Questions of the Soul: Part 7 (Opposition in All Things)

So again I delay the writing and posting of a blog. Again I think to myself that the reason, or my excuse rather, is that I have not had any questions posed to me. Oh well. I said that I would also write about questions that I could think of if no one else did. Time to own up to my own words.

What is the question? 

Why do bad things happen to good people? If there is a God, why does he allow suffering to occur for so many in the world?

God loves each and everyone of His children. If we want to know who qualifies for that love, we need look no farther then the closest mirror. 

"21 And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?

22 And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.

23 And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul." - 1 Nephi 11:21-23

Our Savior Jesus Christ is the supreme example of that love. His sinless sacrifice and perfect example to us is a perfect example of the love that our Father in Heaven has for us. 

However, that still hasn't answered the question at hand. So let's dive into some more scriptures for the answer. 

" 11 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so... righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.

12 Wherefore, it must needs have been created for a thing of naught; wherefore there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation. Wherefore, this thing must needs destroy the wisdom of God and his eternal purposes, and also the power, and the mercy, and the justice of God." - 2 Nephi 2:11-12

So, opposition in all things. There are two governing laws here that we must recognize. The first is the law of Justice. Justice is defined as such: the administering of deserved punishment or reward. God works all His mighty works through His own laws. Now lets define the second law. Mercy: compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power;compassion, pity, or benevolence.

The reason we need to know the definitions of these two words, is to understand how these laws work in accordance with each other to the carrying out of God's will. Now first let's not make any mistake in thinking that suffering of righteous or just people is always the will, or better, the doing of God.  There have been, are, and will continue to be times when God allows His righteous followers to endure trials that others may think are undeserving, that He may, in His divine wisdom, try them of the strength of their faith. However, those are not generally the circumstances that people dwell on when thinking about this question.

I want to use another example from the scriptures that illustrates exactly why these things occur. The following is an account in the Book of Mormon. It comes from the perspective of two missionaries who are striving to share and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to some who are willfully rejecting it. In defiance of this message these people even go to the extent of persecuting the innocent and taking their lives simply to discourage these two missionaries.

" 9 And it came to pass that they took Alma and Amulek, and carried them forth to the place of martyrdom, that they might witness the destruction of those who were consumed by fire.

10 And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames.

11 But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day." - Alma 14:9-11

In order for justice to be righteously affixed to those who committed this crime before God, He allowed them to continue with their designs. The people in this scripture who suffered death were guilty of no crime deserving of such a punishment. However, in order for those who committed the crime against them to be deserving of the punishment they would receive, the hand of these two messengers of God were constrained, or withheld from stopping this awful thing.

I know that at times, especially when we are closely associated with those who suffer without great cause, it can seem that there is no love from God. I want to share something personal to me that illustrates how someone who is not deserving of times like these can overcome them with faith and knowing that even if we aren't sure right then, God does love us, and will make that love evident if we are patient. 

My oldest sister, and a great hero in my eyes, was diagnosed with leukemia when she was in highschool. Because of her cancer, she endured many trails and had to be homeschooled for a year over the phone by a tutor. She underwent treatments of both radiation and chemo therapy. She spent many nights in pain and weakness, but never did I ever hear her blame her Father in Heaven for her circumstances. Now you may think that this does not show the existence of  a God who is loving and merciful, while being just. However, my father is a Melchizedek priesthood holder. As a worthy priesthood holder he was able to give my sister blessings through by the laying on of hands to strengthen her and to convey to her the true love that her Father in Heaven feels for her. My sister has been in remission and cancer free for over a decade now. My prayer is that it will always remain that way. If however, it does not. I know that there is more to our existence then what we experience in this life. 

The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us of the Eternal Plan that our Father has for all His children. By knowing this plan, we can find the comfort in our trials that help us to realize, recognize, and feel the love that God really does have for us. His judgments are just. His mercy is shown through the example of His only begotten son Jesus Christ. His creations and works are before our eyes in every part of this world. He loves you. He will always make it possible for all of His children to endure the trials that they face. I know these things are true. I know that though we may not understand why things happen all the time, God does. His justice will make them right in the End.

Below is a video that exemplifies the faith of one man, who because of his understanding of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, is able to endure a trial that can only be described as heart breaking.

Questions of the Soul: Part 6 (Judges)

Another blog in response to another question. What was the question? This: "Please share what you know and have learned about Bishops, mortal men, being Judges in Israel." Really more of a request though. Anyway, here goes my best shot. I hope that it answers the question.

Well since I'm not to educated on the subject, other then a few scriptures that come to mind, and some things that I learned in Sunday School about our accounting at judgement, I had to research greater minds then mine. One such mind is that of Elder N. Eldon Tanner. On the subject matter Elder Tanner is quoted as stating the following:

"Bishops, you have an additional responsibility. You are judges in Israel,and you should always judge and deal with the transgressor with love and confidence, with a desire in your heart to help him, and carry out your responsibilities to deal with him... It is important that when you know there is iniquity,you be kind enough to show an interest in the transgressor and bring him to repentance, and that is a kindness. Love all, but tolerate no iniquity.When it appears that something is wrong, it is your duty to investigate and handle all cases of transgression according to the seriousness of the case. By moving promptly, you might be able to prevent further transgression." - N. Eldon Tanner (Apostle of the Lord)

So as Elder Tanner states, it is the responsibility of Bishops to be judges of actions made by those whom they hold stewardship over here on Earth. The Savior organized a Church that functions through Priesthood Authority. Those that are in positions of stewardship over others are in those positions because of the priesthood responsibilities that they have covenanted to do. They have covenanted to serve others with that priesthood. Part of this service is given by helping, counseling, and acting as a judge of sins committed by a transgressor.

