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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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Mormon 5 - Even as Chaff Is Driven Before the Wind


After initially refusing to lead the Nephites any longer, Mormon "did go forth among the Nephites, and did repent of the oath which I had made that I would no more assist them; and they gave me command again of their armies, for they looked upon me as though I could deliver them from their afflictions" (Mormon 5:1). Mormon doesn't record anything about Mormon's reason for resuming command of the Nephite armies. It's not clear to me if this was a personal decision or a directive from God. Regardless of the role of revelation in this decision, it is significant to me that Mormon chose to continue to help and serve the Nephites even when he knew they were a lost cause doomed for destruction. 

 In so many instances we withhold our love and service because of a judgement we make about how much the recipient does or does not deserve our help. At this point in their decline, the Nephites no longer merited any help from Mormon, or the Lord. Mormon knew that his efforts were not going to change the trajectory of Nephite civilization and that it was only a matter of time before they were exterminated. And yet he used the final years of his life to help defend them and prolong their existence. For me that is a powerful example to offer comfort and service to everyone, whether they will change because of it or not. 

 Mormon had some modest success if protecting the  Nephites that had gathered together in to the cities to defend themselves. But he records, "whatsoever lands we had passed by, and the inhabitants thereof were not gathered in, were destroyed by the Lamanites (Mormon 5:5). There is a symbolic parallel in this example to gathering as part of a church community and surrounding yourself with righteous, supportive influences. Simply put, we cannot follow God on our own. Without the support and reinforcement we get from associating with other good people, it is almost impossible to match the devices and influence of Satan. "Gathering in" can be our associations with others, and it can also be the standards and boundaries we establish in our own home regarding entertainment choices, language, and the amount of time we spend together as a family. 

 Even though Mormon tried to shield those who would read his record from the horrors he experienced, he couldn't help but mourn the destruction of his people. "They were once a delightsome people, and they had Christ for their shepherd; yea, they were led even by God the Father. But now, behold, they are led about by Satan, even as chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without anything wherewith to steer her; and even as she is, so are they" (Mormon 5:17-18). Current righteousness is no guarantee of future safety. Indulging in sin often appears to be authentic, exciting, or liberating. Sin can bring short-term relief and happiness, but fails to provide lasting joy. Satan does not have our interests in mind, and uses the appeal of unrighteous behavior as a lure to ensnare and destroy us. 

 Mormon uses visual metaphors to describe the volatility of a life led by Satan. I like to imagine what the inverse of this statement would be. What does a life led by God look like? It is a life with a sail for propulsion, an anchor for stability, and a rudder to steer. Chaff is the husk of a wheat kernel that is beaten off and discarded in the wind. It is worthless. But a life led by God is transformed into the kernel itself, the good fruit, full of nourishment and value.  
Application Questions

 Who are the "lost causes" in your life? How can you remain committed to serving and comforting them?

 Who could use your help even though they don't appear to deserve it?

 What does "gathering in" mean to you? How can you nurture relationships or create boundaries in your home to defend and preserve your family?

Image Credit: medium.com/sandor-report

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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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