Alma 39

Due to many failures or misdeeds on his mission to the Zoramites, Alma counsels his son, Corianton, on the matter. First he said to Corianton -

"....Now this is what I have against thee; thou didst go on unto boasting in thy strength and thy wisdom." (Book of Mormon | Alma 39:2)

In my mind, "boasting in thy strength" suggests very little humility and reliance on the Lord. This was not his work but it is the Lord's work and we should always remember we are nothing more than instruments in His hands. Which also leads to "thy wisdom". Our wisdom is nothing to the Lord's wisdom -

"Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 4:10)

Humility and seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost is the means to being an instrument in His hands. Alma also said he had against Corianton -

"...Thou didst do that which was grievous unto me; for thou didst forsake the ministry, and did go over into the land of Siron among the borders of the Lamanites, after the harlot Isabel..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 39:3)

And then Alma taught an important doctrine -

"Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?" (Book of Mormon | Alma 39:5)

Corianton seemed to follow the philosophies of the world...that it doesn't really matter what God commands but more if it is a natural thing and everyone is doing it. It is the counsel that Alma follows with that is true doctrine -

"...I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross yourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and cross yourself in these things." (Book of Mormon | Alma 39:9)

And -

"...turn to the Lord with all your mind, might, and strength; that ye lead away the hearts of no more to do wickedly; but rather return unto them, and acknowledge your faults and that wrong which ye have done." (Book of Mormon | Alma 39:13)

We are commanded to repent! The prophet Joseph Smith taught that cross thyself means as taught in the footnote for Matthew 16:24 -

"JST Matt. 16:26 And now for a man to take up his cross, is to deny himself all ungodliness, and every worldly lust, and keep my commandments." (New Testament:Matthew 16:24)