Jacob 1 - That We Might Persuade Them to Come Unto Christ I'm taking an online economics class right now, which prompted me to think of the definition of economics in the context of the scriptures. Economics is the study of the allocation of scarce resources. In the case of Nephi and his successor Jacob, the plates upon which they engraved their record was a scarce resource. They were costly to make and difficult to engrave, and instilling a tradition of passing them through generations was surely cumbersome. Recognizing the great importance of spiritual things and the challenge of maintaining records, Nephi instructed Jacob to prioritize religious instruction saying, " if there were preaching which was sacred, or revelation which was great, or prophesying, that I should engraven the heads of them upon these plates, and touch upon them as much as it were possible, for Christ’s sake, and for the sake of our people" (Jacob 1:4). This priority was not only reflecte
The people of Limhi escape from captivity by offering a large tribute of wine, and taking all their possessions and fleeing from their land while the Lamanites were drunk. In the course of devising this stratagem we read that "Ammon and king Limhi began to consult with the people how they should deliver themselves out of bondage; and even they did cause that all the people should gather themselves together; and this they did that they might have the voice of the people concerning the matter" (Mosiah 22:1). Even though king Limhi had absolute unilateral decision making authority, because the decision would significantly affect all of his subjects, he chose to solicit their input. Because of this democratic approach, a man named Gideon proposed a successful strategy to escape. This example reminds me of the value of family counsels. Our children are still very young and so it doesn't seem necessary for us to consult with our 5 year old, 3 year old, or 2 year old, or 4 month old when my wife and I are making decisions about our family. But even at this age, the best outcomes occur when we have discussed things as a family. Questions like, "should we go to the park or work on a project at home this Saturday" help our kids feel heard.
After Limhi and his people flee, they find refuge with the Nephites in Zarahemla. "And after being many days in the wilderness they arrived in the land of Zarahemla, and joined Mosiah’s people, and became his subjects" (Mosiah 22:13). They had just fled from the captivity of the Lamanites, and yet willingly subjected themselves to the Nephite king. In their choice to join the Nephites I see parallels to the freedom we find when we submit to the will of the Lord. Nephi taught that "men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself" (2 Nephi 2:27). While God outlines standards of conduct that may feel restrictive, they are ultimately liberating and free us from the consequences of bad choices.
Application Questions
How can use use family councils or conversations as a whole family to make decisions together that everyone is committed to?
What currently binds you down that you could find freedom from by following God?
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