Two Paths of a Covenant People

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The Book of Mormon reveals a recurring pattern among covenant peoples: righteousness brings prosperity, prosperity often leads to pride, and pride invites destruction, followed by humility and repentance. Elder Wilford W. Andersen called this “the pride cycle,” noting, “Its inclusion is a warning for our day” (The Warning in the Book of Mormon). Yet scripture also unveils a higher path—walked by the City of Enoch, who rose to translation through righteousness.

These are the two paths of a covenant people: One ends in collapse. The other in translation. One resets us through suffering. The other raises us through sanctification. This article explores both—and asks which path we are now walking.

The Pride Cycle: A Warning from the Nephites

The Pride Cycle unfolds clearly in the Book of Mormon: Righteousness → Prosperity → Pride → Sin → Destruction → Humility → Repentance → Righteousness. The Lord observed, “How slow are they to remember the Lord their God… and how quick to do iniquity” (Helaman 12:2-6). President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “Pride is a very misunderstood sin… The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen” (Beware of Pride). When covenant peoples forget God, destruction—war, famine, captivity—becomes a divine mercy to restore humility (“They were awakened to a remembrance of their duty” Alma 32:13). Without deeper change, the cycle repeats, never leading to Zion.

The City of Enoch: Living Celestial Law in a Telestial World

In contrast, the City of Enoch followed a path of ascent. “The Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them” (Moses 7:18). Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained, “Enoch and his people so lived that the Lord could dwell with them… They were translated, taken up into heaven without tasting death” (The Lord’s People Receive Revelation).

They lived in a telestial world, where “all eternity is pained” by wickedness (Moses 7:36). Yet, through celestial law—consecration and walking with God (“Walk with me” Moses 6:34)—they forged Zion. “Zion is not, for God received it up into his own bosom” (Moses 7:69). Translation was the fruit of celestial principles in a fallen sphere (“Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom” D&C 105:5).

A Doctrinal Contrast

Scripture contrasts these paths:

  • Pride Cycle: Prosperity breeds pride; destruction restores humility (“Their riches became their curse” Helaman 11:4-11).
  • Enoch’s Path: Righteousness deepens covenants; sanctification leads to translation (“They walked with God” Moses 7:18-21).

Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught, “The disciple’s journey is not merely to survive but to become—to ascend through consecration and sanctification” (Apply the Atoning Blood of Christ).

A Modern Call to Zion

President Russell M. Nelson has urged, “The best is yet to come… because the Lord is hastening His work” (Let God Prevail). His teachings—“Let God prevail” (Let God Prevail), “Regular time in the temple will help you leave the world behind” (Regular and Sustained Worship in the House of the Lord)—echo Enoch’s path. He has counseled, “Make your homes sanctuaries of faith… The Lord will bless and strengthen you” (Disciples of Jesus Christ). This is a call to rise, not just endure.

The Path Forward

President Joseph Fielding Smith affirmed, “Zion will be built up… not by fleeing the world, but by living above it” (April 1952 Conference Report). The Pride Cycle warns of pride’s cost. Enoch’s Zion shows the reward of celestial law—lived even in a telestial world. President Nelson counseled, “Study [the Lord’s] messages” (Disciples of Jesus Christ). The choice to rise remains ours.

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