Which Way Do You Face?

When King Benjamin called the people of Zarahemla to come to the temple to hear his final words, the people came and pitched their tents facing towards the temple (Mosiah 2:6). They did that so they could remain in their tents and still see and hear the prophet speak to them. Elder Robbins spoke of an experience he had when first called as a member of the Seventy. He said Elder Packer asked him which way do you face? Then Elder Packer said:

“A Seventy,” he continued, “does not represent the people to the prophet but the prophet to the people. Never forget which way you face!”  (“Which Way Do You Face”, Elder Lynn G. Robbins, General Conference, October 2014).

This is a question that we need to ask ourselves often. Are we facing the same direction that the prophet is facing? Are we facing the temple? In other words are our thoughts and actions in line with the teachings of the prophets and the Gospel of Jesus Christ or are we aliening with the philosophies of men and the world? Elder Robbins continues:

“Trying to please others before pleasing God is inverting the first and second great commandments (see Matthew 22:37–39). It is forgetting which way we face. And yet, we have all made that mistake because of the fear of men. In Isaiah the Lord warns us, “Fear ye not the reproach of men” (Isaiah 51:7; see also 2 Nephi 8:7). In Lehi’s dream, this fear was triggered by the finger of scorn pointed from the great and spacious building, causing many to forget which way they faced and to leave the tree “ashamed” (see 1 Nephi 8:25–28).

“This peer pressure tries to change a person’s attitudes, if not behavior, by making one feel guilty for giving offense. We seek respectful coexistence with those who point fingers, but when this fear of men tempts us to condone sin, it becomes a “snare” according to the book of Proverbs (see Proverbs 29:25). The snare may be cleverly baited to appeal to our compassionate side to tolerate or even approve of something that has been condemned by God. For the weak of faith, it can be a major stumbling block.”  (“Which Way Do You Face”, Elder Lynn G. Robbins, General Conference, October 2014).

If the teachings of men and the world are in contrast to the commandments of God as is often the case and we agree with those teachings, we find ourselves facing away from God and his prophets and we lose the spirit of the Holy Ghost. This is a precarious position to be in and leads to apostasy. If we do not repent and turn again to God and his commandments and teachings, we risk losing the spirit completely and will be cut off from the presence of God and lose the blessings that come from obedience. Elder Robbins said:

“When people try to save face with men, they can unwittingly lose face with God. Thinking one can please God and at the same time condone the disobedience of men isn’t neutrality but duplicity, or being two-faced or trying to “serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24; 3 Nephi 13:24).

“While it certainly takes courage to face perils, the true badge of courage is overcoming the fear of men…

“Courage is not just one of the cardinal virtues, but as C. S. Lewis observed: “Courage is … the form of every virtue at the testing point. … Pilate was merciful till it became risky.”¹ King Herod was sorrowful at the request to behead John the Baptist but wanted to please “them which sat with him at meat” (Matthew 14:9). King Noah was ready to free Abinadi until peer pressure from his wicked priests caused him to waver (see Mosiah 17:11–12). King Saul disobeyed the word of the Lord by keeping the spoils of war because he “feared the people, and obeyed their voice” (1 Samuel 15:24). To appease rebellious Israel at the foot of Mount Sinai, Aaron crafted a golden calf, forgetting which way he faced (see Exodus 32).” (“Which Way Do You Face”, Elder Lynn G. Robbins, General Conference, October 2014).

The Apostle Paul set the example when he said: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Romans 1:16). We must be willing to go against the traditions of men and their teachings when they oppose those of God. Although we have our agency, if we are to remain in favor with God we need to choose his standards and commandments and not those of the world. Elder Christofferson recently said:

“God intends that His children should act according to the moral agency He has given them, “that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.” It is His plan and His will that we have the principal decision-making role in our own life’s drama. God will not live our lives for us nor control us as if we were His puppets, as Lucifer once proposed to do. Nor will His prophets accept the role of “puppet master” in God’s place. Brigham Young stated: “I do not wish any Latter Day Saint in this world, nor in heaven, to be satisfied with anything I do, unless the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ,—the spirit of revelation, makes them satisfied. I wish them to know for themselves and understand for themselves.” (“Free Forever, To Act For Themselves”, D. Todd Christofferson, General Conference, October 2014)

While God expects us to follow him and his prophets, we are not to do it blindly. As Elder Christofferson quoted Brigham Young above, we are found out the truth of what the scriptures and the prophets are teaching for ourselves. The way we do that is to test it by obeying the commandments and teachings and then pray to ask God if it is right. The scriptures teach that if we do this we will know if the principle is true or not.

Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. (Moroni 10: 3-5)

While the world and the philosophies of men become more like the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah, we must have the courage to stand firm in keeping the commandments of God. We must have the faith to face towards God and His prophets and other leaders that are called of God to lead His Church. If we this we will never be left alone we will have his spirit to always be with us and will always be rooted in the path that leads back to our Heavenly Father and his Kingdom.

Your questions and comments are welcome.

God’s Laws Do Not Change

This past week the Supreme Court refused to hear the cases from five states that had laws prohibiting same sex marriage overturned. This decision allowed the lower courts rulings overturning same sex marriage in those states to stand. From the beginning marriage as defined by God has been only between a man and a women. Relationships between people of the same sex have always been a sin and because men change the law of the land to allow it, do not change the fact that it is a sin. Just two days before the Supreme Court’s failure to rule, Elder Dallin H. Oaks had this to say about men changing the law does not change God’s laws.

“In public, what religious persons say and do involves other considerations. The free exercise of religion covers most public actions, but it is subject to qualifications necessary to accommodate the beliefs and practices of others. Laws can prohibit behavior that is generally recognized as wrong or unacceptable, like sexual exploitation, violence, or terrorist behavior, even when done by extremists in the name of religion. Less grievous behaviors, even though unacceptable to some believers, may simply need to be endured if legalized by what a Book of Mormon prophet called “the voice of the people” (Mosiah 29:26). (“Loving Others and Living with Differences”, Dallin H. Oaks, General Conference, October 2014)

The scripture Elder Oaks referred to states:

Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people. 

And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land. (Mosiah 29-26-27)

Though the outcome is the same, I don’t not believe at this time that the majority of the people are choosing evil. This is an example of the judicial branch changing the law that the people of these states have legally passed defining traditional marriage as it has always been, only between a man and a woman.  President Thomas S. Monson, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Lord’s Prophet today, said:

“Although the world has changed, the laws of God remain constant. They have not changed; they will not change.” (“Stand In Holy Places”, Thomas S. Monson, General Conference, October 2011)

Dallin H. Oaks had this to say one year ago in General Conference:

“There are many political and social pressures for legal and policy changes to establish behaviors contrary to God’s decrees about sexual morality and contrary to the eternal nature and purposes of marriage and childbearing. These pressures have already authorized same-gender marriages in various states and nations. Other pressures would confuse gender or homogenize those differences between men and women that are essential to accomplish God’s great plan of happiness.

“Our understanding of God’s plan and His doctrine gives us an eternal perspective that does not allow us to condone such behaviors or to find justification in the laws that permit them. And, unlike other organizations that can change their policies and even their doctrines, our policies are determined by the truths God has identified as unchangeable.” (“No Other Gods”, Dallin H. Oaks, General Conference, October 2013)

Here is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ official response to the court’s overturning the Utah law defining marriage only between a man and a woman:

"Changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law that God has established. God expects us to uphold and keep His commandments regardless of divergent opinions or trends in society. His law of chastity is clear: sexual relations are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife. We urge you to review and teach Church members the doctrine contained in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”

"Just as those who promote same-sex marriage are entitled to civility, the same is true for those who oppose it. The Church insists on its leaders’ and members’ constitutionally protected right to express and advocate religious convictions on marriage, family, and morality free from retaliation or retribution. The Church is also entitled to maintain its standards of moral conduct and good standing for members.

