Ravenous Wolves & Burning Bonfires

With the recent controversy happening a few weeks ago concerning the Boy Scouts of America considering whether or not to drop their discriminatory membership ban of non-practicing homosexuals from participating in the scouting program there was yet again the typical polarized extremes in opinions and rants across the airwaves and on the internet.  It made me think about how easily it has become in society and especially in social media to emotionally tear each other apart like ravenous wolves.  So often we see individuals who strut about in sheep's clothing (factious cloak of religious zealotry) only to show their true inner-wolf when they spew out vicious hatred, bigotry and blind judgement against anyone who differs in opinion and belief from their own.

I often reflect on how often Christ sat down and ate with the 'sinners' and 'out casts' of society.  He sought to bring all unto him.  His mission was to lift all where they stood and make them more than they were.  He did not go in guns a blazing proving that he was right and they were wrong.  He preached love and kindness.  He promoted inclusion, not exclusion.  Yet we see little of this in the world today.  We are becoming more divisive, more polarized, and more intolerant or others and in so doing we remove ourselves from being able to reach, help, understand and lift others. 

Recently at church I came across a great conference talk (October 1992) given by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin entitled, "Spiritual Bonfires of Testimony" (see it here).  In it he tells of a story about a place in the Ukraine that was over run with wolves.  Traveling in this remote countryside was fraught with peril and danger as these wolves were not scared of humans or their weapons.  The only thing they were scared of was fire.  As long as travelers had fire with them they were safe from attacks.  He then transitions using this as an analogy as to our own spiritual danger in which Satan and his minions do circle round about us like wolves and attack us with temptation, evil and sin when we are weak or vulnerable.  Supporting this warning we can read the words of the apostle Peter who similarly wrote, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).  

We are all vulnerable to spiritual attacks, he warns.  However, we can fortify ourselves with the protection of a 'burning testimony'.  Like the wolves that cower in fear from fire, so too will darkness and fear flee before the bonfire of a strong and faithful testimony.

Elder Wirthlin then relays that, "unfortunately, some in the Church may believe sincerely that their testimony is a raging bonfire when it really is little more than the faint flickering of a candle".  He then explains the reason for their misperception, "Their faithfulness has more to do with habit than holiness...".  How insightful and yet poignant.  

To further clarify he quotes the Savior who was very explicit about the so-called 'righteous', “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:21–23).

These tragic souls clearly spent their lives in church, adhering to every rule and participating in every ceremony, but yet were found wanting at the end.  What happened?  They came to love the church more than the source and purpose of church.  With strict and unwavering adherence to the law, they lost perspective of the reason for the law.  Through time they began to separate themselves from the rest of God's children as spiritually superior and more worthy due to their relentless conformity and church organizational worship.  Yet amongst all their valiant exactness and efforts, they completely missed the mark.  They failed to be charitable.  They failed to be meek.  They failed to be humble.  As creatures of blind religious habits they outwardly did all the right things, but inwardly failed to become like Christ.

The Apostle Paul makes one of the most shocking and thought provoking comments in scriptural cannon when he wrote the following, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

Setting aside the obvious declaration that one devoid of charity can still develop great spiritual gifts and powers and be called to hold lofty callings within the church and even take part in miracles, prophecies and revelations, the great exclamation mark of these verses is that regardless of all the rest of our accomplishments in life, without Charity we are NOTHING!  We have failed!  Charity is the measuring stick of valiance that Christ will hold to us at the judgement bar of God.  We are not judged by what we have done, but what we have become at the end of this life.

Charity is more than service, it is more than good deeds.  It is more than doing temple work, magnifying ones calling, going to church, giving to the poor or even sacrificing ones life (as Paul stated, 'though I give my body to be burned').  Charity is not an outward act performed, it is the internal motivation or source that precedes the act.  It is true and selfless love.  Giving service to others is great and noble--it is even sanctifying, but it is the driving motivation, the pure intention, the Christ-like love behind the service that is charity.  

