Obey and Honor the Law of the Land

Because of the presidential candidacy of a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints there have been lots of questions and concerns about the Church's involvement in the political process.

The Church does not endorse any political candidate, nor does it tell its members how to vote.  The Church stands by the doctrine of moral agency: that all men are free to act for themselves according to their conscience and best judgement.  The church urges its members in all nations to be active in their communities and in their respective political processes, when and where it is lawful for them to do so.

Although the Church will not endorse candidates or dictate its members' votes, it has and will make its position clear on moral issues.  For instance the definition of marriage is a vital part of the doctrine of the Church and, more importantly, of Christ.  Indeed, the family unit is the fundamental unit of the Church, the community, the nation, and the world.



Governments are instituted of God for our benefit.  We should be willing to fulfill our responsibilities towards our governments.  Examples of these responsibilities include serving on juries and paying taxes; for without jurors we could not enjoy our right to trial by our peers and without taxes our public roads, buildings, the police, and the firemen would not be available.  These responsibilities help insure our rights and protection.

The proper role of government is to protect the natural rights of man.  We are thus obliged to support our governments and seek to sustain leaders and policies that will protect those rights.  Governments should not dictate religious belief.  Similarly, a church or religious organization should not exercise civil authority.  To allow either of these scenarios would be to try and force men to act in a certain manner regardless of their personal conscience or agency.  Thus the natural rights of man would be subdued or destroyed.  We should seek to uphold the religious freedom that ensures morality without dictating the laws of the land.  Lastly, sedition and rebellion are unbecoming of every citizen whose natural rights are protected by their government.  (see Doctrine and Covenants 134)

Observe the Law of the Fast

Fasting is a way that God has appointed for man to receive greater faith and strength for his efforts and struggles in this life.  Fasting is going without food and drink for a period of time.  Combined with prayer it enables us to receive answers to our prayers and blessings or help for ourselves or for those in need.  Fasting helps us learn sacrifice and recognize our dependance upon God for our daily life.  We learn to be grateful for what we have even as we seek further blessings.

When we fast we should have a purpose for our fast.  We can gain greater insight and personal revelation as we ponder on and seek guidance in relation to our chosen purpose for our fast.  This purpose may be an important question or decision that you are seeking an answer for or a confirmation of.  We may also fast in behalf of those in great difficulty, such as for those that are ill.  Fasting can accompany grateful joy or deepest sorrow.

The prophet Isaiah itterated some of the Lord's purposes for the fast: "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" (Isaiah 58:6-7)

As we fast often, especially for others, we are moved to think less of ourselves and to have greater compassion for those who are in need.  The church sets aside the first Sunday of each month as a "Fast Sunday." (see Moroni 6:5)  On this day members fast for two consecutive meals and donate at least the cost of the meals as a "fast offering."  All of the money thus given is used to directly aid people in need, often within the communities of the donors.  Humanitarian aid is also provided worldwide by the church through these funds.

We should not put on a show of fasting, but should be humble in our demeaner and our actions.  As Christ taught: "when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.... But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." (Matthew 6:16-18)

As you fast sincerely the Lord's promised blessings of health and  righteousness will be yours.  As Isaiah also teaches "Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am."  The Lord's guidance will be ever available and we shall be "satisf[ied]... in drought, and...be like a watered garden..."  We will be content and have the peace of the Lord, even in tribulation. (Isaiah 58:8-12)

Keep the Law of Tithing

One of the blessings of membership in the Church is the opportunity to help advance the work and growth of the Church by paying tithing.  This Church uses this sacred tithing money to maintain and build temples and meetinghouses, provide educational opportunities, and spread the gospel through missionary work (excluding personal expenses).  Since all local clergy are lay members who voluntarily serve, they do not receive pay for their work and time.

Tithing not only blesses the church in general, but also blesses the individual.  Paying tithing acknowledges our gratitude for the many blessings the Lord has given us and is an act of faith.  We believe, as Malachi said, that the Lord will "open [to us] the windows of heaven, and pour [us] out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." (Malachi 3:10)

A tithe denotes a tenth.  Faithful members pay a tenth of their income as tithing to the church.  As we honestly pay a full tithe, we learn lessons and receive blessings that are both physical and spiritual.  Temporally we may be blessed with prosperity, whether financial or otherwise. (see Malachi 3:11-12)  We may find the need of greater fiscal responsibility and planning and receive the inherent blessings of applying each.  More importantly we grow spiritually from our experiences.  We gain greater faith in the Lord.  We learn to trust His timing and judgement.  We come to know that He does know and is aware of our circumstances and needs.  We receive strength to bear up our burdens.  In the case of financial stress and turmoil, this may be the strength to continue in our circumstances and make due with what we have.  In essence, we learn patience and courage.  We also learn humility, gratitude, selflessness and charity as we give from what we have.



