With Independence Day upon us, one can't help but think of the wonderful freedom that citizens of the United States of America enjoy, above all other countries in the world - the reason we celebrate our liberty as a Nation, annually, on the 4th of July.As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we hold a unique view of the importance of this country in the winding up scenes of the world, prepatory to the Second Coming.
To members of the LDS Church, this land is a "Promised Land", upon which the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the latter-days, has come forth.
Due to to the understanding that Mormons have of the importance of America, and the LDS church history which support those beliefs, Mormons in general tend to be very patriotic - believing that the Constitution of the United States, is an inspired document.
In short, we believe that God prepared specific men to come together at a particular time in the history of the world to draft such a document. The country founded upon the principles established in this inspired, principled work, would then open the way whereby the original Christian Church could then be re-established in the last days. Mormonism teaches that this was and is part of a master plan, designed by our Creator.
78 That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.
79 Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another
80 And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood." Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. 101
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| Signing of the U.S. Constitution, Howard Chandler Christy, 1940 |
Mormons teach that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the original reestablished Christian Church re-established in these latter-days for a glorious purpose!
Through modern revelation God has instructed his Saints,
"I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land; And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil. Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil." Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. 98:6,7,10
We feel a responsibility to uphold and defend the Constitution. You could say that, in a sense, we feel we've been called to the work. Mormons consider the U.S. Constitution to be a divine document. Potential changes to it are considered serious and should be closely evaluated in order to maintain its integrity to righteous principles. When we see anyone striving to either add to it, or take away, a red flag must go up!
The Constitution of the United States, is for us the law of this land! These laws are enforced by individuals' that we grant power -- through the process of free elections. Each one of us, personally, have a responsibility to understand the principles upon which the U.S. Constitution was founded. In doing so, we will find that the principles contained therein are righteous principles.
Our job, as covenant members of His Church, is to make sure that we are governed by righteous leadership, ensuring these principles prevail - so that individuals are able to freely exercise their God-given agency; critical to Salvation.
It is evident as we observe our current unstable conditions, that it is clearly the result of not having those in office who reverence and respect these righteous principles, upon which the U.S. Constitution was founded. Daily, we see evil in government. We see an overall lack of morals in society at large, which is reflected right back at us, in our governing officials. Sadly, we are responsible, as a country, for those in power.
Personally, I have a renewed commitment to more fully understand the principles upon which this great country was founded. I have a testimony that God has placed us here, specifically - to be guardians of righteousness. I'm also thankful to those who understand, with spiritual eyes, what is happening in the world today and that they are willing to speak out, regardless of cultural consequences. More of us need to join in this important and sacred work.
LDS Church leaders, prophets and apostles, are setting the example in this great work, as they continually maintain absolute doctrines, publicly, in the midst of an unkind culture. It is a good thing to "follow the prophet" during these times, which ensures that we are on the Lord's side. Personally, I'm not willing to take the chance, by spouting off my potentially uninspired opinions, which might be contrary to the counsel of living prophets of God. Rather, I will continue to exercise faith in God's word, as spoken by His servants, and receive the blessings of obedience; the mark of God's People.
Even if politics is not really 'your thing' (Which I never considered it mine), it is interesting to see how we are being pulled into this arena, because of the lack of morality in society. Just as the issue of same-sex marriage for members of the Church, is not political, but a moral issue, so too, are the principles that govern righteous government, which also demand our defense.
As we celebrate our independence as a country, and as individuals, our liberty, my challenge to each of us, is that we will do one thing to maintain these sacred freedoms: find, or create an opportunity to stand up for what you value, by speaking it, so that others hear it - and if necessary, stand behind it by doing the same.
"Unless we as citizens of this nation forsake our sins, political and otherwise, and return to the fundamental principles of Christianity and of constitutional government, we will lose our political liberties, our free institutions, and will stand in jeopardy before God of losing our exaltation. I am in full agreement with the statement made by President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.:
“I say to you that the price of liberty is and always has been blood, human blood, and if our liberties are lost, we shall never regain them except at the price of blood. They must not be lost!” (Stand Fast by Our Constitution, p. 137.)"
Your single voice, declaring the truths by which you live, revealed by God, is the most powerful tool the Lord has given each one of us, whereby righteousness can be maintained; He's depending on US!
Happy 4th of July!
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
WBMW:
Mormon Belief: America A Promised Land
Mormon Love Liberty!
Jeffrey R. Holland: A Promised Land
Ezra T. Benson: The Constitution: A Glorious Standard
Deseret News: Challenging Issues, Keeping the Faith: 'Promised Land' not limited to one area
Photo Credit: Architect of the Capitol
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