Call Me an Idealist—I’m Honored

By Kellene Bishop Face it. You’ve no doubt heard yourself uttering, or at least thinking the words “the lesser of two evils” when it came to voting for a particular candidate. However, to put it simply, choosing the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil. As members of His church who have covenanted to build up this kingdom and to protect it, we simply cannot settle for such mainstream thinking. We are not here in the last days to take it easy and bask in the abundance of technology and goods. We are here to preserve, protect, and to prepare for His coming. And yes, it is US that are here to do so, not our distant ancestors still to come, folks. In 1980, Ezra Taft Benson gave a talk at BYU in which he stated, “you students are a part of a choice young generation—a generation which might well witness the return of the Lord.” He went on to say, “It will be your responsibility not only to help to carry the kingdom to a triumph but to save your own soul and strive to save those of your family and to honor the principles of the inspired constitutions of the United Stated.”

So, are we responsible for choosing only that which is good for our country and our religion, or shall our hands be clean if we simply vote for the “lesser of two evils?”

In Alma 46, Captain Moroni shows us just how important it is that not only do we refuse to accept any degree of evil among us, but that we must also ensure it doesn’t live to infiltrate our lives in the future generations either. (See verses 29-35)

Still others, who are strongly rooted among us, would have us believe that a belief that “Right will reign if we but stand firmly for it” is idealistic, and as such is doomed for failure—especially in light of our prominent two party voting system. I’m certain that such a view point is perpetuated by the adversary. I’m convinced that the Lord’s way is not to advocate “that which isn’t most wicked” but rather to always stand for that which is truly right, that which will truly protect freedoms, and preserve our religion.

The nay sayers can call this being an idealist all they want, telling the world how an idealist never gets anywhere so they can/should simply moderate towards the centrist view. I firmly do not believe this. The attitude that “we simply can't afford to be idealistic” and that we need to moderate in order to get back to the Constitution is what got us here to begin with. Surely we have seen that those who hold the views which threaten our religion and our freedoms never moderate, ever. Have you not noticed that? They don’t. And they never sleep. The holders of these views even admit that they have extreme agendas. But then they watch as the typical Conservative movement gets all bent out of shape, then “they” back off from their original extreme agenda and accept a few baby-steps towards their original agenda. And so on it goes. Lather, rinse, repeat, until the adversary ends up with what he wanted all along. Perhaps it’s hard to stand boldly and courageously in the face of truly evil principles, because such principles are held by living, breathing human beings who we instinctively love and strive to nurture, not destroy. But stand we must, regardless of the face which breathes out these false principles.

Perhaps the tragedy in all of this is not that many have tried to make a difference and feel that they have failed in doing so, but more importantly, the disaster is that we who hold the truths actually give up in fighting against evil. We try so hard to resist evil that we forget that the strength is in persisting evil. Understandably our nemesis does not sleep, nor get distracted with families, television, church callings, or other intrusions on his efforts to thwart the Lords plan. But far too many Believers have given up. Where would we be today if people had held strong to their ideals and principles 70 years ago? 50 years ago? Even 20 years ago? I believe we would be in the midst of a far different nation, and even world.

It is because we have decided to abandon our principles for so long that we find ourselves in our current situation, not because we held to them too tightly before finding it didn't work exactly as we had planned. It is far too common that the Holders of Eternal Truths simply live their lives, hoping (or even assuming) that someone else will take the heat and tow the line, while the adversary works tirelessly for his cause, knowing that it is all dependent upon him to do so. It is because Believers have not stood by their principles that we are left wondering what principles are anymore, let alone which ones we should try to hold onto and which ones we should save to fight for another day.

If we are not willing to stand on our principles, how can we expect anyone else to? If we are willing to stand on our principles, why not NOW so that we can begin to affect change? The Savior will not do it for us. We are to make these changes for Him.

Do you simply believe that you are not leadership material? That somehow true leadership is somebody else's responsibility? What is it about standing for something right now that scares us so badly? Do we think we will lose an election by doing so?

