Yesterday, in Sacrament meeting, one of the hymns we sang was As Zion's Youth in Latter Days. This isn't my favorite hymn, but it is a good one. One of the thing's I love about this hymn is how well it applies to our present circumstances. Verse two begins, "The truths and values we embrace are mocked on every hand," and they certainly are, and it's only going to get worse, but As Zion's Youth in Latter Days isn't about how bad our situation is. It's about "fac[ing] the challenge of our day . . . triumphant, pure, and strong." It's about resolution. In fact, the hymn is to be sung "resolutely."
As I sang the hymn yesterday, I felt like it didn't matter how confused or wicked the world got - we Latter-Day Saints would stand our ground, hold on to our standards and the word of God, and eventually overcome. Continuing to embrace our values may get more difficult, but we can do it, especially since we'll have God's help. The world may grow more wicked, but we don't have to. Remaining righteous in a less-righteous world is the challenge of this era, but we are, most of us, most certainly up to the challenge.
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Yes, as we sang, I thought of how appropriate the words are for our times. I see us as having two big challenges. One: to not become confused about truths and values. I see active members arguing in favor of ideas that I am sure are contrary to God's laws. They are convinced that they are right and God is on their side. We must study, pray, be humble, listen to the prophets and the Spirit to carefully discern which is God's side and then make sure we are on it. The 2nd challenge is to stand true to the right and to defend it without being contentious and disagreeable. To know when and how to speak up. To be able to show love for people while not loving their choices at all.
I love your faith. But you are right, with faith and God's help we are up to the challenge.
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