Alma 2 - 4

In the seventh year of the reign of judges, there was continual peace amongst the Nephites. But -

"...in the eighth year of the reign of the judges, that the people of the church began to wax proud, because of their exceeding riches, and their fine silks, and their fine-twined linen, and because of their many flocks and herds, and their gold and their silver, and all manner of precious things, which they had obtained by their industry; and in all these things were they lifted up in the pride of their eyes, for they began to wear very costly apparel." (Book of Mormon Alma 4:6)

It never seems to fail! As soon as men prosper they tend to forget him that blessed them so -

"...O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 9:28)

And no sooner than they begin -

"...to set their hearts upon riches and upon the vain things of the world, that they [begin] to be scornful, one towards another, and they [begin] to persecute those that [do] not believe according to their own will and pleasure." (Book of Mormon Alma 4:8)

Even to -

"...some lifting themselves up with their pride, despising others, turning their backs upon the needy and the naked and those who were hungry, and those who were athirst, and those who were sick and afflicted." (Book of Mormon Alma 4:12)

And as a result in the -

"...eighth year of the reign of the judges, there began to be great contentions among the people of the church; yea, there were envyings, and strife, and malice, and persecutions, and pride, even to exceed the pride of those who did not belong to the church of God...and the wickedness of the church was a great stumbling–block to those who did not belong to the church; and thus the church began to fail in its progress." (Book of Mormon Alma 4:9 - 10)

Alma's occupation at this time was that of the chief judge. His church calling was presiding high priest. Though we do not know all the details of Alma's temporal situation, I think his actions give us great insight of one who serves God with all his heart, might, mind and strength. Alma, recognizing the challenges before him -

"...he selected a wise man who was among the elders of the church, and gave him power according to the voice of the people, that he might have power to enact laws according to the laws which had been given, and to put them in force according to the wickedness and the crimes of the people.
17 Now this man's name was Nephihah, and he was appointed chief judge; and he sat in the judgment–seat to judge and to govern the people..." (Book of Mormon Alma 4:16 - 17)

And -

"...Alma did not grant unto him the office of being high priest over the church, but he retained the office of high priest unto himself..." (Book of Mormon Alma 4:18)

And he did this that -

"...he himself might go forth among his people, or among the people of Nephi, that he might preach the word of God unto them, to stir them up in remembrance of their duty, and that he might pull down, by the word of God, all the pride and craftiness and all the contentions which were among his people, seeing no way that he might reclaim them save it were in bearing down in pure testimony against them." (Book of Mormon Alma 4:19)

And again - how did he do this? How are priesthood leaders to do this?

"...by the word of God..." (Book of Mormon Alma 4:19)