Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 98, which is a revelation given to Joseph Smith about the condition of the saints in Missouri and the persecution that they were receiving and suffering from. The saints during that time endured horrible trials that were not justified and that no human should perpetrate upon another, and yet, all throughout history, humans have done such things to each other, not just to the Latter-day Saints. I've never understood people who let hate get such hold of their hearts, especially over some of the most trivial things. It's barbaric really.
From what I know of church history the saints in Missouri did not help their situation by the way they acted when they got to Missouri and based on their actions it may have inflamed the situation and made people who would otherwise have left them alone part of the problem. Nevertheless, it does not excuse what those people did. As I am fond of saying, nothing gives us the right to treat people in anyway other than how Jesus would treat them. The Lord himself in this section reminds us that we are to forgive 70 times 7.
Nevertheless, the way the Saints were treated at that time, regardless of the reason, is appalling and it is no wonder the Saints in Kirtland wanted revenge and wanted to do something about it. But the Lord has said He will fight our battles for us and truly He did in this instance also. The Lord's house is a house of order and it is no wonder that He wanted the Saints to obey the laws of the land. He still wants us to obey the laws of the land where we live and to have us be involved in the law making process as much as possible. To elect righteous leaders and make sure that we do our part to uphold the law at all times.
It is interesting to see the mind of the Lord though throughout the years and how He has protected His people. I have met and talked with people who firmly believed that the New Testament and the Old Testament had 2 different Gods. They could not understand how in the world the God the Old Testament could possibly be the God of the New Testament. I see no such conflict. In both books of the Bible I see a God who is determined to save and protect His people. I see the same thing in the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. The Lord has always protected His people in His own way, and as we know His ways are not our ways.
I think the problem arises from the fact that we are too concerned with this life. Now granted, we all want to have a happy life here on the earth and I think all of us with the Spirit in our lives, when we come across those who have suffered in this life, it hurts to dwell on it and I am sure it causes our Heavenly Father, who IS our Father, even more pain. But He has a perspective that we do not have. He knows that everything in this life is for our benefit and this life is but a small moment. Now, I am not saying that we should do nothing to alleviate the suffering in the world. Far from it. I think spending our time in service to others, aside from preaching the gospel, is probably the most worthwhile use of our time in this life. But this life is not the end, or the beginning. It is but a time we use to better ourselves and become more like our Savior.
As we become more Christlike we will start to see the world more through His eyes and we will be able to look past the things in this life that seem so important to us now. We will start to spend our time differently and we will start to be able to forgive easier. It really is sad and amazing how much holding onto a grudge can weigh down the heart and can stop progression. Let the Lord fight your battles and focus on what is most important in this life, serving others and helping your family progress and make and keep sacred covenants. You won't be sorry you did, but I can't say the same if you choose to live your life another way! Until tomorrow.
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