Advocating a slower moving train towards Socialism/Communism is still advocating for such a repugnant government. We cannot fool ourselves into believing that someone who will give away ANY of our Constitutional freedoms may not be as bad as someone who confesses that they would give them all away. Raping and pillaging is a violation of another, regardless of the speed at which it comes. Worse, if we don't see the freedoms that we’ve lost up to this time, then we are truly blind to what has been going on in this nation for far too long.

Yes, holding to our principles and voting for better leadership than we have now will split the Conservative ticket and allow a puppet of the adversary to be elected, but it will also show other Believers that they, too, can hold strong to their principles and cast a better vote. The fight must begin with us, though the minority. We cannot wait until we are in the majority, because it will never happen, according to prophesy. In addition, as that movement grows, it will show the current leadership that there are those of us out here that stand for something and that we will no longer remain silent. It is when we refuse to lead out, be first, and stand strong that both dominant parties know they can move where they want to because there is no one that will hold them accountable. You’ve heard of gun-free zones, right? You’re aware that the last five “mass shootings” all took place in a noted “gun free zone,” right? Well, “the powers that be” prey upon “truth free zones.” That is where we find ourselves today. If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that continuing to cast a vote for the lesser of two evils hasn't worked out real well for us thus far, and that this simple, but stubborn fact isn't likely to change in the future either.

How well did abandoning our principles and moderating the Republican Party work for us in the last election? How well did abandoning our principles stop WRONG from being elected last election, and how well were we able to stop the last Presidency from destroying liberties faster than we were able to stop them? Americans are justifiably fatigued with voting for the lesser of two evils and getting government leaders like we've had and have. They're waiting for someone else to take a stand, someone to rally around. Why can't that be you? Frankly, it should be all of us.

I promise from this day forward that I will never vote for the lesser of two evils again. If that puts me squarely in the camp of "useless idealist" then so be it, but I am responsible for my votes and actions to a Heavenly Father that expects more of me than that. Again, I implore you to read H. Verlan Anderson's "Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen" (http://www.redhotlogo.com/2-Many%20Called.pdf) before entertaining a thought process which attempts to address the lesser of two evils. It’s not an A or B vote, folks. It should always be the Lord’s vote.

While some may claim it to be idealistic, it is also according to the Lord's commandments that we seek good and honorable men for our leaders. If choices are not available before us, then we must step up to provide such a choice, just as Joseph Smith did. The ONLY reason why he ran for President of the United States was to preserve our religious and Constitutional rights. (See Teachings of Joseph Smith pages 331-334) He even goes so far as to say, “if I lose my life in a good cause I am willing to be sacrificed on the altar of virtue, righteousness and truth in maintaining the laws and Constitution of the United States, if need be, for the general good of mankind.”

The problem of giving up our “idealistic” cause in response to the dominance of the current two-party system is akin to thinking, "Well, kids are going to have sex anyway, so let's at least provide them a condom and teach them how to have sex safely." Clearly that doesn’t work for us and violates what we know to be right. It is this mentality that causes our actions, even when shooting for best, to do nothing more than hand the victory to the other side. Some have even gone so far as to rationalize “let's get closer to the other side so that we can get votes from both sides.” This certainly is a faulty strategy. Even as an accomplished and skilled warrior as well as a righteous man that Teancum was, he was victorious over his enemies until he shunned the protection of the Lord by going “forth in his anger.”

Either we stand on principle, or we admit that our principles can be bought. Which is it for you? “Let's elect someone that takes us down the road of Socialism slower, yeah, that will be better for us, but, hey, at least we won the election.” Nope. We will never win with such thinking. The adversary will always win in this case by convincing us that voting for the lesser of two evils was much better than voting our true conscience, which is what the Lord asks and requires of us as citizens entrusted with a great nation and great, though lessening, liberties.

