It’s a fact of human nature that we value things more when we are in danger of losing them. Such is the case with the rights and freedoms that we enjoy in the United States today.
In August 1833, the Lord taught church members who were experiencing violent persecution in Missouri several principles to guide their response. Here are three of those principles:
1. Prioritize God’s law.
Verily I say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them. …
And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God.
For he will give unto the faithful line upon line, precept upon precept; and I will try you and prove you herewith.
Doctrine and Covenants 98:4, 11-12; compare Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4; Moroni 7:25; Deuteronomy 8:3
God’s laws are different from human laws, because many of God’s laws are unenforceable. Just because something is legal doesn’t mean it’s right. We should hold ourselves to a higher standard than to simply obey civil law. We should strive to follow eternal principles: the higher law taught by Jesus and by His prophets and apostles.
2. Befriend constitutional laws.
And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.
Therefore, 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.
Doctrine and Covenants 98:5-7; compare 3 Nephi 11:40; 12:37; Matthew 5:37; 22:16-21; Luke 20:21-25
Sometimes human laws overlap with God’s laws. Other times, they are different but complementary, or at least non-contradictory. Just as Jesus taught His disciples to “render … unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s,” we are generally capable of conforming to civil law without compromising our commitment to follow God.
The Lord specifies that the laws we “befriend”—support and advocate for—must be “constitutional.” The Constitution of the United States is divinely inspired (see Doctrine and Covenants 101:77-80), but it is more than a manifesto setting forth true principles. It is our mutually agreed-upon system of government. To violate it is to betray a sacred trust we have placed in one another. That’s why we require our government officials to swear an oath to faithfully execute their duties and support and defend the Constitution. We should expect nothing less from our leaders and from ourselves.
3. Seek out and uphold honest, good, and wise leaders.
Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.
Wherefore, honest men [and women] and wise men [and women] should be sought for diligently, and good men [and women] and wise men [and women] ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.
Doctrine and Covenants 98:9-10; compare Proverbs 29:2
After Alma and his people escaped from the tyranny of King Noah, he urged them to “stand fast in this liberty wherewith ye have been made free, and … trust no man to be a king over you.” He further added, “Trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments” (Mosiah 23:13-14).
Some of the best career advice I ever received was, “Choose your boss wisely.” Obviously, we don’t always have control over who will be our leaders, but we may have more influence than we realize.
Regarding civic leaders, a few thoughts:
- Don’t succumb to cynicism. Not everyone is corrupt. Find the good people and support them.
- National politics gets a lot of coverage, but local politics matters. Learn about your local leaders, and get involved.
- The Lord instructed us not only to “uphold” good people but also to seek for them “diligently.” If you don’t like your available slate of candidates, ask yourself, “Is there someone I can encourage to run?” That person may even be staring at you in the mirror.
Conclusion
The Lord has taught us how to maintain and defend our freedoms. First, we ought to commit fully to follow His laws. Second, obey civil laws which are constitutional. Third, recruit and support good people to serve in public office.
Today, as I vote in our primary election, I will keep these principles in mind. I will strive to act in accordance with divine law, fulfill my civic duties, and support candidates for office who are honest, good, and wise.
Leave a Reply