4 Nephi 1:38

And it came to pass that they who rejected the gospel were called Lamanites, and Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites; and they did not dwindle in unbelief, but they did wilfully rebel against the gospel of Christ; and they did teach their children that they should not believe, even as their fathers, from the beginning, did dwindle.

After two centuries of peace and faithfulness for the Nephites, culture won out over discipleship. The people were more drawn to their ancient, virtually extinct cultural differences than they were to their shared faith. If we look at the United States today, do we not see a similar pattern? That which divides us is becoming more important than that which unites us. Our cultural loyalties are becoming more defining than our national loyalty. This point in the Book of Mormon chronicle exists for the same reason that Mormon included so many other details. He saw our day and drew parallels to his own national history. His country ground itself to pieces because of irreconcilable differences. We are on the same trajectory, just as Mormon knew we would be.

4 Nephi 1:2-3

And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another. And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift.

Equality and unity are always characteristics of a believing people. These are not programs, but are the natural results of people living the gospel and following Christ. Look for willing and voluntary equality and unity, born out of a genuine love of God and neighbors, and you will find true Christians.

3 Nephi 27:1 Part 2

And it came to pass that as the disciples of Jesus were journeying and were preaching the things which they had both heard and seen, and were baptizing in the name of Jesus, it came to pass that the disciples were gathered together and were united in mighty prayer and fasting.

Great power comes from unity of faith. The faith of a single individual can be tremendously powerful; the faith of many united in a single purpose multiplies the power exponentially. When we work and pray together, the individual weakness of one can be compensated for by a matching strength of another, and so the whole group can be perfect. God loves a united people.

Second Nephi 1:21

And now that my soul might have joy in you, and that my heart might leave this world with gladness because of you, that I might not be brought down with grief and sorrow to the grave, arise from the dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity;

Unity is the defense against captivity. If we can be of one mind and heart with the Lord, Satan can have no power over us.