The Pride Cycle

I find the Pride Cycle very intriguing. If you've never heard of the pride cycle, here is a quick info-graphic that explains it in a nutshell (the pride cycle is the outer circle). 

Now I find it intriguing for a couple reasons.

First I am amazed at how in the scriptures, the people become wicked and suffer some sort of affliction and it is through and because of this trial that they are brought down to humility and repentance, then while they have it good and are enjoying some peace, there they go again and forget the Lord. Now it's not so much that they forget the Lord or that a God exists, but they forget the teachings of the Gospel and how it can help protect us from many of the pitfalls and traps Satan lays for us. We see in scriptures this "Pride Cycle" happening quickly, like with Laman/Lamuel and other times over the period of years.

Second and more importantly, I've seen it in my own life. There was a time when I had many comforts and luxeries in life. A beautiful home, 2 cars both paid off and no debt except for me home. I was also very selfish with my time. I felt that I had no time for the Lord and all that was asked of me in the church. I'd rather be playing games or doing something on the computer or photography. Those things were more important to me. It wasn't until I literally lost it all save it were my own family, that my heart was softened and I began to say "Yes" to the Lord. I say more important because I think one of the most important things you can do regarding this "Pride Cycle" is to realize when you have traveled this path. And in general, I think we all have taken the path of the "Pride Cycle", mostly in smaller amounts of time.

Now, this cycle can be stopped or minimized. As you see in the info-graphic, when we are blessed, we need to always remember God and give thanks. And we should always be mindful of our shortcomings, faults or sins.

I just finished reading about Samuel the Lamanite in Helaman 13:22 and found this great quote:

"Samuel pointed out that one way to tell if we love our treasures more than God is by observing how much gratitude we give to Him for all that He has blessed us with. Elder Milton R. Hunter taught, "Perhaps our lack of gratitude toward God is one of the most common sins among us (God's Greatest Gift, 3)."

And try to remember this when going through difficult times:

Elder Gene R. Cook said: "It's interesting that the Lord says those whom he loves he also chastens. Since he loves all his children, we can assume we will receive some of that chastening. The true purpose of the chastening is that our sine might be forgiven."

I hope I can always be mindful of my actions, remember the Lord and always be willing to change for good and try to stay in that "inner circle".