These particular if-then constructions demonstrate that natural consequences follow from obeying or not obeying God’s commandments. Laman and Lemuel are cut off from God’s presence because of their stubborn vanity—one might say that they cut themselves off from God’s presence—while Nephi’s faithfulness ensures that he will become a spiritual leader. Laman and Lemuel’s ostracism is not God’s punishment but the natural consequence of their own decision to reject him.