Question
Gramps,
Is the Church following the martyrdom of Joseph Smith more like the Kingdom of Noah or the people of Alma? Following that thinking, when is the scripture in 2 Nephi 28:24-25 going to be fulfilled where all is not well in Zion and the people are asleep? When are we allowed to point it out?
Bo
Answer
Dear Bo,
As I have pondered how to answer your question, I find myself up to my ears in relevant scriptures and General Conference talks. I can think of nothing in scripture or General Conference that doesn’t apply. All of it is designed to bring to Christ those who will come, teaching us to try a little harder or do a little better — that is, not to be “at ease.” Whether it’s keeping our covenants, repenting, forgiving, gathering Israel, or “thinking celestial,” General Conference talks are already encouraging the saints to remain awake and anxiously engaged on the covenant path.
I find myself overwhelmed by the number of ways I could answer your questions. We could talk about stewardship. Each of us would do well to ponder what is and is not within our stewardship and how best to care for those entrusted to us. What can we do that will help them come unto Christ rather than run from His Church in fear, anger, or frustration?
We could talk about agency. Agency is a gift from God to every person. Each of us is free to use our agency as we choose. Agency is so important that we fought a war over it in the pre-mortal realm. While we may not like how others use their agency, we must be careful not to infringe on another’s agency. Rather, we should ask ourselves how to help others better use their agency.
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