Over the years, it seems like ex-members of the church interpret the occasional “attack” against the church as proof that Mormonism might falter just like everything else in this world. But the scriptures have foretold that the church will continue in full strength until the Lord comes.

 

“I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land” (Amos 9:15)

“The covenant people … shall not be ashamed, … they who wait for Him” (2 Nephi 6:13).

“Put on thy beautiful garments, O daughter of Zion; and strengthen thy stakes and enlarge thy borders forever” (Moroni 10:31).

“The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth … that thine enemies may be subdued; for thine is the honor, power and glory, forever and ever” (D&C 65:2,6).

 

So, having this knowledge and assurance, how do we, the stalwart members of the church, live in the world today without getting caught up in all of Satan’s red herrings, mischief, and attempts at destroying the church?

The Sunday afternoon session, back in April 1980, seemed to be speaking to us in our day, because we are dealing with similar issues. It might be interesting to discuss these thoughts in our RS and Quorum meetings:

 

Mark E. Petersen said, “[Satan] will attack them with all the wicked devices his pornographic mind can devise, but … We have had many glorious victories and will yet have more.”

Question: What part are we willing to play in being victorious against Satan?

Bruce R. McConkie said, “If we, as a people, keep the commandments of God; if we take the side of the Church on all issues, both religious and political; if we take the Holy Spirit for our guide; if we give heed to the words of the apostles and prophets who minister among us …”

Question: Why is it important to support and trust the leaders in our church on those controversial subjects we are facing, and lean on their understanding?

L. Tom Perry said, “Our value system must conform to [Jesus Christ’s], must be consistent with His teachings.”

Question: What value system is the world teaching? What value system does the Lord teach? How do these two contradict one another?

Dean L. Larsen said, “Today we are being encouraged to accept greater responsibility to the allocation of our time, for our spiritual development through personal and family study of the gospel, and for giving loving Christian service.”

Question: What does a “sacrifice of time” look like in our homes, church, and community?

Hugh W. Pinnock said, “We are to be loyal soldiers in this rebel world. Yes, we are different, and we must remain that way.”

Question: Why does righteousness have to look different?

President Spencer W. Kimball said, “Individuals and institutions are measured by deeds, not days; by service, not centuries. Learn to recognize evil and shun it always. The Savior urged us to put our hand to the plow without looking back … refusing to be diverted from our course, either by the ways of the world or the praise of the world. There is so much yet to be done! … let us continue the journey with lengthened stride.”

Question: What does Heavenly Father expect from us? And what are we really willing to give Him?

 

Additional posts:

Half-hearted obedience  Marilyn Nielson

Our Path Goes through a Desert  G