Thursday, December 17, 2009

Jacob - Chapter 7


It think Sherem is the classic example of the political spin and divisiveness we're experiencing today.  Don't be alarmed, I'm not choosing up sides.  This problem is not exclusive to one ideology or party.





Some of his tactics are:
  • Fault finding - verse 2
  • Contrariness - verse 2
  • Educational prowess - verse 4
  • Flattery - verse 4
  • Selective truth - verse 7
  • Calling evil good and good evil - verse 7
  • Skepticism - verse 7
  • Sign seeking - verse 13
  • Lies and deceit - verse 19
I wonder if we might use these observations to help us discern the true motivations of those who seek to shake our faith and interfere with our freedom?  I think we can.

I also think we can use Jacob's methods to help protect ourselves from being deceived by those who would destroy that which is good and true in our lives.  We could:
  • Search the scriptures
  • Rely on the Holy Ghost
  • Trust God
Sherem was a wrecker, Jacob a builder.  The fruit of the truth is so beautiful.
 23 And it came to pass that peace and the love of God was restored again among the people...
Peace and love the two best indicators of righteousness and it's own best blessings.

2 comments:

Love Life and Learning said...

What a photograph!!! Your comments on what is taking place and what we can do to improve the situation are just right in my opinion.

di said...

Yes! Mostly I just want to turn of the TV.

...that the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream, we being a lonesome and a solemn people, wanderers, cast out from Jerusalem, born in tribulation, in a wilderness, and hated of our brethren, which caused wars and contentions; wherefore, we did mourn out our days.

I feel blessed to have such a hero as, Jacob. My life has been rich and blessed and secure and tranquil by comparison. If I can be just a fractionas valiant...