5 But behold, hearken ye unto me, and know that by the help of the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth I can tell you concerning your thoughts, how that ye are beginning to labor in sin, which sin appeareth very abominable unto me, yea, and abominable unto God.
(Jacob 2:5)
As I’ve pondered these words of Jacob today, I’ve had the following insights:
- It makes sense to me to describe sin as a form of labor. Whenever we sin, even in our thoughts, we are expending effort and energy on something that is not uplifting, not helpful, and not wise.
- The phrase “labor in sin” sounds unpleasant, which reminds me of the principle that wickedness never was happiness (Alma 41:10).
- The sins Jacob identifies in this chapter are thought sins — justifying unchastity and looking down on those less fortunate than oneself.
- We might think our thoughts are private, but Jacob reminds us that our Heavenly Father knows all of our thoughts.
- Our persistent thoughts are a manifestation of our character. “As [we] think in [our hearts], so [are we]” (Proverbs 23:7). I think in this context that the phrase “labor in sin” refers not to occasional unwise thoughts which are outliers but to recurring patterns of thought which are becoming habits.
- It seems to me there are many patterns of thought which are sinful, and which will cause me and others unhappiness if I entertain them:
- Justifying or glorifying inappropriate behaviors
- Placing myself above other people — “Will ye persist in supposing that ye are better one than another?” (Alma 5:54)
- Judging other people
- Complaining about my circumstances
- Being ungrateful
Today, I will pay particular attention to my thoughts and will see if there are ways that I am “beginning to labor in sin.” I will look for improper thought patterns which will make me and others unhappy, and which will slow down my progress. I will repent as needed and commit to improve the quality of my thoughts.
