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Continue ShoppingShame on Latter-day Saints Letting Politics Ruin Their Testimonies | Signs of the Last Days
“We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.” — Articles of Faith 1:12
In a recent post that we did, we talked about how The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ made a statement, like they do every time there is a new President announced, congratulating President-elect Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris. What happened next in our comments section was horrifically sad.
So many members were caught up in the heat of the politics that they made some terrible comments about The First Presidency, some of them saying:
"I'm ashamed of these people. They must have not gotten any prophecy of late."
"Seems that this presidency is more concerned with appearance and being of this world."
"Sell outs."
"Disappointed."
David Ridges in his book 100 Signs of the Times, he says the following:
As you can see, among other changes, the Prophet added “according to the covenant” to the final phrase of Matthew 24:24. The warning is clear. Even faithful members of the Church with long years of diligence in living the gospel who have made covenants in the temple can be deceived. This is a threat of sufficient import in our day that it becomes a notable sign of the times.
This type of deception can appear to be very subtle on the surface, but when examined in the light of pure doctrine, it shows up clearly. Over the years, there have been a number of seemingly well meaning, active members who have advocated change in the position of the Church on various matters. They have come across, initially, as sincere and desiring the best interests of the Church and its members.
Joseph Smith clearly defined what happens in such cases.
That man who rises up to condemn others, finding fault with the Church, saying that they are out of the way, while he himself is righteous, then know assuredly, that that man is in the high road to apostasy; and if he does not repent, will apostatize, as God lives. (Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Deseret Book, 1959, 156–57)
Again, the simple eternal truth, not to be altered by the misguided thinking of men and women, nor by the sincere but erroneous thinking of honest men and women, is that God is in charge and does what He knows is best for the growth and development of His children here on earth. He wants us to become like Him. Those with deep testimony appreciate that He ultimately leads the Church and go forward with humble, peace-bringing faith, while those whose faith falters continue to “kick against the pricks” (Acts 9:5). A verse from the Doctrine and Covenants provides a concise summary for us:
D&C 121:38 - Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!
** The following was taken from 100 Signs of the Times. The opinions and views expressed herein belong solely to David Ridges and do not necessarily represent the opinions or views of Cedar Fort, Inc. Similarly, the opinions and views expressed herein as well belong solely to Tyler Carpenter and do not necessarily represent the opinions or views of Cedar Fort, Inc.
VICKI VANDEVER
Jan 11, 2021
At this time I feel that it does no good to be down on one side or another. If Trump was President, many people would be upset. If Biden was President, many people would be upset. The things happening today are going to lead to more difficult times ahead. The First Presidency is acting as they should and we should all follow their example. I am seeing freinds argue and become enemies over this. It is not worth it to cause contention.
Steven Hume
Dec 21, 2020
In the midst of the loud and often discordant cacophony of voices in the last days, it can be difficult to hear the whisper of the “still small voice.” If our hearts are unsettled and angry, it may be virtually impossible to feel the words of the Spirit, and it will be difficult to recognize that we are out of harmony. We will not be able to see the purposes of the Lord. That is why the Lord has provided apostles and prophets – key holders – in this dispensation of the fullness of times. We sustain them as Prophets, Seers, and Revelators, but I emphasize the Seers part, they are See-ers, that is, they have an apostolic gift from God, along with the keys of the kingdom to act and direct the Lord’s work in the earth. They can SEE clearly and discern between the subtleties, guile, and evil workings of Lucifer and the arm of the Lord.
The apostles and prophets stand at the pinnacle of the mountain. Their view is unobstructed in all directions. The members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and all who will listen are climbing the mountain. Some are in the thick forest at the base of the mountain, just beginning their ascent; many things obstruct their view, but they can hear the apostles encouraging them to climb and the best path to follow by pointing out obstacles and pitfalls to the climber. All climbers are at different places on the mountain. The higher one climbs, the thinner the trees and the better the view. Some have climbed past the treeline and can see for miles, but they are still not at the pinnacle, nor have the same view as those on the top of the mountain. Because the apostles and prophets are on the top of the mountain, and because they are See-ers and revelators, what they counsel us to do is probably the best thing we could do in that regard and the best course to take. The directions the Lord inspires them to take the church are the Lord’s mind and will, and it behooves us to follow. It’s the wisest thing we could do to follow, but we are not coerced nor forced to follow; that’s up to us. Of course, we must pray, like Nephi did, to know that the Lord had inspired Lehi to take the family into the wilderness, and in like manner, the Lord will confirm to our souls that we are being properly led. But, as soon as we think we know better or disagree with what the Lord’s anointed have said, we are in jeopardy of being out of harmony with the Spirit of the Lord and find ourselves on thin ice.
In the parable of the Sower, it seems that the majority of the seed fell on places that were not ideal for their growth. In these last days, there are plenty of thorns, plenty of heat to scorch, and many, many rocks to make it difficult to sink gospel roots, and many voices from the “great and spacious” building to lead many astray into strange roads.
If we find ourselves disagreeing with the Lord’s anointed, that should be a wake-up call to us that we are in jeopardy of turning “back and walking no more with Him.” It should be a wake-up call to humble ourselves and seek the Spirit of the Lord to understand his mind and will and submit our will to His will. The question can be posed to each of us, “will ye also go away?” We should be prepared to respond like Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
Isaiah asks, “…to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” It behooves us to pray for the Spirit so that the eyes of our understanding may be opened, and we may have eyes to see and ears to hear the word of the Lord speaking through His anointed leaders.
I know that Jesus of Nazareth is the literal son of God and the Saviour of the world, that Jesus calls the apostles and prophets to serve Him. He called Joseph Smith to open this last dispensation and to translate The Book of Mormon. It can be our own personal Liahona or Urim and Thummim if we will diligently study and ponder its messages. I know we are in for some serious trials ahead and hope that we can press forward and enjoy the fruit of the Gospel.
The conundrums that will continue to face us as we move further into the last-days will require more prayer, more fasting, understanding the principles of liberty, freedom, agency, and the coercive, evil influence of Lucifer to keep us from being deceived. The Lord expects us to open our mouths, speak out on righteous principles, and be anxiously engaged in good causes. We can’t be armchair observers but active participants in the Lord’s work.
FOLLOW THE PROPHET
Rose Grodkiewicz
Dec 21, 2020
I am a recent convert to the church and when I read about the church congratulating Biden and Harris on the election I was also upset.I listened when the church advised us to vote for the candidate who represented our beliefs.This year is different than any other election because of the pandemic. The majority of people do not believe they won fairly and with good reason. Biden and Harris promote late term abortions and have reputations of being corrupt. Now I am reading that I should reassess my testimony and that I am pathetic! Also that I should never question our prophet.I am very confused and disallusioned.
Wayne Allred
Dec 21, 2020
Just because the Presidency of the Church congratulates a person who is the perceived winner of the election – does not mean they agree with the politics nor platform of the associated party.
We must pray to the Father. In all earnestness that the people in this land of promise will continue to sustain the principles of the constitution and reject the evils of the secret combinations and the evils of the public rejection of eternal truths.
God bless us to stand tall against all evil, whatever it’s source.