Pride

1 Nephi (in the Book of Mormon—the keystone of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), chapter 13, verse 9, says:

And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the saints of God, and bring them down into captivity.

I ask myself why do they seek to destroy the saints of God…

I believe the answer is part of the oldest stories of all:

In the Pre-mortal existence, Lucifer’s plan (which was in direct opposition with the plan of God and daughter to destroy the agency of man) was rejected by God the Father and the plan of our eldest brother, Jehovah (who would have the name Jesus on Earth and He would become our Savior and Redeemer!) would be accepted and adopted as The Plan of Salvation or The Plan of Happiness (after all, it was the Father’s Plan, and His Father’s Plan, and His Father’s Plan…).

Lucifer and the third of the host of heaven that followed him, were enemies to God.  Enemies to Jehovah and they hated God the Father and God’s Well-Beloved Son.  They still hate God and His Plan.  Hate Jesus Christ who championed that Plan and everyone who follows that plan…

One way, the easiest way, they can beguile mortals into carrying-out their hate-filled rebellion is through the mortal weekends of pride.  Make man feel that pride through the praise of the world or through that which they feel pride over already…

“… And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the saints of God, and bring them down into captivity.“

JPS