Mindy Tyler Cam & Jane: Independence Day Devotional

Freedom Quotes

"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
John Adams

"The (individual) growth required by the gospel occurs only in a culture of individual effort and responsibility. It cannot occur in a culture of dependency. Whatever causes us to be dependent on someone else for decisions or resources we could provide for ourselves weakens us spiritually and retards our growth toward what the gospel plan intends us to be."
Elder Dallin H. Oaks

The Truth...

...About GOOD VS. EVIL: How do we tell the difference?

I started a study about a year ago. I was thinking of how we're told in these last days good will be called evil and evil called good. I was also thinking of how those who stand for good things are often portrayed as anything but, and those who secretly (or not so secretly) stand for bad/immoral, etc. things are either lifted up or they have such a way with words that they are able to trick even the best of us. History is replete with examples of both. So while history can often be skewed based on who wrote the history books, so to speak, I turned the ultimate authority of the scriptures for my study. My study was conducted in the Book of Mormon (although such a study could be conducted in any book of scripture with similar results) and over the past year while reading it, I pulled out and documented every instance of the following that I could find. Because I am not perfect, there may be more that I missed.

Instances of evil doers being popular/tricky
-King Noah and his priests use flattery and lead people to much wickedness: Mosiah 11:7
-Samuel the Lamanite points out contrasting examples (see other side below in next section); "flattery," no consequences for actions: Helaman 13:27-28
-inspired men testify boldly, and lawyers and chief judges, high priests are very angry because of; prophets are put to death secretly: 3 Nephi 6:20-23
-Secret combinations tribe leader Jacob flatters to gain dissenters: 3 Nephi 7:12
-Rebellious Alma the younger a "man of many words" and does "speak much flattery" causing people to commit iniquity: Mosiah 27:8, 26:6
-Sherem is "learned," has a "perfect knowledge of the language," uses "flattery and much power of speech" to "overthrow the doctrine of Christ": Jacob 7:4
-Zeezrom, the "most expert" of lawyers tries to catch Alma and Amulek with tricky words for money: Alma 10:31-32; all ch. 11
-Korihor leads away the hearts of many by teaching Anti-Christ doctrine: Alma 30:12-18
-Amalikiah leads away by flattering words and promises for power; seeks to be king and destroy foundations of liberty: Alma 46:1-10

Instances of prophets/good people being accused of bad things
-Abinadi called contentious/wanting to stir up anger: Mosiah 11:28
-Nephi, son of Helaman, called a liar and said to "condemn" and "revile" against the law: Helaman 8:1-6
-Samuel the Lamanite points out contrasting examples (see other side in above section); testifies of iniquity, is called "sinner," "devil," "false prophet": Helaman 13:26
-Samuel the Lamanite is said to have a devil: Helaman 16:6
-Lachoneus is called wicked by Giddianhi, leader of Gadianton robbers: 3 Nephi 3:10
-inspired men testify boldly, and lawyers and chief judges, high priests are very angry because of; prophets are put to death secretly: 3 Nephi 6:20-23
-Prophet Ether "esteemed as naught" and cast out: Ether 13:13
-Lehi is mocked and the wicked are angry with him because of his prophecies; other prophets treated similarly: 1 Nephi 1:19-20
-Lehi and Nephi are said by Laman and Lemuel and co. to be foolish, trying to gain power over and rule over others:
-Alma and Amulek thrown into prisons and have their lives threatened because of their preaching: Alma 8:31
-Korihor claims church leaders/priests seek to usurp power over the people: Alma 30:23-31

I wanted to share this with everyone because I want to stress that sometimes people are not what they seem and that we need to be careful to support and follow the right people, politically and otherwise. We as good people cannot afford to be tricked. This is especially important with elections coming up in November. Since we can obviously not always rely on someone's words, either their own representation or someone else's opinion of them, or popular culture/media's representation of a person, how do we decide who is "the real deal?" Who is really good? How can we avoid being tricked? I came up with a couple of good answers.

First, we can know someone's true character by their "fruits."
3 Nephi 14:17-18 "Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."
So in terms of at least politicians, what are their voting records? What do they support with their actions, not words? Do they live an honest personal/family life? (Yes, I absolutely believe integrity in one's personal life has everything to do with public life as it is pure evidence of their true character.) Don't look at how one talks the talk, look at how they walk the walk.

Second, we've been given the power to judge for ourselves and with the Lord's help we can come to correct conclusions.
D&C 9:8 "But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
This translates to me as "do your homework." I promise that "evil doers" have hidden their real intent and messages very well. You actually have to put in the work, study and research. Do more than passively hear one newscaster's assessment. Get the whole story. Spend the time. Then ask the Lord. It's a promise.

…About SECRET COMBINATIONS

The freedoms of the United States were divinely instituted by men raised up to that task. Today we are either distracted or have forgotten how fragile freedom is and cannot even fathom life without it. I would like to strongly suggest that there are evil forces at work bent on getting money and power at the expense of our freedom. And they have their people in our government, the media, and our corporations. Sure, you can call it a conspiracy theory if that makes you more comfortable, but to help illustrate my point and to show that I am not crazy, I am going to use the ultimate source, at least for LDS readers, The Book of Mormon. And while reading, remember the book was written specifically for us in our day. In fact, I have never been so terrified of what is happening today while reading Helaman through Ether as I was this last time around.

