Jacob 5:48


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48 And it came to pass that the servant said unto his master: Is it not the loftiness of thy vineyard—have not the branches thereof overcome the roots which are good? And because the branches have overcome the roots thereof, behold they grew faster than the strength of the roots, taking strength unto themselves. Behold, I say, is not this the cause that the trees of thy vineyard have become corrupted?

Quote for Discussion

“Loftiness of the vineyard”

It is ever crucial with constant numerical growth of the Lord's Church that new converts (and lifelong members, for that matter) be properly schooled and enculturated in the fundamental and foundational doctrines and practices of the gospel. The Church must never be allowed to outgrow its roots, must never stray from its moorings; the enthusiasm of its members must be tempered with wisdom and understanding. A convert can be made in a day, but it takes time and seasoning to make a Saint.

In discussing the application of this portion of the allegory to latter-day Israel, Elder Carlos E. Asay observed: "Our personal vineyards become lofty and produce strange fruits when we polish only the 'outer vessel' of our lives and allow the 'inner' to rot away. I refer to people who perform religious rituals to receive the acclaim of congregations rather than the approval of conscience. I refer to those who become so immersed in administrative and management affairs that they have little time to read, pray, and ponder over the affairs of God. Such persons allow the branches to overcome the roots in their lives (see Matthew 23).

"In contrast, there are those who invest themselves solely in the books and dig for facts without using their knowledge to bless others. These ever-searching but never-applying souls permit their roots to overrun their branches.

"At a time when enemies were threatening Israel, they engaged in two actions simultaneously. First, they prayed unto their God, and second, they built a protective wall around their city. While engaged in prayer, they strengthened their spiritual rootings. While building the wall or performing outward duties, branches of security were allowed to grow. Note these words: 'We made our prayer ... and set a watch' (see Nehemiah 4:1-12).

"Of a surety, we must keep the roots and branches balanced. Prayer must complement practice; worship must equal work; and study must enhance service." ("Rooted and Built Up in Christ," in The Old Testament and the Latter-day Saints, p. 13.)

Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, 4 vols., 2:, p.64

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