"Consistent with our fundamental beliefs, Church officers will not employ their ecclesiastical authority to perform marriages between two people of the same sex, and the Church does not permit its meetinghouses or other properties to be used for ceremonies, receptions, or other activities associated with same-sex marriages. Nevertheless, all visitors are welcome to our chapels and premises so long as they respect our standards of conduct while there.’ (Church Instructs Leaders on Same Sex Marriage)

While it is clear that just because the courts have decided against defining marriage to be legal only between a man and a women, it does not change God’s law; that is not going to change. But now that it appears that same sex marriage is legal for now, so what do those who oppose the ruling do? The Twelfth Article of Faith of the LDS Church says that we believe in “obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law”  So how do we as members of the Lord’s Church respond? Elder Dallin H. Oaks had this to say last week in his General Conference address:

“Why is it so difficult to have Christlike love for one another? It is difficult because we must live among those who do not share our beliefs and values and covenant obligations. In His great Intercessory Prayer, offered just before His Crucifixion, Jesus prayed for His followers: “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14). Then, to the Father He pleaded, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (verse 15).

“We are to live in the world but not be of the world. We must live in the world because, as Jesus taught in a parable, His kingdom is “like leaven,” whose function is to raise the whole mass by its influence (see Luke 13:21; Matthew 13:33; see also 1 Corinthians 5:6–8). His followers cannot do that if they associate only with those who share their beliefs and practices. But the Savior also taught that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments (see John 14:15).

“On the subject of public discourse, we should all follow the gospel teachings to love our neighbor and avoid contention. Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. Our stands and communications on controversial topics should not be contentious. We should be wise in explaining and pursuing our positions and in exercising our influence. In doing so, we ask that others not be offended by our sincere religious beliefs and the free exercise of our religion. We encourage all of us to practice the Savior’s Golden Rule: “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12).

“When our positions do not prevail, we should accept unfavorable results graciously and practice civility with our adversaries. In any event, we should be persons of goodwill toward all, rejecting persecution of any kind, including persecution based on race, ethnicity, religious belief or nonbelief, and differences in sexual orientation.” (“Loving Others and Living with Differences”, Dallin H. Oaks, General Conference, October 2014)

While we should not be forced to abandon our beliefs and we will not be forced to perform same sex marriages, we must be civil in recognizing the marriages that are now legal. We must never be demeaning or disrespectful towards the beliefs of others. The constitutional right to believe applies to everyone. The eleventh Article of Faith states:

We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

The Lord has said in our day:

Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, whose course is one eternal round, the same today as yesterday, and forever. (Doctrine and Covenants 35:1)

Until the time when the Lord comes again on the earth to reign as King of Kings and all bow the knee and become subject to his laws we are committed to obeying men's laws as long as it does not interfere with our constitutional right to exercise our religious freedoms.

Your comments and questions are welcome.

In My Flesh I Shall See God

This week two of my coworkers passed away unexpectedly. One was 38 and left his wife and two teenage children, the other just retired and left his wife and children behind. The funeral for one of them was Friday and the other will be tomorrow. It is times like these that we often question what will happen to us after we die. This is a question that we all have asked at some time. Job in the Old Testament gives us his testimony of what will happen:

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. (Job 19:25-27)

Job's words can bring comfort to those who have lost loved ones that there is life after death. We read of the Savior’s resurrection three days after his crucifixion. Several women came to the sepulcher and found the tomb empty. They ran back to tell the disciples what they found. Peter, John and Mary ran back to the sepulcher. When Peter and John saw that it was empty they left but Mary stayed and the scriptures say that while she was there she saw two angels who asked her why she was seeking the living among the dead. She turned and saw another man whom she thought was the gardener and she asked if he had taken the Lord’s body somewhere. The scripture continues:

 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:14-17)

Mary was the first to witness the reality of Job’s testimony, that there is life after death. There in front of her was Jesus, he indeed had been resurrected. Later that night Jesus appeared to ten of the disciples as they were talking:

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.

And he took it, and did eat before them.

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day. (Matthew 24:36-46)

With these scriptures we know that Jesus Christ died and was resurrected, not just as a spirit but with a physical body. Job’s testimony is that he will see God as a physical person as well, meaning that we will be resurrected in the same manner that Christ was resurrected. In Book of Mormon Amulek taught us:

Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death.
The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt.

Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil. (Alma 11:42-44)

When we are resurrected we will have everything restored in a perfect body and we will be brought to stand before Jesus Christ to be judged according to our works. The resurrection will come to every person that is born into this word, none will be left out. If we are judged to be worthy of God’s presence then we will dwell there eternally as families.

Elder Robert D. Hales, of the Quorum of the Twelve, bore this testimony of the resurrection not just as individuals, but as families:

“The knowledge and understanding of the doctrine that God lives and Jesus is the Christ and that we have an opportunity to be resurrected and live in the presence of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, makes it possible to endure otherwise tragic events. This doctrine brings a brightness of hope into an otherwise dark and dreary world. It answers the simple questions of where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. These are truths that must be taught and practiced in our homes.

“God lives. Jesus is the Christ. Through His Atonement we will all have the opportunity of being resurrected. This is not just an individual blessing; it is much more than that. It is a blessing to each one of us and to our families. That we may be eternally grateful, that we can live in the presence of God the Eternal Father and His Son Jesus Christ, that we may be together in the eternities to come, that we might understand the joy, and that we not only teach this doctrine but live true to it in our lives and in our families, is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” (“The Eternal Family”, Robert D. Hales, General Conference, October 1996)

Our testimony to the world is that we are here for a reason, and that there is life after this life. The life after this life can be wonderful and exalting if we keep God’s commandments, are baptized by the proper priesthood authority and receive the temple covenants that bind our family together forever.
Knowing we will be together as a family is a great promise, but how do we get through the lonely times ahead when we miss a loved one that has passed beyond the veil? How do we endure the trials without a husband, father, mother, brother, sister or friend? We must rely on the promise of the Lord Jesus Christ that he can free us from our burdens and find peace. He has said:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, of the Quorum of the Twelve, spoke about how we can find happiness even in the difficult times. He said:

“Above all else, ultimate happiness, true peace, and anything even remotely close to scriptural joy are found first, foremost, and forever in living the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Lots of other philosophies and systems of belief have been tried.  Indeed it seems safe to say that virtually every other philosophy and system has been tried down through the centuries of history.  But when the Apostle Thomas asked the Lord the question young people often ask today, “How can we know the way?” (and at your age in life that really translates, “How can we know the way to be happy?”) Jesus gave the answer that rings from eternity to all eternity, “I am the way, the truth, and the life . . . And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do. . . . If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.”

"What a promise!  Live my way, live my truth, live my life—live in this manner that I am showing you and teaching you—and whatsoever you ask will be given, whatsoever you seek you will find, including happiness.  Parts of the blessing may come soon, parts may come later, and parts may not come until heaven but they will come—all of them.  What encouragement that is after a blue Monday or a sad Tuesday or a tearful Wednesday!  And it is a promise the realization of which cannot come any other way than by devotion to eternal truth!  In the words of then newly ordained Elder David O. McKay just short of a full century ago, “[Unlike gratification or pleasure or some kind of thrill, true] happiness is found only along that well beaten [gospel] track, narrow as it is, . . . [and] straight [as it is], which leads to life eternal.”7  So love God and each other, and be true to the gospel of Jesus Christ.” (“Living After the Manner of Happiness”, Jeffrey R. Holland, BYU-Idaho Devotional Address, September 23, 2014)

The Gospel of Jesus Christ provides all the answers to the questions about the purpose of life and what will happen to us after we die. It is a comforting blessing to know we can and will be with our families through the eternities. When we lose a loved one and we have to go through our lives without them we know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the sealing ordinances of the temple, we will be with them again. We can find peace and happiness even when we feel alone if we follow the advice of Elder Holland and live the gospel and follow the Savior’s example of love and service.

I want the families of my two friends and coworkers to know that our family prays that the Lord will lift their burdens from them and they find peace in this difficult time. I know they have a testimony of the resurrection and that because they have been sealed by temple covenants their families are eternal. I know that after this life we will all see God and our families in the flesh and then dwell with them for all eternity.

Your comments and questions are welcome.