In the Book of Mormon we read that Jacob was constrained to speak to the people regarding a grosser crime than pride--the sin of immorality. They had read in the scriptures about some ancient people who had more than one wife, so they excused themselves in doing likewise. If the Lord needs seed raised up he will command his people to sometimes have more than one wife, but to practice polygamy at other times is a gross sin. It must only be done under the direction of the Lord. Jacob 2:22-30 "And now I make an end of speaking unto you concerning this pride. And were it not that I must speak unto you concerning a grosser crime, my heart would rejoice exceedingly because of you. But the word of God burdens me because of your grosser crimes. For behold, thus saith the Lord: This people begin to wax in iniquity; they understand not the scriptures, for they seek to excuse themselves in committing whoredoms, because of the things which were written concerning David, and Solomon his son. Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord. Wherefore, thus saith the Lord, I have led this people forth out of the land of Jerusalem, by the power of mine arm, that I might raise up unto me a righteous branch from the fruit of the loins of Joseph. Wherefore, I the Lord God will not suffer that this people shall do like unto them of old. Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none; For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts. Wherefore, this people shall keep my commandments, saith the Lord of Hosts, or cursed be the land for their sakes. For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things."
In the Old Testament we read that the genealogies of all Israel were kept and written in a book. Even in ancient days, keeping genealogical records was important 1 Chronicles 9:1 "So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away to Babylon for their transgression."
Some verses with a thought booklet teach us that when we have received Jesus Christ, we need to walk in Him--rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, abounding with thanksgiving. It's easy to find things to grumble and complain about, but no matter what our circumstances, we can choose to find things to be thankful for if we look for them. And this will bring us joy. Colossians 2:6-7 "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving."
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