For envy they delivered him - How pride can cloud judgement

Matthew 27 tells of Jesus' crucifixion. It is remarkable that it all happened largely because one group of powerful religious leaders were envious of Jesus. They didn't want to be less important.

17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

18 For he knew that for ^aenvy they had ^bdelivered him.

Pilate tried to get Jesus released because he knew Jesus had done no wrong. It was clear that the religious leaders were envious of his power and/or following. As a result, they pushed for the crucifixion.

We must humbly accept what happens in life. A similar situation in the church is when someone else is chosen for a leadership position and a person or family leave the church as a result. President Monson tells of a story in which a man had served in the Bishopric for years and years. Then President Monson was called as Bishop and the man was offended and stopped attending. Luckily, the man's son was on a mission and urged his parents to return to church. They did one Sunday, felt the Spirit and continued attending. That man was the next Bishop after Pres. Monson was released.

Another similar circumstance occurs with other churches. Many other churches speak poorly about the Mormon church or other churches in order to try to protect their position and keep their members in the fold. This is incredibly poor thinking. If a message is correct, it must stand on its own merits. If a leader bashes or tries to destroy another group or leader, it shows great weakness in himself/herself and her/his message.

Beware of envy. It destroyed a nation that could have enjoyed the blessing of being close to and learning from the Savior of the world.