Prayerfully read the scripture for guidance on these matters. Then read the published political platform of which you support. Ask yourself if this platform truly ensures freedom for all men, and the liberties as the Lord had intended. Unfortunately, I assure you that neither of the predominant platforms will reflect His Gospel. So you need to ask yourself, “if not this, then what?” I pray that you will find guidance and sure direction in exploring this question.

May we also covenant as did Moroni: “Behold, whosever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them.” (Alma 46:20)

In parting, let me say this: In the war in heaven there was a group of Communists (roughly a third) that wanted to be forced back into the presence of Heavenly Father. There were a group of Constitutionalists (roughly a third) that were willing to accept complete liberty and freedom to take on the responsibility for their own actions and then rely on the Lord to make up the difference. And then there was a group of fence sitting, middle of the road, let's-play-nice-with-everyone-so-we-don't-tick-anyone-off-so-everyone-will-like-everyone, just-a-little-bit-of-both-sides-is-good-for-me, I-just-want-to-be-on-the-winning-team-regardless-of-who-it-is "voters" (roughly a third) that were willing to give up a little liberty to get a little security. Which one are you?

The Lord claimed the Constitution as a work provided by inspiration at his hand through men he raised up for this very purpose (compare its ideals to those given by Christ in the war in heaven). In response, Satan came up with the Communist Manifesto (compare its ideals to those given by Satan in the war in heaven), but he doesn't care if we accept it wholeheartedly right now as long as we're moving towards it, however slowly that may be. Any move away from the Lord's plan towards Satan's plan is unacceptable.

As for me, I'll take the Constitution coupled with the Gospel.

What type of tyranny would you like served today? And would you like fries with that?

Copyright 2009 Kellene Bishop. All rights reserved.
You are welcome to repost this information so long as it is credited to Kellene Bishop.

Your Title of Liberty

Our nation was not founded by the hearts of hateful, mean, or insulting men. Rather these men were brave, in love with their fellow men in the purest sense of the word and fearful of meeting with their God should they not comply with their conscience. While our nation did indeed come to a situation of all out war in order that our freedoms could be secured again and again, no machine of war would be strong enough to win were it not for the influence and support of the citizens it aimed to protect and the support of our God to direct. We, the citizens of this nation can only protect ourselves now and our future, as well as right the wrongs of the past, through by a concerted, conscious effort by making our voices heard by our government leaders. In doing so we are actually well armed with the fact that our Lord desires it. We actually have ideal “weapons” if you will do make our voices heard as well. We can play on the fact that our leaders A) either lust for power of which they will have none if they are not re-elected of B) truly do want our freedoms restored to our land. Either way our voices must be heard. Write letters. Send faxes. Keep abreast of the issues. Your freedom is truly as risk otherwise.

The Lord’s commandment to us concerning our responsibilities to preserve the government He caused to be established are just as binding as any other commandments of the gospel. It was necessary that the Lord establish a government of freedom before He could restore His Church to the earth and establish it in this land (3 Nephi 21: 4). Is it not just as critical now that we fight for the sustainment of freedom in this land that the gospel may remain in full force?

Consider your letters, blogs, emails, faxes, and proactive voices as your modern-day Title of Liberty. Who can read Alma, chapters 48 through 58 of the Book of Mormon and not be stirred with admiration for such a leader as Captain Moroni? But even more importantly, how can we not be stirred with the same desire to protect our lives, our liberties, our wives, our children and our freedoms when reading of how much Moroni sacrificed unflinchingly under such dire and antiquated circumstances. Surely this part of the scriptures was not preserved for us by the loss of many lives that we may simply sit back in admiration. Surely we are to apply the scriptures to our day and act accordingly? While we have all of the beautiful amenities of modern technology, let us not be lulled into apathy, compliance, and ignorance as the result of such blessings, Let us use them to wave our Title of Liberty tall and proud and EARN the blessings of this nation which He has afforded us. Are we simply waiting for someone else to heed the call, or to give the signal that now is the time? What if that is what Moroni had done?

