Jacob 1

I decided to move forward, rather than back. I thought it might give me more motivation.
2 And he gave me, Jacob, a commandment that I should write upon these plates a few of the things which I considered to be most precious; that I should not touch, save it were lightly, concerning the history of this people which are called the people of Nephi.

(Book of Mormon | Jacob 1:2)

So, this book will be what Jacob considered most precious about the gospel. Not history stuff. Considering how they had to write back then, it must have been EXTREMELY precious.

5 For because of faith and great anxiety, it truly had been made manifest unto us concerning our people, what things should happen unto them.
6 And we also had many revelations, and the spirit of much prophecy; wherefore, we knew of Christ and his kingdom, which should come.

(Book of Mormon | Jacob 1:5 - 6)

Interesting that he said "We" had the revelations. I'm assuming he and Nephi. This gives a little more credence to what he's trying to say. They both had the revelations, he's just writing them down. It's not just his thought process, this came from God.

10 The people having loved Nephi exceedingly, he having been a great protector for them, having wielded the sword of Laban in their defence, and having labored in all his days for their welfare—
11 Wherefore, the people were desirous to retain in remembrance his name. And whoso should reign in his stead were called by the people, second Nephi, third Nephi, and so forth, according to the reigns of the kings; and thus they were called by the people, let them be of whatever name they would.
12 And it came to pass that Nephi died.

(Book of Mormon | Jacob 1:10 - 12)

This section helps me understand why there are 3 Nephi, 4 Nephi and such. These men might have had a different name when born, but had to take on the name of Nephi as ruler.

19 And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day.

(Book of Mormon | Jacob 1:19)

I still have a hard time laboring among the people to teach them over and over again about salvation. I suppose I'm not Christlike in that I dislike having to even have callings in our church that check in on how people are doing, and ask them if they need help, or bringing them lessons of Christ to remind them of his teachings. I often feel as though, if people want to hear of Christ, they'll come to church. Leave them alone! HOWEVER, whenever I read the scriptures, I am often reminded that those who have been called of God to take care of people need to go out and teach the gospel and bring them unto Christ. I know that there have been people grateful for someone called of God showing up on their doorstep and bringing the gospel to them. I suppose I often feel like Jonah--"Do I HAVE to? Does my husband HAVE to? Can't we stay home and mind our own business? " I know that, in my heart, that is NOT what the scriptures teach, but it is still how I act. I suppose that is something I can work on.
Time for another sidebar goal? I suppose...