Reflecting on 3 Nephi 21:19 and 2 Nephi 26:29
The words of Nephi and the Saviour’s prophecy in 3 Nephi reveal some significant truths about the nature of human corruption and the promise of eventual sanctification. These passages hold a mirror up to our hearts, inviting us to consider the subtle ways in which pride, deceit, and self-aggrandisement can infiltrate even the sacred areas of life.
“And it shall come to pass that all lyings, and deceivings, and envyings, and strifes, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, shall be done away.” – 3 Nephi 21:19
In 3 Nephi 21:19, we are given a glimpse into a future state, where all manner of sins—lyings, deceivings, envyings, strifes, priestcrafts, and whoredoms—are to be done away with. It is a vision of a purified world, a place where darkness no longer has a foothold, and every corruption is vanquished. The promise is compelling, a reminder of the divine intent to cleanse not only individuals but society as a whole. Yet this purification is not a passive process. It requires active participation, a shedding of all that is contrary to God’s law.
“Priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.” – 2 Nephi 26:29
One of the most insidious of these corruptions is priestcraft, as described by Nephi in 2 Nephi 26:29. Priestcraft occurs when men and women set themselves up as a “light unto the world,” not for the glory of God or the welfare of Zion, but for their own gain and the praise of the world. This temptation is subtle, for it often disguises itself as something noble—a call to leadership, a desire to teach, or even the pursuit of righteousness. But when the motivation is personal glory rather than the welfare of the Lord’s people, it becomes a stumbling block both for the individual and for the community of saints.
Nephi’s warning about priestcraft is part of a central theme of the Gospel—humility before God and service to others. The welfare of Zion cannot be sought while seeking the welfare of self. Zion, in its true form, is the society where all are equal before God, where love and service prevail over self-interest and pride. When individuals place themselves above others, seeking to be exalted for their talents or knowledge, they fall into the snare of priestcraft, diverting attention from the true source of light, which is Christ alone.
This problem has plagued religious communities throughout history. The human tendency towards pride, especially in matters of religion, has led many astray. The Pharisees of Christ’s time are a good example. They were learned in the Law and positioned themselves as spiritual authorities, yet Christ condemned them for their hypocrisy and self-promotion. Their priestcraft did not build Zion; it built walls of division and created resentment among the people.
As we contemplate the promise of 3 Nephi 21:19, we must also examine our own lives. Are we guilty of allowing priestcraft to creep into our hearts? Do we seek to serve God and His people, or are we seeking the praise of the world? The subtle temptations to elevate oneself can be found in many forms—in our desire for recognition, in our need for approval, and in our fear of being overlooked. These desires, while human, must be subordinated to the greater call to serve Zion.
The pathway to purification is clear—we must root out pride and the desire for gain, dedicating our lives instead to the welfare of others. This is no easy task, because the world continually entices us with promises of fame, power, and success. But as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. We are called to be a light, but not a light of our own making. Our light must come from Christ, shining through us as we humble ourselves and serve without expectation of worldly reward.
The vision of a world free from lyings, deceivings, and priestcrafts is not a utopian fantasy. It is a reality that God promises will come to pass. But that reality begins in the hearts of individuals who commit themselves to living by higher principles. As we await the fulfilment of the promise in 3 Nephi, we can begin the process of sanctification now by rejecting priestcraft and embracing the selfless love that defines Zion.
Explore more about priestcraft with the following resources:
- The Dangers of Priestcraft
- Topic in Guide to the Scriptures: Priestcraft
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a simple breakdown in an article that helps define the term “priestcraft” in the magazine For the Strength of the Youth.