For those of us who devote our efforts 'defending' what we believe by tearing down others and their beliefs, making hurtful or demeaning comments or quickly passing 'righteous' judgements (with or without quoting scripture to supposedly justify yourself), know this, that THIS IS NOT CHARITY.

As Elder Wirthlin pleaded, we need more holiness in our lives and less 'habit'.  As we cultivate true charity the flikering fire of our testimonies will grow brighter and brighter until our testimony (centered on Christ) will be a raging bonfire.  The purpose of church and the scriptures are to bring us to Christ so that we can emulate our life after his and be converted.  As our testimonies grows we will replace habit for holiness and become like he is.

The prophet Moroni quoting a letter he received from his father Mormon who writes that it is in the possessing and personifying of charity that we become true followers of Christ, "And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen" (Moroni 7:45-48).  We further read that Christ being our advocate with the Father will only claim to know those who spent their lives getting to know and becoming like him (Mosiah 26:21-27).

As this latest controversy fades another one will most assuredly take it's place.  So when it does and you feel so inclined to squash another's opinion and declare the moral high ground of virtue.  Ask yourself this popular motto, 'What would Jesus do?'  Think about that, would Christ ever post the things we post?  Or would he actually listen to what others are saying and consider where they are coming from or whether they may actually have a valid point to consider? Would he show empathy? Would he try to find common ground or at least mutual respect? Would he uplift and comfort? Or would he thrash them to pieces and condemn them to hell all while patting himself on his back for being morally superior?  It turns out there is actually a WIDE line between expressing 'righteous indignation' and being a ravenous wolf.  One is based on love.

Christ is the definition of pure love--which charity, will be the yardstick to which we will all be judged.  So the next time you may want to lay down your self-assessed moral outrage you may want to first sing this popular church hymn to yourself and then decide if your actions will indeed be Christ's actions:

Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?

Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?

If not, I have failed indeed.

Has anyone’s burden been lighter today

Because I was willing to share?

Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?

When they needed my help was I there?

Then wake up and do something more

Than dream of your mansion above.

Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,

A blessing of duty and love.

There are chances for work all around just now,

Opportunities right in our way.

Do not let them pass by, saying, “Sometime I’ll try,”

But go and do something today.

’Tis noble of man to work and to give;

Love’s labor has merit alone.

Only he who does something helps others to live.

To God each good work will be known.

The Gay Dilemma

Disclaimer: I know that same-sex-attraction is a hot political and religious topic and one that is becoming increasingly so.  With diametrically opposed movements building support and momentum on either side the war cry is sounded, 'which side of history will you be on'?  This is not the intent nor conclusion of this post.  I am not writing today with the intent to prove either side right or wrong as pertaining to same-sex-attraction or their desire for equal marriage rights.  This post, however, is a meager attempt to elaborate a perplexity of mine as to the seemingly disproportionate amount of emphasis and blame which is focused on those who are gay as to the perceived denigration of marriage and rampant immorality of society (as opposed to those who are not gay, but whose actions, I believe, actually cause far more reaching social and moral harm).



Over the past several decades, the gay rights movement has moved from the hidden outskirts of acceptable society to the center of American politics. I believe the real momentum that sparked it's evolution occurred fifteen years ago when Ellen DeGeneres publicly came out in 1997.  She subsequently used her hit show 'Ellen' to further propogate gay-right issues and it's acceptance.  While her show soon tanked and was cancelled, the seed was planted and a media metamorphisis was initiated.  I remember at first, television shows displayed large warning signs that 'inappropriate and possible offensive adult material' was included in it's episode, but as society acclimated they stopped displaying warnings.  Eventually they introduced the first gay kiss on TV.  The conservative mainstream went berserk and protests were held with fists in the air and anti-gay signs and slogans were everywhere.  Soon the fervor dissipated and homosexuals in our living room became common place as one show after another introduced gay characters into their popular television series.  Today there is hardly a show on TV that doesn't have some connection to a gay character or couple.  The media paints an alluring picture of acceptance.  They endear us with charming characters with witty lines and compassionate hearts free from social and moral consequences.  This pervasive movement into our lives through social media has changed our social perception and acceptance of gay individuals.  Just a few weeks ago, the President of the United States publicly declared that he is supports gay marriage and that our nation should be more accepting of the gay lifestyle, which would have been unheard of just years before.

