When I was a much younger man, I had a head covered with hair. In those days, shampoo bottles contained instructions to lather, rinse, and repeat. There was no instruction to “stop” repeating. Lather, rinse, and repeat became an idiom for constantly repeating a process or activity thus becoming a pattern. A pattern is a regularity in the world. As such, the elements of a pattern repeat in a predictable manner. Patterns are all around us and are used for both good and evil.
Pride Pattern
The Book of Mormon recounts the “pride pattern” of an entire nation. The Nephites started out being obedient. Obedience brought blessings including great wealth and prosperity. Wealth led them to become prideful and rebel against the teachings of the prophets. Eventually, the Nephites suffer from war and destruction and are compelled to be humble. In humility, they would turn back to the Lord, repent, and become obedient. This pattern repeats until the end of the book when the Nephites are destroyed completely because of their wickedness.
Within the Book of Mormon are smaller patterns that also repeat. What are we to learn from these patterns? The answer is simple. Satan’s patterns repeat in our day exactly as they have been repeating for thousands of years. Recognizing the templates Satan employs helps us be prepared to counter his methods and avoid falling into his traps.
Conflict Pattern
We find a thought-provoking example in Alma chapter one. A man named Nehor began to go among the people and teach. He taught that every priest and teacher ought to become popular and not labor with their own hands. Teachers and priests should be financially supported by the people. And, there was no need for a Savior for all mankind would be saved at the last day. While he was traveling, he came upon an elderly man named Gideon. Gideon was a teacher that belonged to the church of God. He withstood Nehor’s words and testified of the truth to Nehor. Gideon witnessed with such power that Nehor couldn’t prove himself right. In anger, Nehor drew his sword and slew Gideon.
What is the pattern of this example? Lie, deceive, refuse correction when proven wrong, and shout down your accuser. If that doesn’t finish it then turn violent so as to destroy the one who preaches truth.
In the New Testament, Satan’s pattern repeats during the trial of Jesus. When Pilot proclaims that he finds no fault in Jesus, the mob shouts him down and becomes violent. They demand the crucifixion of Christ to silence the One who preaches truth.
We see the process repeating in our day. In debates, elections, protests, and riots, truth is shouted down, and eventually silenced with violence. So, how do we defend against this popular pattern used by the adversary?
A better pattern
We find the answer in Alma chapter 1 verses 25-30:
“Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them. And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God, they all returned again diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength.
And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely.
And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions … they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need.”
God’s Pattern
God has given us the power to recognize the deceptions of Satan and break his patterns of evil. Jesus Christ established methods of righteousness to enable us to become like Him. Daily habits of scripture study, and meaningful prayer, can assist us as we develop wise patterns. To succeed, we must be steadfast and immovable in keeping His commandments. Lather, rinse, and repeat, until the end of time.
