...if Jacob knew we would have his words.
Certainly, being the prophet would entitle you to some foresight into things that would come to pass. But his words seem to ring true as much today as when he originally spoke them/wrote them over 2500 years ago. It is truly miraculous that we can have this book in our hands and study the words of these ancient people, learning from their mistakes (if we will) and feeling the tender impressions of their souls (if we can).
Jacob speaks of two major evils, the one being grosser (greater) than the other. First, there is the love of riches which leads to pride and disdain for one's fellow men. I have said much on this subject, so I will forbear at this time. Suffice it to say that we struggle with the same things today that we did then. The accumulation of wealth does not make you better than someone, just luckier. Would having unmeasured wealth dramatically change your life? If so, why? What are you doing now that you would not be doing then? What are you missing now that you wish you could have? Why do we allow things like money to get in the way? Jacob's advice is to seek first the kingdom of God and then riches will follow, if we seek them. But we'll seek them with a different intent - to serve God and alleviate poverty, not to accumulate more than others.
The other sin he talks about is sexual impurity. He speaks directly to men, who are usually the perpetrators of such crimes, and tells them that they have not only broken the commandments of God but destroyed the lives and confidences of their wives and children. Sexual transgression may seem like it involves only two people. But this is not the case. It invariably affects future generations. It affects our relationships with everyone forever. Confidence and trust, once lost in this manner, is seldom able to return to the level previously enjoyed. That's why God enjoins such behavior in the first place - it is so destructive and damning.
It may be overcome. The hope in Christ and His atonement is that His grace is sufficient for us all individually and all our sins. That includes things of a sexual nature. As Isaiah says, though our sins be like scarlet, they will be white as snow. Scarlet, of course, has direct reference to sexual transgression. Alma further says that the way to overcome such transgressions is to dedicate one's life to overcoming the effects of the transgression through service to others, especially to those whom we have offended. He set the example for us in these things by his own life.
I have not committed crimes of this magnitude, but have found in my own life that I am finding the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ to be every bit as necessary. I am a weak man, subject to many of the appetites of the flesh. Truly, the mind is willing but the flesh is weak (or, as my dad used to say - the flesh is too strong). But really, the flesh is only as strong as I allow it to be. I am in control of my life. My spirit will not fail me if I do not give way to these temptations. And if I do, I know where I can turn for repentance and forgiveness...
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