In our present world condition, righteous living by keeping God’s commandments will generate opposition from many fronts including, at times, even family members. We have to be dedicated to doing and saying what is wrong and what is right as we face opposition.
WE NEED TO BE CONVERTED TO THE SAVIOR AND HIS GOSPEL
We personally need to be converted to live and believe as the Savior Jesus Christ has directed us. Conversion in the scriptures refers to being converted to the Savior, his teachings and keeping His commandments (also referred to as being born again). “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3: 19 in the Bible)
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3: 3 in the Bible)
To ancient people living on the American Continent, the Savior further explains the conversion process. “Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God…”
THE COURAGE TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST PROFANITY
I was touched by the experience of Wayne Bell when he was in an Air Force boot camp. He wrote: “Many years ago, I joined the United States Air Force to serve my country. Soon I found myself at boot camp in Texas. The weeks passed slowly as I endured the many things one typically experiences at boot camp. One day I attended a large meeting of over 200 airmen, all in training just like me. The meeting began with one of our drill instructors–who regularly shouted loud and vulgar things–yelling out, ‘Does anyone object to the way I’m running things around here?’ Of course, no one dared answer, but surprisingly, one young man raised his hand.
‘Airman, stand up!’ the instructor shouted. ‘What do you object to?’
We all listened intently as the young man loudly declared; ‘I object to you taking my Savior’s name in vain. It hurts my soul. I would ask that you stop.’ The room fell completely silent. The instructor stared at him and then asked him what religion he belonged to. The brave airman proudly said, ‘I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!’ The instructor thanked the airman for his courage to speak out, and the meeting continued.
This act had a tremendous effect on me. I often thought that I would like to have the kind of courage that airman had. After boot camp and medical training, I was assigned to an Air Force base in Colorado. I don’t know the brave airman’s name. I never saw him again, but I will be eternally grateful for his courage to stand up for what he believed.”
THE REWARDS OF LIVING THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD
In order to be able to stand strong against opposition and persecution, not changing our righteous course in life, we need to always keep our focus on the long term benefits of the Savior’s great plan of salvation or happiness for those that are converted to, and live by, the gospel of Jesus Christ.
One of the scriptures that helps me keep the proper focus in life was given by the apostle Paul, “But as it is written, eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2: 9 in the Bible)
Think about what this scripture is saying to us. We have never thought of or even dreamed about the degree of learning, excitement, progression opportunities, accomplishment, joy or enduring happiness and glory that is in store for those that keep the commandments of God and valiantly endure to the end of their lives.
Dallas Jones is the local leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This column quoted an article by Wayne L. Bell in the July 2020 edition of Ensign. For further discussion call (231) 383-8359 or send an email to dallasjones8349@yahoo.com. If interested in reading previous articles by Dallas Jones, visit djonesarticles.com.