Pray for knowledge. Pray for guidance. Pray to see the true state of our nation and our freedoms clearly, and then “go and do” as prompted by the Spirit. I am certain that as you are prompted, and as you heed to such promptings, that you will see and hear clearly and be provided with the strength to comply exactly as you have been endowed to do.


Copyright 2009 Kellene Bishop. All rights reserved. You are welcome to repost this information so long as it is credited to Kellene Bishop.

Our Modern-Day Swords of Justice

“Behold the Lord saith unto me: If those whom ye have appointed your governors do not repent of their sins and iniquities, ye shall go up to battle against them.” (Alma 60: 33)

In today’s world, if Moroni had written such a missive to one of our government leaders, he would have found his house attacked by Secret Service agents and held in jail for making threats against a government official. Given how our 1st Amendment rights have been shredded bit by bit today, it’s very unlikely that the even 1st Amendment would have shielded him from strategic persecution at the hands of the government were he to state the following:,

“Behold I wait for assistance from you; and, except ye do administer unto our relief, behold, I come unto you, even in the land of Zarahemla, and smite you with the sword, insomuch that ye can have no more power to impeded the progress of this people in the cause of our freedom.”

But certainly there is something we can learn and apply for our lives today from his heartfelt letter to Pahoran.

As countless prophets have taught us, as followers of Christ we are not to indulge in a dole system as established in our government. There is very little that we are entitled to from our government. Their sole purpose is to protect and preserve our rights of freedom, life, and property.
“We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man;” (D&C 134:12)

It’s interesting to note that Moroni’s letter to Pahoran clearly assumes that he is 100% entitled to something from the government and that something is all of the necessary support he requires in order to preserve and protect the freedom of the people. That same assumption is still valid today.

Under the Constitution and in accordance to Gods law, we have every right to expect and even demand that our government protect our freedoms as they were laid out in the heavenly inspired document, the U.S. Constitution. Moroni’s conviction of these rights were so firm, he unabashedly calls Pahoran out on what he fears is a dereliction of the duties of the Governor. He questions whether or not Pahoran is a traitor to his country. (Alma 60:18) He even questions whether or not Pahoran has become so comfortable in a life of luxury that he’s forgotten the struggle and sacrifice of the soldiers fighting on his behalf. (Alma 60: 19) He blames the suffering of tens of thousands on the lack of response from Pahoran, who he suspects may simply suppose that the Lord will save the people while he sits back and waits.

The good news is that if we act now while we still can, we still have some luxury to bask in while we make a difference in our government today. Thus it’s unlikely that we are in a present state of needing to physically fight with a sword or other weapon to find true freedom. Even better news is that in this account, Pahoran turns out to not be a corrupt public official. He truly has an earnest desire for righteousness, so much so that he’s not even offended by Moroni’s accusatory letter. But for the most part, we are not so fortunate today.

As Americans we have the right to expect our government to support, enforce, protect, and preserve the freedoms that are laid out in the U.S. Constitution. Understanding that while they are laid out in this “heavenly banner” does not grant them unto us in entirety, for many of them are our rights inherently as humans, otherwise acknowledged as UNALIENABLE rights. For example, I have a right to breathe whether the law states that I do or not. God himself created my body to function as such. And no other legislation can take that away from me.

If you have made yourself informed of the U.S. Constitution as well as the laws that have infringed upon the rights outlined in this document, you are aware that the time is NOT coming in which the Constitution WILL be hanging by a thread, but that time is already here. As possessors of the Gift of the Holy Ghost, the truthfulness of the Gospel, and the scriptures which are replete with examples to show us EXACTLY what we must do TODAY to ensure that the Constitution does not become completely destroyed, as did the law of the land in 3rd Nephi, then we must follow Moroni’s example today.

