“Great courage will be required as we remain faithful and true amid the ever-increasing pressures and insidious influences with which we are surrounded and which distort the truth, tear down the good and the decent, and attempt to substitute the man-made philosophies of the world. If the commandments had been written by man, then to change them by inclination or legislation or by any other means would be the prerogative of man. The commandments, however, were God-given. Using our agency, we can set them aside. We cannot, however, change them, just as we cannot change the consequences which come from disobeying and breaking them.” ~ President Thomas S. Monson, (1. below)
The words of the Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson and all who work with him are in direct opposition to worldly rhetoric. Plato defined rhetoric as the art of ‘making true things seem false and false things seem true by the use of words.'(2.) This (Satan’s) invaluable art has… invested the (worldly) ways of Babylon with an air of high purpose, solid virtue, and impeccable respectability. “The servants of sin should appear polished and pious (4.)… able to call to their assistance… the subtle persuasive power of rhetoric.” “The devil is an orator; he is powerful;… he can tempt all classes.” (3.)
When the world brushes off the very idea of Satan, the destroyer, or embraces his influence, those who love God must increase their discipline against him… if they are to have a chance of surviving his rhetoric. This is done by stepping up protection against the adversary through increased daily habits friendly to/embracing God and his purposes for us, our families, and individuals we love or with whom we associate. kdm
1.Thomas S. Monson; Prophet, Seer, Revelator and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, ‘Keep the Commandments’, October 3, 2015, read/listen to –click… Counsel from a Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson
- Plato, Apology 18B. (the rest of this paragraph starting with ‘Plato defined rhetoric’ was quoted from ‘Approaching Zion’ by Hugh Nibley p.45)
- Journal of Discourses 11:234
4. Webster; pious 1 having or showing a reverence for God, 2 done or used under pretense of religion
10.26.15
