As I was singing one of our songs on the broadcast today, my feelings and thoughts concerning politics and the election came to mind. And while I didn't dwell on those thoughts at that moment, they lingered in my heart throughout the day.
I, like many of you, are struggling to make sense of current political happenings. I don't understand why people are supporting the two individuals who, at present, lead out in the polls. Yes, there are a lot of reasons commentators are giving us. And some of those might be true. But what is the core reason? Or, as they say in the business world when there's something that's gone wrong, what is the "root cause?"
I don't have a solid answer for that, which is part of the frustration I feel. But I can say there are certainly plenty of scriptures that come to mind when I think of various individuals in our government, some running for office, our political landscape, and our world in general.
Here are just a few.
I realize they are bold statements, but I believe them to be true.
Helaman 5:2 For as their laws and their governments were established by the voice of the people, and they who chose evil were more numerous than they who chose good, therefore they were ripening for destruction, for the laws had become corrupted.
Proverbs 17:4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
2 Nephi 9:34 Wo unto the liar, for he [or she] shall be thrust down to hell.
Romans 1:29 & 30 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things...
D&C 45:26 & 27 And in that day...the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them...and the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound.
Dismal, I know. But the lyrics of the song I mentioned earlier gave me hope:
"There'll be love and forgiveness everywhere,
And the way of the Lord shall be restored"
Won't that be one of the best days ever?! I can't wait for the Lord to come again and restore His way. I can't wait for our government to be filled with honest, trustworthy, respectful, and intelligent men and women who are worthy of the offices they hold. I can't wait for when love and peace will abound throughout the earth. I can't wait for that day.
In the meantime though, what can we do?
As the broadcast concluded, I realized that all of the songs we sang either mentioned "love" or alluded to that important verb. As I realized that, I tried to connect that to alleviating my frustrations. What does love have to do with this election cycle, or various people in this world who are choosing evil over good?
You and I may not be able to change the overall outcome of what's already been set in motion. But we can be good people. We can stand for what's right. Indeed we can love God, love His commandments, and love other people. And God promises if we do, we'll have peace. We'll be blessed. Blessed to make good, informed decisions, blessed to have courage, blessed to stand up for that which is praiseworthy or of good report. Blessed to serve and make a positive difference in the lives of people around us. And blessed to know that as we do all we can, God will make up the rest.
And at the end of the day, isn't that what's most important?
Until next time, God be with you.
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