Here’s just a sample of what jumped out at me as applicable for us now:

“We shall go up to battles against them.” Alma 60: 33

“ I do not seek for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God and the freedom and welfare of my country.” Alma 60:36

“ Yea, behold I do not fear your power nor your authority, but it is my God whom I fear; and it is according to his commandments that I do take my sword to defend the cause of my country,…” Alma 60:28

“Or do ye suppose that the Lord will still deliver us, while we sit upon our thrones and do not make use of the means which the Lord has provided for us?” Alma 60:21

“Can you think to sit upon your thrones in a state of thoughtless stupor, while your enemies are spreading the work of death around you? Yea, while they are murdering thousands of your brethren--” Alma 60:7

As you read Chapter 60 in Alma, there is a great deal to correlate with our times today, and more importantly with our solemn responsibility today. There is much that can be accomplished by the power of righteousness, prayer, revelation, and “make use of the means which the Lord has provided for us”—such as the internet, 24 hour news stations, abundance of informative resources, e-mail, fax, telephones, social groups, the justice system, our voices of testimony, our talents, and so much more—that we may wield our modern-day swords to bring justice and God’s law back to our nation that it may be preserved.

“ Behold it is time, yea, the time is now at hand, that except ye do bestir yourselves in the defence of your country and your little ones, the sword of justice doth hang over you; yea, and it shall fall upon you and visit you even to your utter destruction.” (Alma 60:29)

May we no longer sit in stupor, but study our situation and act in righteousness now.

Yours in Freedom,
Kellene Bishop

Copyright 2009 Kellene Bishop. All rights reserved. You are welcome to repost this information so long as it is credited to Kellene Bishop.

The War in Heaven—Last Quarter

As I’m sure you’re all aware, the war in heaven took place for one primary reason. Satan proposed that we not be endowed with the ability to choose. He desired that we be forced to do all that we were “supposed” to do. Satan was not innocent in proposing this plan. He wasn’t scolded merely for having a ridiculous brain storm idea. He was fully knowledgeable that this proposal was contrary to God’s will and wisdom.
“Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused the he should be cast down;” Moses 4:3 (emphasis added)

I can picture Satan trying to share with us all of the risks involved if we didn’t go with his plan.

“What if you fail? It’s hard down there!
“Do you really want to have to go through all of that challenge and strife?”
“Do you really want to leave this beautifully perfect place merely to prove yourselves once again.”
“Aren’t things perfect enough for you now?” and so on… His weapon then, as it is now, was force, fear, and doubt.

As you know, it wasn’t enough for us to simply “boo and hiss” him into a silent submission. His proposal was so vile, so evil, that we had to be much more aggressive than that to fight his plan. We had to engage in an all out war. Even though we had double the army fighting against him in his desire, he still did not back down. And even though he clearly knows “how the story ends” he still will not back down. And so the very same war continues here on earth.

Ironically, Satan’s proposal plays a significant reason as to why things are so very difficult for us here on earth. I’m sure that things were much more blissful in the pre-mortal existence, but clearly there was a very significant component to our eternal progression missing. This component was so critical that our Savior, Jesus Christ, was willing to suffer incomprehensibly just so that we could have it… and that critical component was the experience of exercising Agency. (I dare not call it “free” Agency, lest I forget the heavy price that was paid for it.)

Understanding that the ability to choose is the only way in which we have any semblance of any Agency TO exercise, is a step in the right direction towards understanding why the U.S. Constitution required the guiding hand of the Lord. He not only provided it for us, as he did the 10 Commandments to Moses, but He even went so far as to hand-pick the men who would draft this “heavenly banner”, hand-pick the land upon which it would be instituted, and even selected the men who would fight for it’s full ratification against all odds.

You see, one of Lucifer’s primary strategies is to “restrict our agency through the power of earthly governments.” (David O. McKay, “The Constitution, A Heavenly Banner”) He doesn’t need to necessarily tempt us with pornography, drugs, adultery, or other bold-face sins. He needs only to corrupt our government with evil men who will destroy our ability to choose and use that God-given agency. Then, as he lulls a perfectly free people into apathy, busy-ness, and naïveté, we will wake to find that our freedoms have disappeared from us all together.

