Now that Halloween is over, all the scary stuff is gone, right? No more scary stuff on the television. No more terrifying things posted on the internet. Hahaha, yeah, right. The election is still coming and it’s still scary.
It’s probably true for most of you, too. Maybe you don’t like either of the candidates from our two major parties. Or maybe you do. Maybe you’re thinking of going to a third party, or maybe those are just as scary. Whatever your opinions of the candidates from the main or third parties, that’s not even the scariest thing to me.
What’s really getting to me is how nasty society is becoming over this presidential race and many other election issues.
It's scary how people are treating each other, calling names, and insulting others simply based on their voicing an opinion. Everyone seems to think they have the perfect answer (or the “truth”) and there really isn't one. No one wants to admit that. Instead they attack anyone who even remotely challenges their opinion. And that’s really all anyone has: an opinion and a quick reply to attack anyone who dares challenge that opinion.
With all of the vitriol and venom being flung around these days, I’m going to take comfort in a few things.
First, I don't like the "lesser of two evils" or even the "avoid the lesser of two evils" talks going around. Everyone needs to study up on *all* of the candidates and propositions, find the ones that most aligns with their views, and then just vote while being kind and courteous to others. I seriously doubt that anyone can change someone else's opinion, and it’s a snowball's chance in hell if they do it by name calling and slander.
I can appreciate that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints guides us on some important issues (recreational marijuana, marriage, euthanasia), but stays away from endorsing a candidate (or even going against a candidate). What I appreciate most, though, was that the General Authorities (leaders of the Church) have told us to be civil and to treat people with kindness, regardless of political/religious/etc. views. I don’t care if you’re Mormon or not; you can still follow that counsel to be courteous and respectful.
Your opinion is your own. You can change it all you want. Maybe someone will present information that will have you consider changing it, but that is still up to you. No one can (or should) force you to think or even vote in any way. And we shouldn't seek to do the same to others.
Second, I can’t control much, but I can control how I act and react. I will not lower my standards. I will stand up for what I believe in, but I will not be disrespectful of others.
While studying the Beatitudes in the Book of Mormon (they’re almost exactly the same as the ones found in Matthew 5), I noticed the last two really apply today.
9. And blessed are all the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
I am going to try to be a peacemaker. I will always consider my first and most important description to be a “son of God.” Sometimes that means staying out of the argument. Sometimes that means reminding people who they are. Mostly it means being a source of peace.
10 And blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name’s sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
I wouldn’t say that I’m persecuted, not yet. I still have many freedoms. My beliefs and ideals might be ridiculed, but I am still allowed them. Things might get worse, but that’s where my hope and faith for the future come in.
Things are going to get pretty bad before the end. (Have you read Matthew 24? Or any of the Book of Revelation? Maybe Nephi’s vision after the Tree of Life? Yeah, it’s gonna get ugly.) But that doesn’t mean that we have to be a part of the bad. Good people everywhere are going to have to stand up where they are and be an example of.. well… good. It’s going to get rough to stand up for what you believe is right, but it will be worth it.
Sorry, that was the third thing kind of mashed onto the end of the second. I’m taking comfort in my hope of the future.
I have faith and hope that Jesus Christ will come again. There will be a lot of terrible things to come, but at the end of all of that will be a glorious millennium. We will be reunited with loved ones, there will be peace, and Christ will reign personally upon the earth.
In closing, a reminder (or maybe a first time viewing) of a couple Articles of Faith from Joseph Smith.
11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
We are going to stand up for what we believe is right and allow others to do the same.
12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
Whatever becomes law, whoever becomes president or leader, we will obey, honor, and sustain so long as it is righteous and doesn’t interfere with #11.
13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Let us be sure to follow the admonition of Paul and develop the attributes that make us more like our Heavenly Parents and Savior, Jesus Christ.
