I think I grew up in the typical conservative LDS household. I was taught from a young age the importance of faith in God, self reliance, individual liberty, personal responsibility and accountability, selfless service, community spirit, and respect for the law. I was also taught that the US Constitution was an inspired document (D&C 101:80) and that America is the land of promise, but that God will only bless and protect us as long as we worship Him and keep His commandments (Ether 2:9-12).
Because of my upbringing, I've come to identify myself mostly with the conservative movement, and hence the Republican Party which is home to that movement. However I've never felt completely comfortable labeling myself as a "Conservative" or a "Republican" (I generally chafe at any kind of pigeonholing.) Instead I view myself as a son of God who has been given certain blessings and responsibilities.
One of those blessings is to live in a free country where we enjoy the privilege of self rule (extremely remarkable when you look at the governments found throughout human history.) The associated responsibility is to seek out and uphold good, honest, and wise men as our leaders (D&C 98:10). My primary concern is that my selections are based on true principles that are in harmony with the Lord's revealed gospel. Party association or loyalty are secondary.
Once I have fulfilled my responsibility by participating in the political process, I feel the rest is left in God's hands. Since God is ultimately in control I really have no fear over whatever the outcome. While it is true that "when the wicked rule the people mourn" (D&C 98:9) the Lord has consistently promised to help and preserve those who honor and serve Him (1 Ne 22:17). As a result, how we live day-to-day may play a bigger role in the success of this country than who is in office at any given time. In short, I put more faith and confidence in the Lord's help and protection (as long as I fulfill my duties and obligations towards Him) than in the government's.
After all, the scriptures are full of passages that refer to the eventual wickedness and destruction of all the governments of the earth in the last days (for example, see 1 Ne. 14: 11-15 and D&C 87:6). While it's definitely not something that's nice to think about, if you believe in the revelations, you must admit that it's all a part of God's plan for the world. I don't believe these scriptures were given to scare us, but to prepare us for when the eventual day does come.
In the meantime I will continue to do what I can to promote what in my estimation is good government. While I fully understand the eventual situation leading up to the return of the Savior, I chose to remain optimistic about what lies ahead. There is still so much to appreciate and cherish of the marvelous time in which we live.
3 comments:
Thanks for that reminder. It's helping me be calmer in this crazy election year.
Becky Perkins
I'm glad it helped. That's pretty much the reason why I decided to write it.
Over the past month or so, I found that by focusing more on the goodness and mercies of the Lord, I felt much less anxious about the future.
There's always reason to maintain hope. Never give it up!
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