“And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them CAPTIVE at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice.” Moses 4:4

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” --Thomas Jefferson

The only reason why a government was ever created in this land is to ensure that such rights would not be infringed upon. And to this end, the government was created by the people, to serve the people and to protect their unalienable rights from the likes of Lucifer who would aim to destroy these rights.

If you can look at every proposed bill, every government action in this light, you will see things more clearly. Ask yourself, does this proposed bill or process infringe on the ability of freedom or the right to choose? If it does, then it is not of God nor His plan.
Obviously, our Heavenly Father teaches us agency as much as He does consequences of those choices. While we are free to choose our behavior, we are not free to choose the consequences. No governmental ruling or shell game will ever change that. A government of any kind can establish a rule to thwart a choice here on earth, but it will not be binding in the eternities.

The Constitution was created in an effort to ensure that we can make eternal decisions today. We experience freedom in many aspects of our lives which enable us to choose an to be sealed in the temple for all eternity, raising our children in righteousness, growing our own crops that we may be healthy and prepared for emergencies, and to provide service to our fellowman with a full purpose of heart. What is alarming however is that every single one of those freedoms that I just mentioned are threatened by the actions of men who are not guided by God. For example, our ability to be sealed in the temple is threatened with the proposals of gay marriage. Our ability to raise our children in righteousness is threatened with proposals which would require unrighteous topics to be taught in our schools. Our ability to grow our own food in our own way and to store up such food is threatened already by certain Executive Orders which have already been made and by bills which are presently before our Congress, and yes, even our ability to serve in righteousness is threatened by two issue which have received overwhelming support by our politicians in D.C. If I had an entire day I could not begin to share with you all that has already been put into place to deprive us of our inherent, divine rights. But perhaps it is not for me to do for you. Perhaps there is more value in you using the eternal gift of Agency as your own guide as you review what’s going on in the world around you and discerning by the Spirit whether a freedom is enhanced or lost. I for one did not fight in a war in heaven only to lose here on earth--especially when the ending has already been determined for us. That’s like betting on a horse that you know is going to lose, or buying a car that you know is going to break down. I intend to continue the fight with just as much faith and action now as I did then. I hope that you’ll join me.


Copyright 2009 Kellene Bishop. All rights reserved. You are welcome to repost this information so long as it is credited to Kellene Bishop.

What’s so special about the U.S. Constitution to the LDS faith?

No other government on the face of the earth has created a document which is designed to protect the free agency of mankind more than the U.S. Constitution.

The war in heaven occurred based on one particular issue, the ability to use agency freely.

The sole purpose of a government establishment in this nation is to enforce the existence of freedoms so that we may indeed use our agency. Without a government properly established to protect our unalienable rights to choose, we would become nothing more than the third of the hosts of heaven who elected the alternative plan. Our “lives, liberty and our possession of property” is what is most critically tied to our exercise of freedom. Any government that would uphold our freedoms must be willing to uphold the freedoms in all 3 of these aspects.

If our property is forced to be taken from us and allocated to someone else, where is our choice for charity? If we do not control property, which God has bestowed upon us, then we have nothing to govern here on earth and thus nothing to exert our freedom of choice upon. If we are forced as to what to believe, then we have no agency over what we do and say. In order for there truly to be opposition in all things, both sides of an opposition must be effectively accessible. This does not occur if freedom of choice does not exist.

However, given that a government is given a great deal of power, although bestowed such by a free people, there is still the tendency to abuse such power. (See D&C 121:39) This is why the U.S. Constitution is so important not only to our nation, but to rest of the world and to our eternal lives.

The U.S. Constitution was much more than a brave act of a few men centuries ago. It was an act that the Lord had a great hand in orchestrating. We are told that the Lord himself raised up these men for that particular time to create such a document, that the generations to follow may have true freedom to live His Gospel. (See D&C 101:80)

Today we have the Constitution as a measure by which we can see for ourselves if an act of government is just or unjust. What are we given such a measure for if we are not to proactively hold our government accountable in such a manner as to ensure that the Constitution is upheld as the benchmark of all government actions?

