Read the full chapter here: Jacob 1
Passage #1
Wherefore we labored diligently among our people, that we might persuade them to come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God, that they might enter into his rest . . .
Jacob 1:7
Precept #1
Work diligently to persuade the people around you to come to Christ and partake of His goodness.
When did you last let yourself partake of God’s goodness? Who was the last person you tried sharing His goodness with? How long ago was it and how much effort did you put into it?
Passage #2
. . . we would to God that we could persuade all men not to rebel against God, to provoke him to anger, but that all men would believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and bear the shame of the world . . .
Jacob 1:8
Precept #2
Don’t provoke God to anger by rebelling against Him.
Have you ever felt God’s anger before? Have you seen someone else feel it? What did you have to do to feel His love and approval again?
Passage #3
The people having loved Nephi exceedingly, he having been a great protector for them, having wielded the sword of Laban in their defence, and having labored in all his days for their welfare –
Jacob 1:10
Precept #3
Labor all your days for the welfare of your people.
Who do you labor for everyday? Yourself and your own glory? The welfare of your family? Who is number one in your life?
Passage #4
Wherefore I, Jacob, gave unto them these words as I taught them in the temple, having first obtained mine errand from the Lord.
Jacob 1:17
Precept #4
Don’t assume you have the right to correct other people. Before you do wait for the Lord to tell you you should.
Is there a rift in your family because you told someone they were making the wrong choice? Did the Lord tell you to do that? Or was it your own doing without receiving “[your] errand from the Lord?” How do you go about mending the broken relationships caused by your words? Can you?
Passage #5
For I, Jacob, and my brother Joseph had been consecrated priests and teachers of this people, by the hand of Nephi.
And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day.
Jacob 1:18-19
Precept #5
Take seriously the responsibilities you are given in God’s kingdom. Use all the diligence and effort and energy you have to fulfilling them.
Are your callings those things you get around to if you have the time? Or do you really put forth a meaningful effort to accomplish them the best you can? Are your efforts bringing you closer to the Lord? What about being a parent or a spouse? Are your ministering efforts a priority?
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