Sunday, October 26, 2008

Living Well in Perilous Times

Provident Principles and Practices
© David Edwards, 2008


PRINCIPLES: The Apostle Paul wrote, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." – 2 Timothy 3:1

. . .

In the October 2008 General Conference, a number of General Authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made allusions to world economic problems and other challenges we are currently facing or may face in the future. Several of them used language similar to that of the Apostle Paul in 2 Tim 3:1. These General Authorities included Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Elder James J. Hamula, and Elder Boyd K. Packer, each referring specifically to the "perilous times" in which we live.

. . .

Some other General Authorities also chose to employ similar terms. Elder L. Tom Perry referred to bad times, periods of sadness, and times of scarcity. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke of times of seemingly unbearable darkness. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin mentioned difficult times, and times of disappointment, suffering and sorrow. Elder Boyd K. Packer employed the expression "troubled times" as well as the term "perilous times." The name of his talk was "The Test."


Notwithstanding their use of this type of language, the individual and collective tenor of their comments was not one of gloom. Rather, it was one of great positiveness and hope.

. . .

Elder L. Tom Perry quoted the poet Robert Browning: "The best is yet to be". Elder Perry encouraged us to remain positive and optimistic, to be persons of faith and hope, with our understanding that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true, with the best of times yet to be.


Elder Dallin H. Oaks asked us to consider how, in these perilous times, we can maintain the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives to help us make decisions as we are led along the narrow road to eternal life.


Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf indicated that we can withstand even times of seemingly unbearable darkness as we hold to the heaven-sent doctrines of the restoration.


Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin pointed out that happy people tend to learn from their challenges and in the process grow in strength, wisdom and contentment. Responding appropriately to difficulties can enlarge our comprehension, strengthen us morally as individuals, and fill our hearts with empathy for others.


Elder Jeffrey R. Holland reminded us in these difficult times not to allow fear to overwhelm us but to exercise faith in the Lord and stay true to those promises we have made to the Lord.


Elder Boyd K. Packer testified that, when times are tough, the Savior will always make a way for us as individuals, families and a Church to move ahead safely. Doing so, however, will require that we keep the Lord's commandments and partake of Gospel ordinances.

. . .

Finally, Elder Quentin L. Cook expressed that the Lord wants us to prepare for difficulties, including "lean years". He quoted the Lord saying, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.


PRACTICES: The Brethren in this last conference unitedly have affirmed that we are currently facing and will continue to face perilous times. What perils we will yet face as individuals and families, perhaps only God knows. In what things can we expect to find safety? The Lord’s servants, as described above, have given their answers at the October 2008 General Conference. We can find safety in faith, hope, testimony, the Spirit of the Lord, a knowledge of divine principles, learning from our experiences, endurance, belief, remembrance of our covenants, obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel, and preparedness. As we partake of the Gospel fully, this will help dispel fear from our lives.


Graphics credits:


Bible: www.senate.gov/artandhistory/art/special/Bassett/events/images_small/bible_outside.jpg

Food line: www.nps.gov/ozar/historyculture/images/Depression-Food-Line.jpg

Weary, Worried Woman: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/learn/community/images/depression.jpg

Robert Browning: http://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson_images/lesson630/Robert_Browning_Sml.jpg

Prophet of the Restoration: www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/0506-8/images/smith.jpg

Preparedness sign: www.sba.gov/idc/groups/public/documents/sba_homepage/serv_da_dprep_pic.jpg