This land today would easily be at the mercy of a monarchy or a communistic ruler if it were not for the blood and sacrifice of our forefathers. It would not foster the freedom to act that we now enjoy today. It’s ironic however, that the very freedoms the Constitution protects are the very ones we hesitate to use on our own behalf in order to ensure that this nation remains as the Lord would desire.

Ezra Taft Benson is one of many prophets who reverences the U.S. Constitution.

Let us understand, the freedom to choose is not a right bestowed upon us by a government. It is bestowed upon us eternally by a loving Heavenly Father. He has only given us more ability to choose by providing us with this nation and has inspired the Constitution to come forth that our freedoms may not be held in bondage by any of the hosts of heaven who would fight for Satan’s plan. However, when all is said and done, the Constitution amounts to nothing more than a piece of paper if our lives are not focused on protecting the freedoms that “heavenly banner” reinforce for us. Just as the Book of Mormon fails to benefit our lives without our focus of it, so too does the U.S. Constitution become meaningless without our brave stands to hold it high.

There are countless injustices which have been performed by the hands of our government which threaten to usurp the wisdom of the U.S. Constitution. These wrongs can only be righted if we are willing to raise our modern-day Titles of Liberty in the form of letters, e-mails, faxes, editorials, and every other conceivable proactive acts which will hold the government accountable to this inspired document. Not having an understanding of the Constitution so that you are able to defend it, recognize its truths, and recognize when it’s been violated is just as much a transgression as other deadly sins of omission such as church and temple attendance, scripture reading, personal and family prayers, etc. Sins of omission are not the lesser sins. In fact they tend to have the greater impact on the execution of sins of commission.

As we read the Book of Mormon over and over again, and we see the same story unfold numerous times, do we not wonder why we were given these particular accounts to read?
Why, in spite of the Jaredites being on this land so much longer than the Nephites, do we have so much more Nephite history than the Jaredites? Could it be because the Nephite government better represented our own today—that of self-governing? Why are these scenarios of government overthrow brought to our attention again and again? If you read them from the perspective of how the government’s violation of the law of the land was the undoing of the prosperity of the people (both spiritually and materially) then perhaps you can appreciate just how important this aspect is to our salvation as well. (See 3 Nephi chapters 1-7)

We have the truth of the Gospel. We have covenanted to build up His kingdom here on the earth. We must be proponents of freedom in everything we do and not embrace one iota of socialism. The Constitution in this land makes that possible as it allows us to follow eternal truths. We must fully support both the Gospel, and the armor which helps protect the Gospel in order to bring the Gospel unto all.


Copyright 2009 Kellene Bishop. All rights reserved. You are welcome to repost this information so long as it is credited to Kellene Bishop.

Go and Do

Each of us has formed a “political” opinion about what is going on in the nation around us. However, in Doctrine and Covenants 29:34 it reads “Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal.” This scripture thus lays the foundation for us so that we should not be surprised when we receive the following guidance from the First Presidency.

In a letter read during sacrament meetings throughout the U.S. in January of 1998 the First Presidency encouraged the member of the Church to be “full participants in political, governmental and community affairs.”
“We wish to reiterate the divine counsel that members ‘should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness,’ while using gospel principles as a guide and while cooperating with other like-minded individuals. (D&C 58:27)
Through such wise participation as citizens, we are then in better compliance with this scripture:
‘Governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them.’ (D&C 134:1)
Therefore, as in the past, we urge members of the Church to be full participants in political, governmental, and community affairs. Members of the Church are under special obligations to seek out and then uphold those leaders who are ‘wise,’ good,’ and ‘honest.’ (See D&C 98:10)
Thus we strongly urge men and women to be willing to serve on school boards, city and county councils and commissions, state legislatures, and other high offices of either election or appointment, including involvement in the political party of their choice.”