Obey the Word of Wisdom

In 1833 Joseph Smith was involved in teaching a group of brethren about the doctrines of Christ's gospel.  It was the common practice of these brethren to chew and to smoke tobacco.  The haze of smoke in the room and the mess from the spitting raised concerns in Joseph and Emma Smith's minds.  Joseph inquired of the Lord concerning these unclean practices.

The response was a revelation concerning what is now known as the Lord's law of health: the Word of Wisdom.  In it certain practices and substances are prohibited while healthful practices are encouraged and upheld by the Lord.

The principle behind this revelation is "the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days." (Doctrine and Covenants 89:2)  The Lord warns of "evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men." (D&C 89:4)  The Word of Wisdom shows us how to maintain the health of our bodies and be free from the addictions and chains promoted by "conspiring men."  We learn that our bodies are to be respected and cared for.  This is just the same as what Paul taught the saints in his day "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)  Continued reading brings us to verse 19 where Paul states "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God."

So, what exactly does the Word of Wisdom teach us?

First, we learn that alcohol, tobacco, "hot drinks" (tea and coffee), and the misuse of drugs--whether legal or illegal--are all detrimental to our health and well-being. (see D&C 89:5-9)

Secondly, we are taught that eating healthy foods is important.  We are taught that "wholesome herbs" and fruits are "to be used with prudence and thanksgiving." Also, meat is for our use "with thanksgiving; nevertheless [it is] to be used sparingly." Grains are also mentioned as good for all creatures and that it is to be "the staff of life." (D&C 89:10-17)

Finally, we learn the blessings of following this Word of Wisdom.  One is health.  We "shall receive health" and we "shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint." (D&C 89:18,20) The other blessing is that we "shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures." (D&C 89:19)

One way that these blessings come is through the presence of the Spirit.  As we keep ourselves free from the addictive urges and chemical imbalances that come from partaking in harmful substances, we will be able to recognize and understand the still voice of perfect mildness. (Helaman 5:30)  This is the voice that the Spirit uses to communicate with us.  Just as the prophet Elijah learned, the Lord did not speak in the wind, earthquake, or fire but rather in a still, small voice. (1 Kings 19:11-13)  If we are not in full control of our senses or mind, how can we hope to hear and understand such a voice and receive the Spirit's guidance?

The Lord does care about our lives.  He gives us commandments and principles that improve our lives and bring us closer to Him.  The Word of Wisdom is one of those principles.  You can know the truth of the Word of Wisdom if you will live it and sincerely seek to know that it is true.  Just as Christ taught "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.  If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:16-17)

Live the Law of Chastity

Many people often treat morality and moral actions as subjective and relative to society's current mainstream beliefs.  We know, however, that that standard is no standard at all, but rather a slippery slope that brings a lasting sense of shame and guilt to the lives of its practitioners and believers.

It is the fixed moral standards of God that remain steady and sure.  It is His standards that bring us peace and true happiness in this life.  Chastity is the Lord's standard and expectation for us.

Chastity includes abstinence from sexual relations before marriage and complete faith and fidelity to one's spouse within marriage.  Marriage is necessarily a union between a man and a woman to fulfil God's purposes in establishing families and bringing His children to earth.  Strive to protect the God-given procreative power.  As you live a chaste life you will enjoy trusting and confident relationships with family and friends.  You will develop greater self-control and personal strength.

To be chaste requires that we strive to keep not only our actions clean, but also our words, thoughts and appearance.  The way we speak and dress reflects our personal convictions and thoughts.  It reflects who we are and what we want to become.  We should dress modestly.  We should use clean, wholesome, and uplifting language.  We should direct our thoughts away from the impure and unclean and towards that which lifts the soul and helps us remember Christ.



Avoid pornography in ALL its forms, whether visual or written or otherwise.  It will as surely enslave you as any other addiction would.  It will destroy self-respect and endanger or ruin relationships with those you love.  It is NEVER safe to indulge in anything that is even slightly pornographic.  Learn to remove and replace undesired thoughts when temptation arises.  A memorized hymn or scripture can go a long ways in helping us control our thoughts.

