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...
Christ explained to the Nephites that "I am he that gave the law, and I am he who covenanted with my people Israel; therefore, the law in me is fulfilled, for I have come to fulfil the law; therefore it hath an end" (3 Nephi 15:5). Christ meets his children where they are spiritually and provides commandments and instructions best suited to their needs and ability. While He is infinite and eternal, and His truth is unchanging, the means God uses to help us grow are as diverse and dynamic as we are. Sometimes we put the law, or the previous commandments of God, over God Himself. We may hold on to old ideas and ways of doing things when God would introduce a new and better way. President Nelson has given no shortage of opportunities to embrace this principle with his new announcements and hastened pace, particularly in decommissioning the home teaching and visiting teaching programs in favor of more personalized ministering. The actions (and inactions) of God's chosen prophet will not always align with our values and beliefs, or constitute where God eventually wants to take us, but do represent where He wants us now.
The laws that God has currently given us through His living prophet are the best chance we have at happiness for ourselves and others. That does not mean the laws and commandments are God's idea end state. It does not mean that God's counsel to us will not change in the future. It just means it is best for us now, individually and collectively, based on God's infinite wisdom and foreknowledge. He is taking His children to a higher, holier place, and the path to get there will likely have many stages, vistas, and valleys. On a mountain trail, swithbacks may seem like a waste of time, but are the best way to gain elevation in the long run. I feel the tendency in myself that is common to many of us to rush God, or to speculate on His future direction. I wonder why we don't go straight up the mountain. This temptation is particularly strong for me when it comes to pressing social issues. But ultimately, I don't actually know what direction God would intend for me as an individual, His Church as an organization, or our world collectively. Even if I could guess what divinely appointed changes in Church practice and teaching were ahead, rushing to get there would overshoot the mark and be counterproductive to God's purposes.
"Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd" (3 Nephi 15:21). God is the God of the whole earth and He loves all of His children. He works tirelessly for their righteousness and salvation. We may be scattered and disparate. We may have hundreds and thousands of languages and customs. We may be willing receive, or stubbornly resist, but we are all equal and beloved of God. What defines us as His followers is our willingness to hear his voice. "But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen me; and ye are my sheep, and ye are numbered among those whom the Father hath given me" (3 Nephi 15:24). During His intercessory prayer, Christ prayed not for the world, but for those the Father had given Him out of the world. His atoning sacrifice will have full effect in the lives of those who diligently seek Him and strive to keep His commandments. We self-select into the kingdom of God.
Because of the price that has been paid for our sins, we are "given" unto Christ. The work of atonement has been accomplished and we know how the story ends. To me this is the essence of faith, to know that no matter what mistakes we make or what trials we face, we are His, and not even our own wickedness and rebellion can stand in the way if we humbling and persistently move forward. Salvation is not about being perfect, but moving forward. In the same way, damnation is not about making mistakes, but about giving up.
Application Questions
How do you respond to changes in church policy and doctrine?
How can you see the hand of the Lord in the lives of people on the extreme periphery of our society and our world?
Image Credit: Thomas Binden
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