You’ve probably heard. Despite a public vote banning gay marriage, a judge has overruled what the people voted for. Likewise, we have issues with health care and other laws, requiring things of citizens that are questionable, and which may violate our freedom and the Constitution. Natural disasters aside, we are getting deeper into the last days.
Contention is something I really don’t like. Politics is not a game I enjoy (particularly since it has become just that–a “game”). But our Church leaders have encouraged us to pay attention to our community and to fulfill our civic responsibility. I’m reminded of a current measure in Utah, cleverly disguised as an ethics bill, but which in reality prohibits any person with a religious position (i.e. a bishop, stake president) from holding a public office. (Pay attention to what you’re voting about this November.)
Good is being called evil, evil is being called good–while the prospect of moving to an isolated island and ignoring the world is tempting, that’s not what we should do. And neither should we fight angrily. Elder Quentin L. Cook in the most recent General Conference stated:
“Many in this world are afraid and angry with one another. While we understand these feelings, we need to be civil in our discourse and respectful in our interactions. This is especially true when we disagree. The Savior taught us to love even our enemies. The vast majority of our members heed this counsel. Yet there are some who feel that venting their personal anger or deeply held opinions is more important than conducting themselves as Jesus Christ lived and taught. I invite each one of us individually to recognize that how we disagree is a real measure of who we are and whether we truly follow the Savior.”
To me, this is encouragement to stand for what is right with a dignity exemplified in Jesus Christ. Is it easy? Honestly, not for me. But it’s important, especially in these times where what is right is twisted as wrong and old-fashioned. So stand. Be aware of what is going on. Treat everyone with kindness and respect. And look to the Savior for what to do as we face the coming storms.
This was a great and timely article. I especially appreciated the quote by Elder Quentin L. Cook – a great reminder of how to respond to the interesting situations that go on around us in the world.
Excellent article, with points well taken! We have never had the luxury to simply have faith in our government, that good would prevail over evil. Qute the contrary, not only is there evil being masked as good, but vice over virtue! In AZ, there is a candidate whose platform includes leagalizing gambling to ‘help’ schools! We have a duty (not just to our Country, but to our God!)to study out the issues and candidates and then vote our conscience in seeking out those that would best preserve our freedoms. HOW we disagree IS crucial when expressing ourselves, it can make all the difference in furthering our cause or staining it. And ultimately, our cause is to be representatives of Jesus Christ.
GREAT COUNSEL FOR US TO REMEMBER, SINCE WE ARE LIVING IN A WORLD TODAY, THAT HAS SO MANY MIXED FEELINGS ABOUT WHAT IS RIGHT AND WHAT IS WRONG.
A GREAT article, and so up-to-date. Our feelings are mirrored in what was said. Many members of the Church are apathetic, some not wanting to know what is going on because it is so evil. I am almost 75 years old, and I have never seen such “dirty politics” as we have now with so much hate for the good, making our responses difficult. We know no good comes from anger, violence, or hatred. “These are the times that try men’s souls,” and we certainly are being tried. We must stay calm and collected, yet we must not be too tolerant of evil–I have seen members who have embraced tolerance to the extent of acceptance. On the other hand, we must be careful we don’t cross the boundary into “go along to get along-land.” Speak up, but speak up with love–(pray first!)
Members of the Church as a body need to be like a big friendly elephant who is leaning on you. You have to move or give, but you can’t help liking him. So in the same way we can truely make a difference on many issues that many want that we know is bad for the country and still be respected and liked. It’s called diplomacy.
Thank you.
We DO need to understand the issues, then stand strong for our convictions…… but not by becoming fanatics. Heavenly Father knows what’s going on, of course. Trust in Him, then do our best to live according to our best moral agency with the strength of our perfect Gospel to shore us up. If we stand firm, we’ll not only be a good example to others, but be safe from the wrath of these confusing last days.
I agree! At times I get very upset and then depressed with the way our Government is. But, then I say to myself, don’t give up or give in, stand tall, do the best I can, write our Senators, even if they don’t really care.I get involved with all that I can do that is right and legal and I remember always, What would Jesus Christ have me do, how would he want me to act and be with my fellow man- even if they are my enemy. I use as much common sense along with prayer and knowing I will receive the guidance I will need to perform the duties and responsibilities at that time. I LOVE My Country of The United States of America, I’m proud to be able to have that opportunity to serve my Country in ways that are possible for me to do!And, God Bless Our Troops and God Help Us All.
The comments of those before are echoed with me. The article is timely. As I heard the news about the judge overruling the vote of the people I thought to myself “It only takes one doesn’t it?” to make it start all over again. Relentless badgering till just that once they win some victory despite having lost 100 and more times before. Then, with that one victory immoral behaviour is suddenly acceptable and “right”.
I am grateful for the quote from Elder Cook. A reminder to “keep my cool” and to be “civil and respectful”. It is not easy when an idle people’s heads are turned to such nonsense and the wishes of a majority of the voting public are dealt with disrespect. So, once again we exert our influence for good.
Gambling, a “help” for schools!! Has the world taken leave of it’s senses?
A good positive article. Thank you.
