Check Yourself During Transitions

I keep noticing something about transitions as I read the scriptures. Whenever there is a transition, especially a major one like moving to a new form of government as in the case of the Nephites in Alma 1, that is one of the times when it seems like Satan likes to launch a new plan or strategy to lead people astray. Notice how in the very first year of a new form of government Satan launches a plan through his slave Nehor:

 2 And it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of Alma in the judgment-seat, there was a man brought before him to be judged, a man who was large, and was noted for his much strength.

 3 And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people.

 4 And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life.

 5 And it came to pass that he did teach these things so much that many did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give him money.

 6 And he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear very costly apparel, yea, and even began to establish a church after the manner of his preaching.

I think Satan does this because there may be the tendency or temptation to get distracted with new things that are going on in our lives. For example, after a move we may be tempted to spend so large a portion of our time and energy unpacking and organizing and decorating our new place that we hardly realize that we may be neglecting our family, our scripture study, our prayers, etc....Neglecting those important priorities makes us more susceptible to other temptations.

When transitions happen in my life, I want to try to make sure that all my good habits stay good habits and that no new bad habits creep in to my life. This could apply to moving to a new house, which is coming up for us in a couple months, getting a new job, starting a new semester at school, etc....