Given that the law of this land (aka the Constitution is held to be sacred by the Lord, and that those who lead us and our opinions are responsible for assisting us in upholding the freedoms and rights as noted in the Constitution, then is it not reasonable to believe that we must come to our political conclusions via a diligent study of the scriptures and the words of our modern-day prophets rather that forming such opinions solely on the words given to us by the media, misguided neighbors and friends? Are we even aware that the Lord has given us explicit and clear instructions in the scriptures relating to our government today in His Holy scriptures, specifically the Book of Mormon?

“…They have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men.
Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.” (2 Ne. 28:14)

The very essence of this land is formed strictly upon a belief in God. This land will tolerate no such beliefs if we do not uphold this “heavenly banner.” But how can we uphold this sacred Law which the Lord has seen fit to establish and protect over and over again that we might have the freedom to be joyful and to worship him appropriately, if we know not the Law is?

The Law, as in the law which ensures our freedom, rights, liberties, and abilities to posses property is addressed over and over again in the Book of Mormon. Is it any wonder then that the “whole church” is “under condemnation” which “condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all. And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them not only to say but to do according to that which I have written.” (D&C 84: 55-57)

As I have read this passage of scripture over the years of seminary, church, a mission, being a teacher at the MTC, and church classroom teaching I have often wanted to know more of what is was that “the church as a whole” was doing so that the condemnation could be lifted. I was anxious to find out more of what I could do so that my hands were at least clean in this regard. I used to think that it was simply that we were not appreciating the Book of Mormon sufficiently in our lives and so I pressed on to read it more often. But I was missing the boat…big time. Now that I’ve come to actually read AND ponder AND study the Book of Mormon and allow myself to be taught by it and the Spirit, specifically about the state of the government and our dealings with such in order to ensure our freedoms, I have come to understand that the condemnation comes not simply from setting the Book of Mormon at naught, or a position not fitting of it’s importance in our lives, but more importantly the contents therein. (I know. For those of you are more mature spiritually than myself, that may sound like a big fat DUH!) Everything we are struggling with today with our government, the constitution and what we should do about it is clearly covered in the Book of Mormon with miraculous specificity for our day. (Particularly 3 Nephi as a whole.)

If you read 3 Nephi and substitute the Gadiantons as “the government” which we have today, you will discover with surprisingly clarity just how much the Lord knew of our time, our ways, the corruption of men, the perilous state of freedoms in the land, and exactly what we are to do about all of this. I find the message and prophecies in 3 Nephi to be imploringly redundant in this matter, from a very loving Heavenly Father. “Prepare. Pray. Protect the Law.” This is especially clear in the dealings of the people of Lachoneus against the Gadiantons and their leaders, Giddianhi. (3 Nephi chapters 2 thru 7)

Referencing D&C 84: 57 again, I make a special note of the instructions that we “not only to say but to do…” I hear many say “we must take our country back,” “we cant’ let them get away with this,” “I pray that He will save our country,” when all that really does is contribute to the “saying” and not the “go and do” contrary to the consistent example we have from Nephi the son of Lehi.

This country is a great gift to all of us. And it is indeed a massive ship to be built and cared for that we might all arrive to the Promise Land with as many of our brothers and sisters as is possible. However, many of us must indeed “go and do” and pray for direction as to “how to build the ship” and indeed “he (will) nourish (us) and strengthen (us) and provide the means whereby (we) can accomplish the thing which He has commanded (us). (1 Ne. 17 3)He will indeed be our light in these matters, however we must open the way for him to influence us even in matters which may appear to be political or temporal unto the rest of the world that we may form wise and true conclusions as to what is really going on around us and what we must truly do to overcome.

Yours in Freedom,

Kellene

Copyright 2009 Kellene Bishop. All rights reserved. You are welcome to repost this information so long as it is credited to Kellene Bishop.