“I am bold to declare before Heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any other denomination [as for a Mormon]; for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the Latter-day Saints would trample upon the rights of the Roman Catholics, or of any other denomination who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves.
“It is a love of liberty which inspires my soul—civil and religious liberty to the whole of the human race.” ~Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith(2007), 345. (from a talk; Preserving Agency, Protecting Religious Freedom) by Elder Robert D. Hales, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Ensign, May 2015, p111
Counsel from our leaders is clear; we must be in daily preparation drawing closer to our Savior and Redeemer, clearly showing to all that we are His. This through daily scripture study, prayer, following our leaders, and looking outward in self-discipline, that we are by habit ‘our brother’s keeper’. (Following such counsel solves or puts in healthy perspective many of the issues/difficulties that this mortal life throws at us.)
Many would dismiss inspired counsel as ‘not relevant to me in my here and now’? Are we currently ‘fair-weather’ followers of Christ? Before our Savior comes again, the scriptures teach us that His followers will endure a world filled with physical and spiritual hardships (see Matt 24:4-22 and D&C 45:25-34). His kingdom, not of this world, had many of his New Testament followers (at his first coming) leave at this revealed truth. They were looking for a savior that would soundly trounce the Roman enemy. We can choose to wake up and put our lives in such order that we are clearly on the Lord’s side. Our choosing Him now must be deeper/stronger with each passing day or we will surely be swept away amongst the weak and faint hearted. The faithful today will be proven, and will be ‘found wanting’ unless on a path one with Christ and his agenda. This comes through committed discipleship. Me (kdm)?… I must daily wake up to what’s happening and increase my resolve, through precept and example, to walk with Him, come what may! (click the link for Elder Hale’s sound counsel: Preserving Agency, Protecting Religious Freedom …smart phone? scroll download and click listen)
