Jacob 2-4

Quote "If you have not chosen the kingdom of God first, it will in the end make no difference what you have chosen instead."

~William Law

Question "Are your decisions based on how your choices will help to build the Lord's kingdom? If needed, how can you change?

I think for the most part most Latter-day Saints try their best to build up the kingdom of God, through their callings, visiting and home teaching, compassionate service, and of course through tithing. I think we can all do better, especially in child rearing to really focus our children's attention to the importance of putting God first in their lives. I certainly struggle with consistency in this and other areas, and many parents that I know do also. Our children are the future leaders of our church and our country, what kind of people do we want them to grow up to be?

Today's reading assignment put me in mind of Elder Hollands talk this conference. Elder Holland echoed many of the same teachings that Jacob taught about the children and wives crying unto the Lord for the pains they suffered because of the unrighteous behavior of their husbands and fathers. I guess they had many of the same problems in that day that we do now. Of course, they didn't have pornography available like we do today, and other conveniences, however, there were obviously heartbroken wives for a reason. It saddens me to think that Satan has a grasp on so many men that they are willing to throw their families away for naught.

I also find it interesting that Jacob talks about the Lamanites being more righteous in the sense of their marriages. That the Lamanite husbands had one wife, and were faithful to their wife, and they loved their wife, and the wife loved her husband, and they both loved their children. Even though they had other ways of being less righteous, they kept that commandment, and they were blessed as a people for that obedience. I think we see that today as well, there are lots of Christians that struggle with faithfulness, and there are many non-Christians that sincerely love their families and would never even consider unfaithfulness.

One of the other topics Jacob discussed with his people was pride and riches. Gee, do we have that problem today....hmmm....let me think about that? Goodness, we have channels on tv that are dedicated to what people in "Hollywood" are wearing, and what they are doing, and what houses and cars, and other things they have. I'd say we have a problem with pride and riches as well. Jacob's warning is just as valid today when he says "But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God." (Hey, I think someone needs to remind our government of this!) :)