 Nephi 6:10-14


This is a time in the Book of Mormon where the people had accomplished something miraculous... they had overcome, through a massive effort, the Gadianton robbers, and they had all repented and let go of their sins (3 Nephi 5:3).  It fell apart quickly though, and this explains why.  Some disputation, some pride, and inequality.

Those things seem normal and perhaps even ho-hum in our society, but maybe we should be taking them more seriously, especially when those are things that are touching our own lives.  Today, let's examine our lives and see where we can eliminate disputes and pride and think of ways that we can combat inequality.  God doesn't expect us to solve these problems overnight, of course, but let's work on going in the right direction... towards the miraculous society where these things don't exist, and making ourselves ready for heaven in the process. :)