Do not spend money for that which is of no worth

I've been reading 2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon and have come across several verses that I wanted to share.  I'm in chapter 9 right now, but maybe I'll go back and pick up a few of the other things I wanted to blog about in previous chapters.

It's hard for me to remember that Nephi didn't speak all the words that we read in 2 Nephi. Every time I come to 2 Ne 6:1, I read, "The words of Jacob, the brother of Nephi, which he spake unto the people of Nephi."

Oh, ya. Jacob!

He was one of Nephi's two younger brothers born in the wilderness during the years between Lehi's exodus (with his family as well as Zoram and Ishmael's family) from Jerusalem and reaching the promised land (somewhere in the Americas).

Jacob was a powerful teacher and had a strong testimony of his Savior. We read in 2 Ne 2:2-4 that "[Jacob knew] the greatness of God" and "beheld in [his] youth His glory". What a strong child and youth he must have been to gain a testimony of the gospel from his dad (Lehi) and other faithful family members when he had to live through the "rudeness" of his other brothers (2 Ne 2:1).

Back to chapter 9.

This is a long chapter about Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for all men. Toward the end of the chapter we read the following verses. Verse 51 is the scripture that our stake has chosen to be our theme for 2012. It makes more sense to me in the context of what leads up to it.

  48 Behold, if ye were holy I would speak unto you of holiness; but as ye are not holy, and ye look upon me as a teacher, it must needs be expedient that I teach you the consequences of sin.

  49 Behold, my soul abhorreth sin, and my heart delighteth in righteousness; and I will praise the holy name of my God.

  50 Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price.

  51 Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.

I have a testimony of the truthfulness of these scriptures and of Christ's power to save. I know that this life is our time to prepare for our eternal reward and that we will receive from God's hand every blessing that we are worthy to receive in this life for our happiness now and at the Judgment Day for the eternities hereafter.

The choice I have before me is what job to pursue. It's been on my mind for years, but especially so for the past several months. Providing for my family and enjoying the work I do are just part of the decision. Where to live and our ability to save are also part of the equation. We need to provide for Wes's special needs in the short (and long) term(s). Verse 51 teaches me that I do not need to spend money for things which are of no worth. Having a PhD in physics and astronomy will bring in a decent income and there are lots of things I'd like to do with that income. Jacob, the wise teacher that he is, teaches me that the real importance in life is to "come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not".

I am thankful for the peace that comes over me from reading the word of Christ that I receive through His holy prophets and through the Spirit. I need to be still and let the Holy Spirit guide. Too often I try to stand in His way and I have to keep reminding myself to pause and listen.