Jacob 1:17–19 Nephi has died, and his little brother Jacob is now prophet. Of course Jacob felt the responsibility of his calling and lamented the growing pride, greed, and immorality of his people. Wanting them to be reconciled to God through the Atonement, he pleaded that they repent.
In these verses, Jacob speaks of magnifying his calling. What does it mean to magnify one's calling? Magnify means to enlarge, to increase in significance, to cause to be held in greater esteem or respect. Therefore, if we are given an errand from the Lord, we are to make the most of it no matter how seemingly insignificant it is.
While we are to always be engaged in good causes that are not necessarily formal church callings, many errands are obtained from the Lord Jacob 1:17. When a formal calling is issued, the Lord consecrates us and sets us apart for the work Jacob 1:18. At this point, it is highly important that we take these responsibilities seriously Jacob 1:19. Teaching the word of God with all diligence and laboring with all our might, we cannot be held accountable if one under our sphere of influence chooses a sinful life Jacob 1:19.
I've had many formal callings and have been engaged in many personal causes. Sometimes I've done a good job magnifying them. At other times, I let business, fear, or pride get in my way. Repenting of these actions, I've used my mistakes as learning experiences. It doesn't matter if my responsibilities are great or slight; it matters what I do with the job I'm given.
