“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; I must be in daily preparation drawing closer to my Savior and Redeemer, clearly showing to all that I am His. This through daily scripture study, prayer, following my leaders, and looking outward in self-discipline, that I am by habit, ‘my brother’s keeper’.  (Following such counsel solves or puts in healthy perspective many of the issues/difficulties that this mortal life throws at me.)

Many would dismiss inspired counsel as ‘not relevant to me in my here and now’? Am I currently a ‘fair-weather’ follower of Christ? Before our Savior comes again, the scriptures teach me 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 occupiers. I can choose to wake up and put my life in such order that I am clearly on the Lord’s side. My choosing Him now must be deeper/stronger with each passing day or I 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. 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)   kdm

revised, updated from June 29, 2015