A popular song of the 1970s included these words: "You're so vain, I bet you think this song is about you. . . ." Many of us know someone who fits the words of this song, but could the same words also apply to us? Are we ourselves in danger of falling into the clutches of vanity?

Isaiah warned us against drawing "iniquity with cords of vanity." (Isa. 5:18.) Yes, vanity is a sin. And if we don't carefully watch our steps, we can find ourselves easily slipping into the arena of puffed-up egos, self-righteousness or some other prideful attitude that will turn our otherwise good intentions into boastful and vain behavior.The prophet Lehi, in his dream of the Tree of Life, saw a great and spacious building. "And it was filled with people both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit." (1 Ne. 8:27.)

The dream of Lehi has a modern-day application. The mocking people, caught up in the wearing of exceedingly fine apparel and who were pointing their fingers at others, were certainly vain. And vain people - then and now - often jeer and criticize the life and behavior of others because of what they feel is their own importance.

But vanity is not limited to the wearing of costly apparel or tied into possessions or social status. Vanity has as much to do with our attitude as our appearance or possessions. Indeed, the Topical Guide in the LDS edition of the Bible lists these words under vanity: apparel . . . deceit . . . flattery . . . foolishness . . . haughtiness . . . hypocrisy . . . pride.

The Lord declares in modern revelation: "Vanity and unbelief have brought the church under condemnation." (D&C 84:55.)

Fishermen who trap crabs notice this phenomenon: When an uncovered barrel or container is filled with crabs within a few inches of the top, the creatures are still unable to escape. As one crab tries to climb out, the others pull the would-be escapee back into the barrel. So it is with human nature as represented by the wicked people in Lehi's dream.

They were attempting - through their jeers and taunts - to pull down those who were following the iron rod and seeking the fruit of eternal life.

What the people in the building undoubtedly failed to realize is that they, like the crabs in the barrel, were also in a miserable state, but because they were mocking others they failed to notice their own misery.

In discussing the doctrine of agency, the Prophet Joseph Smith declared: " . . . all are subjected to vanity while they travel through the crooked paths and difficulties which surround them. . . . But notwithstanding their vanity, men look forward with hope (because they are `subjected in hope') to the time of their deliverance." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 187-8.)

The apostle Paul counseled, "Turn from these vanities unto the living God" (Acts 14:15), and reminded the Ephesians not "to walk the way Gentiles walk in the vanities of their mind." (Eph. 4:17.)

We all know people who are so wrapped up with themselves that they make life miserable for others. They gain satisfaction by taking credit for tasks performed by others. They may not have done the work, but - like Satan - they demand all the glory. They are like the crabs, pulling at those who try to better their situation. If they are persuaded to share the credit, they pick apart others' efforts, thus reassuring themselves that they are the most important part of any enterprise. These individuals - like those in the spacious building - are constantly belittling others, just to build their own importance. Sometimes they wonder why no one enjoys their company, but dismiss it with a smugness that they are above everyone else.

We must never fall in this trap with this kind of attitude.

The Savior throughout His earthly ministry was a model of self-denial. Rarely did He consider His comfort or good. His thoughts and actions were continually on others' well-being and their needs. In the end, His only worldly possession - a robe - was gambled away by His crucifiers.

In our lives we should look to individuals who exemplify Christlike attributes, not to individuals who are vain and impressed with themselves. We should look to individuals who will lift and elevate us and our thoughts, who will enlighten us and strenghten us and do not try pull us back into the barrel with the miserable crowd. And we should be willing to do the same for others: helping to lift them to better heights.

We should keep our eyes on the Savior and the prophet. As we do we will have no time for - nor tendency toward - vanity, haughtiness, pride or other foolish traits that the scriptures so clearly warn us against.