16 O that he would rid you from this iniquity and abomination. And, O that ye would listen unto the word of his commands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls!
Jacob is concerned about the growing wealth gap among his people, particularly as he sees the behavior of the rich toward their less fortunate neighbors. His primary concern seems to be for the wealthy. He’s worried that their material possessions are clouding their judgment and distracting them from their eternal goals. His advice to them in this chapter is good advice for us all:
1. “Think of your brethren like unto yourselves.” Don’t allow yourself to imagine that you’re superior to others or that you deserve the advantages you have been given.
2. “Be familiar with all.” Don’t seclude yourself and miss out on the richness that comes from relationships with other people, particularly people with diverse backgrounds and personalities.
3. Be “free with your substance.” If you want to avoid being attached to the things of this world, relax your grip on them a little! Stop thinking of your possessions as things that “belong” to you (or worse, as an extension of your identity). Start thinking in terms of stewardship: how can these earthly things be put to good use on behalf of Heavenly Father’s children?
4. “Before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.” If your goal is to contribute to God’s work, you will learn to serve His children with love and humility.
Today, I will keep my earthly possessions in perspective. I will recommit to contribute everything I have to the kingdom of God and will remember that the worth of a soul is great: every soul, regardless of age, background, or material wealth.