In the Book of Mormon we read the words of Jacob, telling the people that many of them had been in search of gold and precious ores and that the hand of providence had smiled upon them so that they had been able to obtain riches. Some people had obtained more than others and were lifted up in pride as a result. They thought they were better than other people just because they possessed more worldly goods and they persecuted those who had less. God condemns this type of thing and unless they would be willing to speedily repent, God's judgments would come upon them. Jacob begged the people not to allow such pride to destroy their souls. Think of that! Pride destroys souls! Reason enough to try to root it out of our own hearts. Jacob 2:12-16 "And now behold, my brethren, this is the word which I declare unto you, that many of you have begun to search for gold, and for silver, and for all manner of precious ores, in the which this land, which is a land of promise unto you and to your seed, doth abound most plentifully. And the hand of providence hath smiled upon you most pleasingly, that you have obtained many riches; and because some of you have obtained more abundantly than that of your brethren ye are lifted up in the pride of your hearts, and wear stiff necks and high heads because of the costliness of your apparel, and persecute your brethren because ye suppose that ye are better than they. And now, my brethren, do ye suppose that God justifieth you in this thing? Behold, I say unto you, Nay. But he condemneth you, and if ye persist in these things his judgments must speedily come unto you. O that he would show you that he can pierce you, and with one glance of his eye he can smite you to the dust! 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!"
In the Old Testament we read that different families in Israel were assigned to different tasks. Some were given the job of singing. The Levites were appointed to do all manner of service of the tabernacle of the House of God. Aaron and his sons offered sacrifices. Even today different people have different callings so we can all work together in doing the work of the Lord. 1 Chronicles 6:31-32, 48-49 "And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the Lord, after that the ark had rest. And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order. Their brethren also the Levites were appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God. But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of the burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, and were appointed for all the work of the place most holy, and to make an atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the word of the Lord, which is preached in the gospel, endures forever. The ways of the world may change and men's ideas may change in time, but the word of God remains steadfast. 1 Peter 1:25 "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."
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