Book of Mormon Lesson Plan 12

Introduction

We have a peculiar lingo in the church that must sound strange to others who are not of our faith.  We have almost as many acronyms as the military.  We speak of Fast Sunday and the Stake Center, and our Elders are younger than most other churches’ Deacons.  And my personal favorite is the Sunbeams:

 

There was a psychiatrist who was unfamiliar with LDS culture.  He came to Utah for his internship. A new client came into his office, and began telling him of her struggles. It went something like this:

client: The Sunbeams are driving me crazy.
psych: (with raised eyebrows) The sunbeams?
client: They are giving me a headache.
psych: Are you sensitive to the light?
client: No. They keep bouncing off the walls.
psych: Yes?
client: They won’t sit in their seats and they won’t stop talking.
psych (becoming increasingly concerned): The sunbeams talk to you?
client: Constantly!
psych: Have you told anyone else about this?
client: Yes, the Bishop and the President.
psych: You’ve told the Bishop and the President!
client: Of course, they said I would just have to deal with it.
psych: I think we might need to do some tests.

After a pause, the woman looked intently at the psychiatrist and said,
client: You’re not LDS are you?

 

Another unique phrase in Mormondom is our constantly encouraging each other to “magnify our callings.”  What does a magnifying glass do?  (It both enlarges and focuses.)  Consider how we can magnify our callings as we read Jacob 1:17–19.

Nephi and Jacob magnified their callings

How did the Nephites feel about Nephi?  They loved him!  Why? 

      Read Jacob 1:10 – He served them, sacrificed for them, and even risked his life for them.

      How have you felt about those who labor and serve you? 

      What does this suggest about what we should do to increase our influence on those for whom we have responsibility?

 

What are some good examples of people you have seen magnify their callings? 

      Read D&C 58:26–28

      How can we better magnify our callings?

      How have you been blessed as you have done your best to magnify your callings?

 

Elder Ballard spoke about magnifying our callings in October 2006, and suggested several ways we can appropriately magnify our callings:

First, focus on people and programs…

Second, be innovative. As we work to magnify our callings, we should seek the inspiration of the Spirit to solve problems in ways that will best help the people we serve.... To innovate does not necessarily mean to expand; very often it means to simplify…. Because the eternal principle of agency gives us the freedom to choose and think for ourselves, we should become increasingly able to solve problems.

Third, divide the work and delegate responsibility.

Fourth, eliminate guilt.

Fifth, we need to thoughtfully allocate our resources of time, income, and energy. I would like to let you in on a little secret. Some of you have already learned it. If you haven’t, it’s time you knew. No matter what your family needs are or your responsibilities in the Church, there is no such thing as “done.” There will always be more we can do. There is always another family matter that needs attention, another lesson to prepare, another interview to conduct, another meeting to attend. We just need to be wise in protecting our health and in following the counsel that President Hinckley has given often to just do the best that we can.

Jacob warns against pride, unchastity, and the love of riches

As Jacob prepared to speak to the Nephites, I imagine this was the equivalent of his first General Conference address.  It makes me think of President Monson as he prepares to address us for the first time as the Prophet.  How did Jacob feel as he prepared to give this address?  Read Jacob 2:3, 5. 

      What did he mean by the phrase “labor in sin”?

 

Jacob discusses problem #1:

      Read Jacob 2:12–16.  The cause of God’s condemnation is the pride that motivates their actions.  Being rich is not the sin; being proud of your riches is.

      Read Jacob 2:17–21.  Jacob teaches us how to avoid the problems associated with money.

 

Read President Kimball quote:

President Spencer W. Kimball taught:

“The possession of riches does not necessarily constitute sin. But sin may arise in the acquisition and use of wealth. … ‘For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.’ (1 Tim. 6:10–11.)

“Book of Mormon history eloquently reveals the corrosive effect of the passion for wealth. … Had the people used their wealth for good purposes they could have enjoyed a continuing prosperity. But they seemed unable for a sustained period to be simultaneously wealthy and righteous” (The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 47–48).

Jacob discusses problem #2:

      Read Jacob 2:23–24 – Immorality seems to be a problem in nearly every culture. 

      It appears from Jacob’s sermon that the problem he was dealing with was immorality among the men.  How were they trying to justify their actions?  (David and Solomon did it!)

      What was the consequence?  Read Jacob 2:31, 35.

      In addition the general “wrongness” of immorality, what was the other problem these Nephites faced?  Read Jacob 2:34 – They knew what they were doing was wrong.  Therefore they came under a greater condemnation.

      I’m not interested in understanding the justifications being used today.  They’re not that different from the excuses used anciently, and they aren’t any better now than they were then.  I am concerned with helping those who are victims of sin, both the sinner and those hurt by the actions of the transgressor.

      For those hurt by sin, read Jacob 3:1–2.

      For those struggling with their own sins, President Benson offered this advice:

1.       Flee immediately from any situation you are in that is either causing you to sin or that may cause you to sin.”

2.       Plead with the Lord for the power to overcome.”

3.       Let your priesthood leaders help you resolve the transgression and come back into full fellowship with the Lord.”

4.       Drink from the divine fountain [the scriptures and words of the prophets] and fill your lives with positive sources of power.”

5.       Remember that through proper repentance you can become clean again.”

Jacob testifies of the Atonement of Jesus Christ

Read Jacob 4:4, 7, 11

Conclude with Mosiah 3:17