It’s Hard Not to Get Involved
26 Oct
The political world is astir. Economies are faltering. Public trust is waning. Individuals feel vulnerable. And social cohesion wears thin. Meanwhile, stories of rage and agitation fill our airwaves, streets and town halls. Where are the voices of balance and moderation in these extreme times? During a recent address given in an interfaith setting, Church President Thomas S. Monson declared: “When a spirit of goodwill prompts our thinking and when united effort goes to work on a common problem, the results can be most gratifying.” Further, former Church President Gordon B. Hinckley once said that living “together in communities with respect and concern one for another” is “the hallmark of civilization.” That hallmark is under increasing threat. [1]
A healthy democracy maintains equilibrium through diverse means, including a patchwork of competing interests and an effective system of governmental checks. Nevertheless, this order ultimately relies on the integrity of the people. Speaking at general conference, a semiannual worldwide gathering of the Church, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles asserted: “In the end, it is only an internal moral compass in each individual that can effectively deal with the root causes as well as the symptoms of societal decay.” Likewise, Presiding Bishop H. David Burton emphasized that the virtues of fidelity, charity, generosity, humility and responsibility “form the foundation of a Christian life and are the outward manifestation of the inner man.” Thus, moral virtues blend into civic virtues. The seriousness of our common challenges calls for an equally serious engagement with reasonable ideas and solutions. What we need is rigorous debate, not rancorous altercations. [1]
It can be a challenge to stand up for what you believe is right, while at the same time remain ‘civil’ with our fellow men. Especially when they yell and scream and call you names right in your face. Nevertheless we have a role to play. That role is to be a Christ-like example at all times, in all places and in all things. In politics for example. Living in a world where it seems God isn’t welcome, or is only welcome if it benefits them – it can be difficult to stand up when you feel alone doing so. But consider this, when all is said and done – who is benefited – who is blessed? Do you think Christ thought twice about standing up for what He believed in? Even when He was being whipped and mocked?
The opposing forces can be very powerful and influential. These fragile
moments of expressing opinions, can be scary at times – but the long outcome of being consistent in your beliefs can have LIFETIME results, for our children and grandchildren. Us remaining loyal to our beliefs – can have monumental outcomes. It won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it.
Example of Religious Freedom, under attack:
Keith Olbermann named an apostle of my church as the “worst person in the world.” Yep, Elder Dallin H. Oaks was awarded that dubious distinction simply for delivering this talk (about preserving religious freedoms) to a group of young people at BYU-Idaho. If you haven’t already, I hope you will take a look at the text of his address, because despite the fact that it’s been twisted and parsed beyond belief by the liberal press, not one paragraph of it merits Olbermann’s hypercriticism. Or even his disdain. True, the opinions expressed aren’t exactly up Olbermann’s alley, but the content and tone is as respectful and well-reasoned as would be expected of the former Utah Supreme Court justice that Elder Oaks is. And it’s a free country, right?
But apparently not quite as free as it used to be. Which is exactly the point Elder Oaks makes… [2]
Moral of the story, where we may not always agree – we need to stand strong with Christ-like Charity. Some may not agree with Obama, we may not agree with popular cultural changes and opinions. But we must always think in our minds: “How would Christ respond?“
In today’s secular world, the idea of tolerance has come to mean something entirely different. Instead of love, it has come to mean condone – acceptance of wrongful behavior as the price of friendship. Jesus taught that we love and care for one another without condoning transgression. But today’s politically palatable definition insists that unless one accepts the sin he does not tolerate the sinner.
As Elder Dallin H. Oaks has explained,
Tolerance obviously requires a non-contentious manner of relating toward one another’s differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning one’s standards or one’s opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination.
[3]
1. The Mormon Ethic of Civility
2. Worst Person in the World? Gimme a break!
3. The Divine Institution of Marriage
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