1 Nephi 17:34-beginning of 35

Nephi is conversing with his brothers about the commandment to build a ship to cross the ocean. He is discussing the nature of following the commandments of God based off the scriptural accounts that he probably read from the brass plates about their forefathers, the Israelites. In verse 34, he asks his brothers if their forefathers would have been more choice if they were righteous? Nephi says no, because in the beginning of the next verse he says that the Lord esteemeth all flesh in one. Some cross-references help us understand this statement:
In Romans 2: 11 it says, "11 For there is no respect of persons with God," meaning that he does not love any person less than another. In 2 Nephi 26: 33, it says, "33 For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile."

Nephi continues to say that the Lord does favor the righteous. In Acts 10:15, it says, "15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common." He favors people, or blesses them, because they have followed His commandments. Nephi, himself, in the very first verse of his writings (1 Nephi 1:1) states, "1 I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days." Nephi was all about following the commandments, as we see in this chapter again.