“Because of So Much Contention and So Much Difficulty in the Government”
Because of the controversy and contention surrounding the selection of the chief judge and the subsequent rebellion, and the confusion, fear, and difficulties associated with the murder of Pahoran, the Nephites are unprepared to defend themselves against an outside attack from the Lamanites. Dissension and conflict from within creates a vulnerability to attack from without. “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” This important principle not only has application to governmental or national security but is also significant in the institutional Church and in our individual homes. Contention and dissension are a tool of the adversary (see 3 Nephi 11:28-29) that weakens the institution and makes it vulnerable to “attacks” from destructive outside influences. (See Marvin J. Ashton, CR, April 1978, pp. 9-12.)
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