You brought up Jesus Christ… You talked about preserving OUR freedoms. Since when did we as LDS members have the right to choose for non-LDS people what they should or should not do with their lives? Prop 8 was overruled because it was against the constitution. It was wrong. It doesn’t matter if people voted for it – it doesn’t matter if we believe that homosexuality is wrong! It was taking rights away from citizens of the USA.
Also, you say to follow Christ’s plan. I learned a lesson in primary a long time ago. In the beginning, there were two plans for life. 1.) “Let’s force everyone to do what is right” 2.) Free agency. Guess which one Jesus supported? Guess which one WE picked? Right now, the people of the church are so conceited that they are switching to the first plan. After all, WE KNOW WHAT’S RIGHT, don’t we? We’re just God’s chosen people.
I love the church, but I don’t know how much more hate disguised as love I can take anymore. This church has been sexists, it has been racist and NOW it is still discriminating. I’m not saying that the church should accept homosexuality, but to use its power to take away that right from NON MEMBERS is NOT Christ like.
I couldn’t agree with you more about our duty to get involved on all levels to take our government back.
However,when you refer to “health care” laws as being questionable and unconstitutional, my first assumption is that you mean “ObamaCare” as Fox New, Brother Back and others of that particular persuasion call our new health program.
My second assumption is that you probably peronally have health insurance.
I live in a Ward in the South where many converts, both Black and White, do not have medical insurance. They go for years without the basic medical and dental care that many of us have taken for granted our whole lives. I don’t think our experience here is unusual either.
The new medical laws are not “ideal” and they never will be until we can pass laws designed to protect the people rather than living with compromises made to protect the medical and drug industries.
I apologize for going off on the basis of my assumptions but unless you walk in the moccasins of the tens of millions of “un” and “under” insured, you might consider working to improve medical care for the blue-collar and unemployed citizens rather than criticizing what little good has been accomplished.
Please attend your Ward’s Gospel Principles class this week and pay prayerful attention to the lesson. That might well be what the Prophet wants you to hear.
I agree with what was just said in this statement. I can see many getting angry and am living with a person who gets really angry. this person has an anger problem anyway. I feel that if we show our teeth as it were then we are making ourselves look like we are wrong. I know that the Savior did at one time become angry but it was a righteous anger and threw the money changers out of the temple. we need to not be afraid and take a stand and say what needs to be said or do what needs to be done legally. we do not need to show anger however. Being Christ-like means to say what is in our hearts that is right and true but in such a way as to exude respect and dignity helping those listening to know what is being said is coming from a good person as we are examples of the church and the Savior.
The Prophet and the Apostles have counseled members to protect marriage as solely between a man and a woman. The Prophet has said “marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.” The Proclamation on the Family released by the First Presidency couldn’t be more clear. I don’t understand why some people are still arguing about what the Church’s position is on this matter.
This reminded me of a story about the Camel and the sandstorm. a man is caught in a sandstorm, and to be kept safe he puts up a tent. The sandstorm is raging around him, and his camel asks if he could put his nose in the tent. the man seeing nothing wrong with this, lets him. the camel then asks if could put his whole head in. Once again he is permitted. This goes on until the whole camel is in the tent, and the man is outside in the sandstorm.
I think the church wasn’t as much stopping everyone from having a choice as much as stopping them from hindering our choices. Now that this has gone through, there will be some who demand that they should have all rights, including getting married in the Temple. Just like the camel.
I don’t mean to argue the church’s opinion on marriage. That’s all fine within the church. But why do we insist on influecing people who aren’t members of the church? Sure, we are protecting marriage – it’s of God and all that. But marraige is also civil union – which doesn’t even involve God to some people. I’m not saying that it is right or not sinful in the eyes of the church, but people should be allowed to make their own decisions. Or maybe we should have picked the other plan for life and force everyone to do what we think is right. I have a hard time believing that the Prop 8 decision had anything to do with God. He does not favor us over his other children. And – even if it is a sin – we have no right to force our beliefs on other people.
I do believe God will provaile in all things,but why should we as a church have to bend of what we know that is (Wrong)marriage is between a man and a woman, we are not a sexiest church, we are all God’s children, we have a right to choose, I choise to follow that plan, not because some judge as change now the ruleing,God is my maker, and my judge, not man, Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer, Thank you Elder Cook for you comments. May I as a church member stand tall in what I believe in to what I know right from wrong.
June-Slavin-Cumming
I live in California. I have no problem with civil unions; they have been permitted for a long time. I have no problem with anyone choosing who they want to spend their life with or who comes to see them in the hospital or make decisions for them when they are incapable. However, I do have a problem with anyone trying to redefine marriage, and with a solitary judge overturning a measure that the people of California have approved TWICE. I agree with Elder Cook’s comments and like Chester’s leaning elephant analogy. You will notice there has been a very different reaction to this overturn than to the original voter approvals. The others threatened church members and picketed with hateful messages and defaced church property. None of that is happening with this new ruling, nor the previous time it was overturned. Says a lot for the caliber of people on each side. By their fruits shall ye know them. Yes, God will be the judge.
This may not be a time to get into fights but it definately IS a time to let our views be known by others and to keep well informed of the wrongs that are being done against the constitution since the main stream media has no intention of keeping the voters aware of what is happening and how it will effect the whole country. This may be the most important election, along with 2012, that has ever been held in this country. And yes God will help us but only as long as we put forth the effort that is needed to set things right.