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...
Pride and political division led the Nephites to literal tribalism. They "did murder the chief judge of the land. And the people were divided one against another; and they did separate one from another into tribes, every man according to his family and his kindred and friends; and thus they did destroy the government of the land" (3 Nephi 7:1-2). While political polarization in the U.S. may be troubling, I take some comfort in knowing it has not progressed to the degree experienced by the Nephites at this time. I wonder, though, what our modern version of "separating from one another into tribes" looks like. We hear a lot about social media echo chambers, partisan divides, and the disintegration of community institutions like civic clubs and churches, and I see parallels to the tribes of the ancient Nephites. It is telling that the Nephites brought ruin on their government by only associating with family and friends to the exclusion of others. Maybe today that looks like only interacting with those that share our views, or come from a similar cultural and socioeconomic background.
Chapter 7 goes on to explain that "there were but few righteous men among them" (3 Nephi 7:7). Not only were these righteous few islolated, they likely felt recently betrayed. Only a few years prior the vast majority of their friends, family, colleagues, and fellow citizens had righteously and faithfully followed God. It can be disorienting when the values of those around you shift quickly and dramatically, especially those close to you. Consciously and subconsciously we put rules in place for how we hope others should behave, and often tie our own emotions and well-being to the behavior and others. When a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or friend rejects beliefs and practices that are important to you, it is tempting to take it personally. But I have found a lot of room for self-confidence and empathy for others by letting go of expectations that others will act a certain way. Other people exist for me to love, and my feelings are mine to choose independent of their behavior.
I am impressed by Nephi's response to what must have seemed like a hopeless situation. "Being grieved for the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds" Nephi "went forth among them in that same year, and began to testify, boldly, repentance and remission of sins through faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. And he did minister many things unto them; and all of them cannot be written, and a part of them would not suffice, therefore they are not written in this book. And Nephi did minister with power and with great authority" (3 Nephi 7:16-17). First, Nephi did not go numb. We learn that he was "grieved" by the sins of the Nephites. Second, Nephi took action. My natural response would have been to disengage and leave the people to their wicked practices, but Nephi saw fit to redouble his efforts to preach the Gospel. This witnessed his faith in the power of the gospel to change hearts, and the potential of the Nephites to change. Do I hold the same conviction?
Nephi's incredible efforts included raising his brother from the dead, and yet "there were but few who were converted unto the Lord" (3 Nephi 7:21). The modest success of Nephi's ministry reminds me of the immense worth of souls. "And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" 9D&C 18:15). No effort is ever wasted when rendered in the service of others. We are all humble laborers in the vineyard of the Lord, and as Paul described his missionary efforts, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase" (1 Corinthians 3:6). The results of our efforts are really none of our business. We simply have to keep trying.
Application Questions
How can you interact more with individuals outside your circle?
How do you cope when you feel alone in your belief in Christ, or when those close to you turn away from their former testimony?
What beliefs increase your desire to share the gospel and hope that others might change?
Image Credit: restlesspilgrim.org
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