HUMILITY

"Weaknesses of the flesh come in many forms, but all come as a result of the fall of Adam, which introduced into the world pains and problems, sicknesses and sorrows, temptations and trials.  Not only did the nature of man become fallen, carnal, sensual and devilish, but the entire world fell to a telestial state with all of its accompanying weaknesses and inherent problems.

Such weaknesses affect all mankind, even the prophets of God.  'O wretched man that I am,' bemoaned Nephi and Paul the Apostle.  (See 2nd Nephi 4:17 and Romans 7:24)  These Fall-induced 'weaknesses of the flesh' impose natural limitations upon us all.

Mortals are always bound by worldly weaknesses and limitations in strength, knowledge and power.  Recognizing these limitations in stark contrast to God's infinite wisdom and power causes one to be humble.  'The foolishness of God is wiser than men, 'declared Paul the Apostle, 'and the weakness of God is stronger than men.' (l Corinthians 1:25)

In addition to the universal weaknesses of the flesh that come as a result of the Fall, the Lord will at times 'give unto men' a personalized individual challenge that is designed to increase a person's faith in and dependence upon the Lord…

C.S. Lewis insightfully observed:  'When a man turns to Christ and seems to be getting on pretty well (in the sense that some of his bad habits are now corrected), he often feels that it would now be natural if things went fairly smoothly.  When troubles come along, illnesses, money troubles, new kinds of temptation, he is disappointed. These things, he feels, might have been necessary to rouse him and make him repent in his bad old days; but why now?

Because God is forcing him on, or up, to a higher level:  putting him into situations where he will have to be very much braver, or more patient, or more loving, than he ever dreamed of before.  It seems to us all unnecessary:  but that is because we have not yet had the slightest notion of the tremendous thing He means to make of us.'" (Mere Christianity, pg. 174) (Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, McConkie, Millet & Top, Vol. 4, pg. 300-301)