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...
Moroni took a small group of soldiers to put down an insurrection in the capital. As we went, others saw his flag and followed. Moroni's example of courage inspired others to aid in the cause. "And [Moroni] did raise the standard of liberty in whatsoever place he did enter, and gained whatsoever force he could...; and uniting his forces with those of Pahoran they became exceedingly strong" (Alma 62:4-5). Symbolically, we often raise our "standards," or values, for others to see. Through the words we say, the ways we act, and the views we support, we signal to others the things that are important to us. I am often tempted to be discrete instead of bold, and worry I might be misunderstood. But because Moroni was willing to wave his banner "in whatsoever place he did enter," many people joined him. When we act in a way that is congruent with our values and stand for what we believe to be true, we give others permission to do the same and may be surprised by those who join us.
I'm also impressed with the mercy shown to the Lamanite prisoners who agreed to surrender. Moroni allowed Lamanite prisoners who swore a truce to live among the people of Ammon. "And it came to pass after they had taken them, they caused them to enter into a covenant that they would no more take up their weapons of war against the Nephites. And when they had entered into this covenant they sent them to dwell with the people of Ammon, and they were in number about four thousand who had not been slain" (Alma 62:16-17). Later Moroni extended the same offer to another group of prisoners and the "prisoners were desirous to join the people of Ammon and become a free people. And it came to pass that as many as were desirous, unto them it was granted according to their desires" (Alma 62:27-28). What a feat of forgiveness to not only spare the solders who had killed your comrades, but to grant them a place to live in your own country without any demands for reparations. I hope can be as forgiving and generous to others, even those who have opposed or injured me in the past.
The Nephites had diverse reactions to the trials of war. Some were humbled and softened by suffering while others became calloused. "But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility" (Alma 62:41). I take from the experience of the Nephites that we can choose to be transformed by the experiences of our lives in any way we choose. We can use them as leverage to grow and draw closer to God, or as evidence to give up or become bitter.
After the Nephites succeeded in regaining their territory and this series of battles with the Lamanites drew to a close, Helaman dedicated his life to service in the church. "Therefore, Helaman and his brethren went forth, and did declare the word of God with much power unto the convincing of many people of their wickedness, which did cause them to repent of their sins and to be baptized unto the Lord their God. And it came to pass that they did establish again the church of God, throughout all the land" (Alma 62:45-46).
The Nephites were able to remain humble and righteous when they became wealthy because they remembered God and prayed to Him continually. "But notwithstanding their riches, or their strength, or their prosperity, they were not lifted up in the pride of their eyes; neither were they slow to remember the Lord their God; but they did humble themselves exceedingly before him. Yea, they did remember how great things the Lord had done for them, that he had delivered them from death, and from bonds, and from prisons, and from all manner of afflictions, and he had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies. And they did pray unto the Lord their God continually, insomuch that the Lord did bless them, according to his word, so that they did wax strong and prosper in the land" (Alma 62:49-51).
Application Questions
In what contexts could I be more bold in advocating for what I value? How can I be more open and confident in my beliefs?
How can I forgive and serve those who have wronged me?
How are the experiences of my life shaping me? What do I need to do to ensure trials do not break me, and blessings do not ruin me?
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