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9 - 15 Mar - Learn With Joy and Not With Sorrow - Jacob 1 - 4

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...
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Alma 50 - They Did Prosper Exceedingly


Moroni continued his work of fortification, built new cities, and consolidate the territory of the Nephites. Because of his industry, he brought security and peace to his country: "Thus Moroni, with his armies, which did increase daily because of the assurance of protection which his works did bring forth unto them" (Alma 50:12). Similarly, when we live good lives and demonstrate the confidence and contentment that can come from righteousness, we give others permission to join in doing the same. People naturally want to associate with things that are successful, stable, and safe; goodness is mutually reinforcing. 

 Because of their efforts, the Lord blessed them "and they did prosper exceedingly, and they became exceedingly rich; yea, and they did multiply and wax strong in the land"  (Alma 50:18). An important caveat to this verse is that living the gospel is not a get rich quick scheme, the reward for righteousness is not always monetary, and the eternal blessings of obedience will always outweigh any world benefits we receive from following God. The blessings enjoyed by Moroni were contingent on their obedience, but were also in response to a specific promise made to Lehi. "Thus we see how merciful and just are all the dealings of the Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the children of men; yea, we can behold that his words are verified, even at this time, which he spake unto Lehi, saying: Blessed art thou and thy children; and they shall be blessed, inasmuch as they shall keep my commandments they shall prosper in the land. But remember, inasmuch as they will not keep my commandments they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord" (Alma 50:19-20). 

 The blessings enjoyed by Moroni and his people were a fulfillment of prophesy and a  testament to God's love, but that love could have taken many different forms. Bren and I were talking last night about how blessings can often be disguised as trials and hard work. I was reminded specifically of the parable of the talents in the New Testament in which three servants are entrusted with different amounts of money. Two of the servants engage in trade and commerce to double their money, while one hides the money he was given for safe keeping. The two servants who doubled their money--from five to ten and two to four talents, respectively--were praised and entrusted with more responsibility. Because the third servant had not increased his area of responsibility, the master declared, "Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath" (Matthew 25:28-29). I don't know that this phrase was a punishment as much as simple statement of fact. Whenever we fail to uphold our responsibilities, magnify our talents, or show up as our best selves someone else must pick up the slack, and therefore receive the accompanying blessings. If a Sunday school teacher cancels last minute, someone must teach on the fly. The pinch-hitter grows in his or her capacity to speak extemporaneously, to remain calm under pressure, and to draw on general familiarity with the scriptures. A mother who parents alone due to the willful absence of a father develops greater resilience, fortitude, and a closeness to God and her children. The strength and joy that could have been her spouses are transferred to her safe keeping. Those who step in and those who rise up are blessed beyond their natural abilities. 

 In the case of Moroni, "those who were faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord were delivered at all times ... [and] there never was a happier time among the people of Nephi ... than in the days of Moroni" (Alma 50:22-23). I may never be a millionaire, but whenever I have sincerely tried to follow God, I have been freed from my own failings and had my heart lifted. 
Application Questions

 How have you been blessed and strengthened by your trials and responsibilities?

 Think of a time when someone let you down, and you had to incur the cost and/or make up the difference. What growth would you have missed out on without this experience? How could letting go of resentment further increase your joy?
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