1. Yes they exisit: Secret Combinations/Gadianton Robbers will be among the Gentiles(us). Mormon 8; 2 Ne 26:20,22

2. These organizations will gain advantages because of people’s iniquities. 3 Ne 2:18

3. They hold positions of power and prominence: The organizations have their people fill government seats to usurp power and authority. Hel 7:4; 8:1, 27-28

4. Yes it is possible: Governments have been destroyed by secret combinations. 3 Ne 7:6,9

5. No nation is immune from the unthinkable: These combinations caused the complete destruction of both the Nephites and Jaredites. Hel 2:13; Ether 8:18,21

6. These were not organizations that destroyed from without, they destroyed from within; Nephites supported the combinations and united with them. Hel 6:38, 7:25

7. Fortunately, they can be rooted out: the Lamanites completely eradicated them from their society. Hel 6:37

8. A warning and hope for us: Unless the people repent they will not be delivered from the Gadianton Robbers. 3 Ne 3:15

9. Watch this video by President Benson

Don’t underestimate what is most likely happening. But don’t underestimate what you plus millions of good people just like you are capable of. Think about it. THEN ACT!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Independence Day Devotional

I hope everyone had a chance to sing a patriotic song this July 4th! If not, and even if you did, I wanted to share the inspiring words from America the Beautiful that I was able to sing in church today. The words are so beautiful and inspiring, it's too bad that no one talks or focuses on these values anymore. I couldn't sing half of it, at least, because I was so choked up. Studying one's country will produce for anyone a patriotic heart, but especially our wonderful country that was so divinely conceived and has done so much good for mankind. Let's all make sure we do our part to ensure God continues to bless and lead us because without Him, as a nation, we are nothing. I love the United States!! Here's to her greatness and potential for more greatness!

Oh, beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.

Oh, beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine ev’ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law.

Oh, beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev’ry gain divine.

Oh, beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.

Tonight we were able to go see the city's fireworks from on top of the parking garage at Tyler's hospital. Cameron was so delighted by them! We, as parents, would have been a bit happier had some of the tall downtown buildings not obstructed our view. Nevertheless, we had an awesome Independence Day weekend!

10 comments:

The Mom said...: YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE love those songs too! You are so sweet to be touched by the messages of the songs. My momma used to tear-up everytime the flag was raised or the flag went by in a parade. and she really cried it up when she would sing those songs. She is so proud of her posterity I am sure. We had a really great lesson in Ryan's Auburn WA ward today. The counselor gave a talk on the divine origin of America. It was right on and so great to hear.; July 4, 2010 at 9:20 PM
Tyler M. said...: These are the days I wish I had an American Flag and Eagle Tattoo on my chest! With the words "In God we trust" printed on my back. Love this country!!; July 4, 2010 at 10:05 PM
Kara Lyn said...: I am so glad that you guys had a great 4th. And when did Cameron turn into a little boy? He is so cute. You are a lucky lady. We miss you all and hope to see you soon.; July 4, 2010 at 10:13 PM
Holly or James said...: "God shed his grace on thee...
God mend thine ev’ry flaw...
May God thy gold refine...
God shed his grace on thee..."

At the Aspen Grove Holly and I had a chance to listen to a lecture about our founding fathers and how they were truly inspired in securing our nation. First of the founding fathers baptized for the men, John Adams, for the women, Abigail Adams. AWESOME!
-james; July 8, 2010 at 12:00 PM
Melanie said...: you know there's a pix of the heavenly scene in the DC temple when the founders appeared to Pres Woodruff? I cried when I saw it. Those Adams' were really good people. So neat to know the order. Would've LOVED to have been baptized by Abigail. She was AWESOME!

So, when I saw that you were really impressed by America the Beautiful song I totally started laughing. Oh Mindy, I cried the entire song. Our bishopric wanted us to stand up to sing it, it was the closing song... I started crying on the third line of the first verse. I was like trying to think about other things, "Keep it togetha, keep it togetha, keep it togetha..." It didn't work. I don't know if it helped any that the conductor was crying, too. I don't think that it helped, either, that'd I'd been reading "The Real George Washington" intensely that week either. Nor that I had watched the first 2 episodes of "John Adams" that week. So all of the sacrifices of the people, and seeing the hand of divine providence in the founders' lives... and seeing what GREAT men all these founders' were... it all added up to me crying it up good on Independence Day.

I love love love ty ty's comment!; July 8, 2010 at 9:07 PM
Melanie said...: Oh yeah! I cried when mom said her mom cried when the flag passed or when she sang songs. We need to instill the same type of patriotism that our grandparents' generation had for their country, in our own children.; July 8, 2010 at 9:11 PM
Heidi a.k.a. spaceghost said...: Yay for America! I do love this country too, let's work hard to preserve what makes America great!; July 13, 2010 at 12:26 PM
Heidi a.k.a. spaceghost said...: Sweet Grandma. I love hearing stories about her.; July 13, 2010 at 12:28 PM
Natalie said...: AH! We opted to have a roof top dinner on the fourth instead of go to chelsea piers, and almost ALL the fireworks were covered by the sky scrapers! TOO BAD WE DIDN'T THINK OF THAT ONE! ha!
Looks like you had a fun time! It would be so sweet to watch fireworks with the little tykes!; July 29, 2010 at 11:47 PM
Natalie said...: Sweet Grandma Clark! I love those stories.

Tyler, your comment reminds me of when we saw that 'tatting kit' at the LDS visitor center in salt lake, haha!!; July 30, 2010 at 12:21 AM