As we strive for continuing cleanliness and purity the Lord will help us.  Through Christ's Atonement we can have the strength we need to live according to God's standards.

Keep the Ten Commandments

The Lord gives us commandments to teach us how to serve Him and how to treat those around us.  Some of the most well-known of these commandments are the 10 commandments.  These commandments are still in force today.  Obeying them will bring the promised blessings of happiness and peace in this life.

Quoting from Exodus 20:3-17 (see also Mosiah 12:33-37 and Mosiah 13:11-24), the 10 commandments are as follows:

• "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (verse 3)  Other gods may include our money, our position or power in life, or our possessions.
• "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image..." (v. 4)
• "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain..." (v. 7)  Clean, wholesome language is pleasing to God.  It also reflects our personal values. Language that makes light of sacred things or that degrades others is demoralizing and demeaning; not just to others, but to our own soul as well.
• "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God..." (v. 8-10)  Our worship and activities on the Sabbath reflect our personal commitment to follow the Lord.  We should lay aside the entertainment and activities of the week and focus on spiritual, family, and service centered activities.
• "Honor thy father and thy mother..." (v. 12)  The family is the basic unit of society.  More importantly it is a central part of God's Plan of Salvation.  Strive to love and serve your family.
• "Thou shalt not kill." (v. 13)  Violence in any form drives away the Spirit.  Pay attention to your personal attitudes and actions towards others.  Also consider the content of the media that you spend your time on.
• "Thou shalt not commit adultery." (v. 14)  Immorality is just as dangerous to our welfare as any other sin, vice, or disease.  We should decide now to be chaste.
• "Thou shalt not steal." (v. 15)
• "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor." (v. 16)  We should be completely honest in all our doings.  As we strive for honesty we will be recognized as someone who has integrity and is trustworthy; someone whom the Lord can trust.
• "Thou shalt not covet..." (v. 17)

As we honestly strive to obey God's Commandments we will learn of their truthfulness. (see John 7:17)  Choose this day to serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)



Follow the Prophet

Amid clamor and confusion God always provides peace and clarity.  One way He has done this is through prophets.  A prophet is a man whom the Lord calls and empowers to speak His word for the benefit and salvation of His children here on earth.

The Bible is full of prophets.  Adam taught his posterity the gospel and commandments of the Lord.  Noah declared repentance (returning to the Lord's gospel) before the flood.  Moses led Israel out of Egypt and taught them to worship the true God of Israel and not the idols that they had left behind.  Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others taught and chastened Israel as they cycled from belief to prosperity, pride, and then wickedness.

Christ Himself came to teach His law and establish His church and gospel.  He chose and ordained 12 Apostles (Matthew 10:1-8) and Seventy others (Luke 10:1-2,9) to teach His gospel and proclaim His name.

Today we have living prophets who teach the same gospel and the same commandments of the Lord.  They offer a constant, unchanging voice of clarity in our shifting world.  They declare repentance and teach God's commandments and moral standards despite apathy, apostasy, and moral degeneration in society.

Following the counsel of the Lord's prophets guides us in a safe and happy course through this life.  They are the watchmen on the walls who can see danger afar off. (See D&C 101:45; Isaiah 62:6; Jeremiah 6:17; Ezekiel 3:16-17)  If we listen to their warning voices we will be able to avoid and overcome the snares and pitfalls of the adversary and of the world.

Baptism and Confirmation

Each of us deals with the challenges of life.  We try to learn and make correct choices about how to live our life.  We follow the dictates of our conscience.  However, each of us falls short and makes a wrong choice from time to time.  Actually we all slip up daily, if even only in one small thought.  These sins and mistakes create a burden of guilt and shame in our souls.

We need relief from this shame and guilt.  Repentance is the cost of this freedom.  As we repent, we recognize our mistakes and change our actions to avoid the same transgressions in the future.  As we make the necessary changes in our lives we are led to make a covenant (promise) with God.  We desire to always remember Christ, take upon us the name of Christ, and keep His commandments. (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 77, 79)  We also desire to help and lift and serve everyone around us. (see Mosiah 18:8-10)

This covenant is available through the ordinances of baptism and confirmation.  Baptism cleanses us from our sins.  Confirmation gives us the gift of the Holy Ghost (the Spirit).  The Lord covenants that He will bless us with His Spirit's presence always as we keep our promises to him.  The Spirit will guide and direct us in making righteous choices throughout our lives.