Another great mind spoke of how this works within God's laws and the government of the Church:

"God’s laws, as given for the government of the Church, must be supported and endorsed to win salvation and respect of those within the Church and without. The bishops of the Church have been designated as common judges and, together with their counselors, are authorized to deal withcases of serious transgression coming under their jurisdiction. Other cases go before the high council court under the direction of the stake president. These judges are expected to deal with all cases of infraction against the laws of the Church mercifully and justly." - James A. Cullimore (Quorum of the Seventy)

So now you may be asking yourself, how do the scriptures support the idea of men standing as judges? Well one such scripture of support is given in the Book of Mormon, in the Book of Mormon. That is not a typing error, just read.

"18 Yea, behold, I write unto all the ends of the earth; yea, unto you, twelve tribes of Israel, who shall be judged according to your works by the twelve whom Jesus chose to be his disciples in the land of Jerusalem.

19 And I write also unto the remnant of this people [those in the America's], who shall also be judged by the twelve whom Jesus chose in this land; and they shall be judged by the other twelve whom Jesus chose in the land of Jerusalem." - Mormon 3:18-19

So Bishops are given a charge to stand as "judges" here on Earth. The Apostles were told that they would stand as "judges" with the Savior at the day that He would stand to judge the inhabitants of the world.

"28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." -Matthew 19:28

As I understand it, all those who are given Priesthood responsibility and stewardship over others in this mortal existence will also be charged with giving an accounting of how they fulfilled that responsibility. This includes all of the Lord's Prophets, from the time of Adam to the Prophet on the Earth the day the Lord Returns, Apostles, and every other priesthood holder who is called into a position of service in leadership. In giving this accounting, the priesthood holders will converse with the Lord explaining how they fulfilled their duties, and how those who they were given stewardship over reacted to, listened, obeyed, or disobeyed those things they were taught. In doing this, those priesthood leaders will stand as witnesses at the judgement bar, and will account of the judging they were called to in their mortal stewardship.

Questions of the Soul: Part 5

Again everyone, sorry for the time between new posts. I re-posted a previous blog in response to a question that was left by a reader, and hopefully those of you who are following were able to catch that.

Since I haven't had any new questions recently, and I've had a bit of a crazy week here lately staying in Southern IL. with tornadoes hitting neighboring cities and funnel clouds being near by, my mind has been reflecting on a question that someone we are working with in Harrisburg, IL. said. He told us that his goal in life is to reach an internal, eternal peace. So I thought, why not shed some light on the question: How do we obtain peace in this life? 

Let's start with setting the scene of one of the greatest talks, declarations, or addressing, call it what you will, that exists in the scriptures; in my opinion. In the Book of Mormon there is a record of a righteous king named Benjamin. King Benjamin ruled his kingdom in love and service to his people. He taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them , and lived it himself, living in no hypocrisy. In his final days he commanded that the people of his kingdom be gathered together outside of the Temple walls while he delivered to them his final address from a tower. In part of that address he stated the following:

" 40 O, all ye old men, and also ye young men, and you little children who can understand my words, for I have spoken plainly unto you that ye might understand, I pray that ye should awake to a remembrance of the awful situation of those that have fallen into transgression.

41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." - Mosiah 2:40-41

King Benjamin states it pretty clearly if you ask me. As one keeps the commandments he, or she, is in a "blessed and happy state". If one does not keep the commandments, they will be subject to an "awful situation". What are the commandments we are to keep? Well there are the governing 10 that the children of Israel were given by the Lord on top of Mt. Sinai through the prophet Moses:

1. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me,
2. Though shalt not make unto the any graven images.
3. That shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy.
5. Honor thy Father and thy Mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness.
10. Thou shalt not covet.

But there are also those that come through a comprehensive study and understanding of the scriptures and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Savior Himself enlarged the compass of these 10 simple commandments in His sermon on the Mount. This same sermon was given to the people in the Book of Mormon by the resurrected Lord as recorded in the book of 3 Nephi. One such example of this is the greater expectation of the commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery" given by the Savior to the Nephites as follows:

" 27 Behold, it is written by them of old time, that thou shalt not commit adultery;

28 But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman, to lust after her, hath committed adultery already in his heart.

29 Behold, I give unto you a commandment, that ye suffer none of these things to enter into your heart;" 3 Nephi 12:27-29

Now we know that we are not perfect. We know that we will not always make the right choices and keep the commandments perfectly. We don't want to be left in an "awful situation", or "a state of endless misery and woe" as the scriptures define it. If we obtain peace and happiness in life both here and hereafter by keeping the commandments, then what are we to do when we don't keep those commandments that have been given? 

We are to rely on the mercy and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. King Benjamin continued in his address to teach his people, and us, how it is possible to truly obtain peace. He said:

"8 And this is the means whereby salvation cometh. And there is none other salvation save this which hath been spoken of; neither are there any conditions whereby man can be saved except the conditions which I have told you.

9 Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.

10 And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them.

11 And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith...

12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.

13 And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due." Mosiah 4:8-13

"7 And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.

8 And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning...

9 And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name..." Mosiah 3:7-9