Matters of Opinion

I just finished journaling Elder Holland’s conference talk on hope. His thesis statement is “Because the Restoration reaffirmed the foundational truth that God does work in this world, we can hope, we should hope, even when facing the most insurmountable odds.” I needed to read that exact talk today! 

 

Last night we were talking with our daughter about the difficulties around us and the soul-shaking divisions in our country as we try to sort right from wrong and stand for what is right. Jim reminded us what he used to teach his debate teams: “You cannot have an opinion until you have studied and understood BOTH sides of any issue. Until you have done that, you can only have a prejudice.” We are lazy sometimes and let others tell us what we should believe. If we give in to that, we end up wallowing in prejudice. We cannot trust our understanding to the media or those who refuse to face truth. Like the scriptures teach us, we must soften our hearts and hearken to His word. 

 

This country must be protected and revered so it can stand as an ensign to the world in preparation for the Second Coming of the Lord. No other country was good enough, strong enough, or divinely founded enough to bless the world. It is certainly not perfect, and the people’s hearts are not perfect, but we cannot chance letting it fall into disrepair and lawlessness! As I read the Book of Mormon and other scripture, I can see why the rule of law and the Constitution are so essential to preserve the freedoms that are the foundation of God’s plan.

 

It’s not easy! It’s not quick! It cannot be forced upon us by violence and destruction. It takes a changing of hearts. It takes love and compassion for all human beings and faith and trust in God’s love. It takes personal and societal responsibility. There is no escaping the fact that we are accountable for the lives we choose to live. No blame for history. No blame for the system. God has given us everything we need to rise above our circumstances and  lift each other toward Him. We have traveled all over the world. America is the Promised Land!