This pattern of repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost is what the Apostle Peter taught on the day of Pentecost.  As the people of Jerusalem heard the Apostles preach "they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"  Peter replied "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."(Acts 2:37-39)

I know that this is the gate by which all must enter to gain eternal life.  I know of the peace that comes as I strive to keep my life clean and fulfil the covenants I made at baptism.  God does love us.  That is why He makes covenants with us that will bring us greater peace, joy, and safety in this life.

Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy

What does the Sabbath mean to me?

Most of all I have the wonderful opportunity to be as clean as when I was baptized by partaking of the sacrament at church.  Also I get to be with and learn from (and sometimes teach) other wonderful members and visitors.  Because of those reasons, the Sabbath becomes a day of refreshment and spiritual upliftment and edification.  As one of our scriptures says: "He that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth... Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together." (Doctrine and Covenants 50:21-22)

Experiencing that understanding by the Spirit while at church helps me to strive to keep the rest of the Sabbath just as uplifting.  The Sabbath becomes a day to seek for Spiritual truth and to serve and lift others.  Studying the scriptures, praying and singing hymns helps me to receive that truth which I need.  Activities such as visiting home-bound members and singing hymns for people in a nursing home are a couple ways that I have sought to offer service.

With all of this to do it becomes easier to let go of activities that are not suited to the Sabbath.  These activities are not necessarily bad (indeed, we may participate in them throughout the week), but they don't help lift us spiritually and they don't help us remember God.  Such activities as shopping or attending a sporting event should be kept from diminishing the purpose and meaning of the Sabbath.

We have the promise of the Lord that we will be blessed as we seek to sanctify the Sabbath:

"If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth." (Isaiah 58:13-14)

"Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the fulness of the earth is yours... he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come. I, the Lord, have spoken it, and the Spirit beareth record. Amen.(D&C 59:16,23-24; see also verses 9-15)

I know that the Lord fulfills His promises, for I have seen His hand in my life and I know of His goodness and mercy and of His relationship to us as our Loving Father!

Study the Scriptures

The scriptures are written by prophets whom the Lord inspires through the Holy Ghost.  They record God's dealings with His children.

Just as God inspired men in the "Old World" to write scriptures, He inspired men in the Americas who kept a record of God's teachings and gospel in their land.  The "Old World" record is the Bible.  The record from the ancient Americas is the Book of Mormon.  Both testify of Christ and teach His gospel and commandments.

In addition to these records, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints espouses the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price as scripture.

As we study the scriptures we learn God's will and purposes for each of us.  We receive personal revelation for our own lives.  Daily study of His Word is a wonderful habit that brings blessings of knowledge, peace and direction.

Pray Often

Our Father in Heaven cares about and wants to help each one of us.  He wants to hear from us.  We can share our gratitude and needs with Him through prayer.  We can share our concerns, troubles and triumphs with Him as we would with a loving, caring father.  He knows what we are going through, but He gives us the opportunity to pray. (see Matthew 6:7-8)

As we pray faithfully and seek God's will in our lives, He will answer.  He may not answer immediately and He may not answer how we expect him to, but He will answer.  "Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which will dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation;..." (Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3)

As we pray daily and seek to follow what God has already revealed to us, we can recognize God's answers more consistently: "For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more;..." (2 Nephi 28:30)

As we ask specifically for guidance and knowledge God will lead us step by step.



Obedience to God's Commandments

Because God is our loving Father, He wants what is best for us.  All He does is aimed at providing us with happiness in this life and in our life after death.

Just as a loving and concerned parent will give their children rules and expectations to help them grow, God gives us, His children, commandments.  God asks that we follow His commandments, but we are free to make our own choices about our actions.

As we choose to keep the commandments of God, we follow His Spirit and find peace.  We show God that we love Him. (see John 14:15, 21)  As we choose to disobey, we find sorrow.

We will all make mistakes as we live our lives, but the Lord is patient with us and will bless us for our efforts to follow His commandments.  As we follow His plan for us, He will bless us with true happiness!



Sexual Purity

Faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints live what is known as the Law of Chastity.  This law is a commandment from God and includes complete abstinence from sex before marriage and complete fidelity within marriage.  We are not alone in this belief.  Here's a video of youth from six different faiths talking about why they chose to be sexually pure.