In consequence to this social evolution, we have been hearing a lot of hype and media chatter about the 'War on Marriage' or more specifically the 'War on Traditional Marriage'.  I understand the offense and threat of redefining the definition of marriage and it's moral implications as acceptable normalcy into our society, but in my opinion the real war on marriage has been raging for much longer and it's current poster-child, the inclusion of gay couples into marriage, is but a small diversion from the actual evil behind the fight.  I think the real war on marriage is found in the mass frequency and acceptance of premarital heterosexual immorality and flagrant extramarital ease in which spouses so easily break their sacred marriage covenants by embracing sexual interactions outside of their marriage whether through pornography, filthy literature, perversions, inappropriate relationships or actual physical infidelity (Adultery).  Never before in history are adulterers and fornicators more accepted than they are today.  It is as if immorality has become so common place that society cannot even imagine a life with standards and virtue.  Honor, faithfulness, sacrifice, delayed gratification and integrity can likewise be said to be lost in marriage expectations.  As I see it, the morals of our society at large can be compared to the continuous melting of a hot wax candle till there is nothing left but a lone moral wick standing in a puddle of molten promiscuous wax!  

With the horrendous onslaught of moral decrepitude in this world, what makes homosexuality a worse sin than all other sexual aberrations?  In my view there is nothing more evil, divisive and destructive than adultery.  Not only are they engaging in sexual acts outside of wedlock (which by Christian definition is morally reprehensible), but they are also breaking their marriage covenants, shattering their family and destroying the intimate trust of their loved ones.  This selfish act of unbridled lust can permanently devastate and fracture an entire family with unmeasureable harm.  Nothing that two gays can do to each other can ever result in the far reaching outbreak of chaos and pain that adultery can cause.  Yet, adulterers can live respectable lives in our society.  They are seldom persecuted or discriminated against.  In fact, in some situations they are even praised for their conquests!  On a similar note, fornication whether casually or as a result of a deepened relationship account for nearly 60% of all babies born (with 89% of those babies conceived by 15-19 year old girls)!!!  Where is the social outcry for all of this?  Yes, there is some, but nothing on the scale of the outcry about gay marriage in my opinion.  Certainly if families are falling apart because of the lack of faithfulness within their 'traditional' marriages and out-of-wedlock pregnancies are leading to more than half of all children being born, the result is a vast multitude of children left to grow up without the support and stability of a 'traditional family' and thus the world is forced to carry the inevitable weight of these social burdens and their ever increasing consequences!  Are these not tremendous casualties of war--the real war on marriage?  

So I am left to wonder why are the gays, those whose sexual actions account for the least amount of real harm or consequences to society, left taking the brunt of the moral burden?  Are the gays just a convenient scapegoat to distract the world from the real moral decay that pervades our society or are they simply the ominous yellow canary indicating how close we are as a society from becoming completely morally bankrupt?

The gays are asking for equal rights and social legitimacy.  Social conservatives respond citing further moral degradation.  I therefore ask, Will gay marriage somehow lessen the sacredness of traditional marriage?  Personally, I do not think so.  Let me clarify, either it may be seen as a continuation of the erosion of social morals that already make a mockery of the sanctity of marriage or it can be seen as I would see it:  That no other person's marriage or relationship effects who I am or what I have.  The success, sacredness and happiness of my relationship and marriage is not based on a comparison of others, nor is it based on another's perceptions and beliefs or lack thereof.  I have made covenants between my wife and God and no one else matters.    I see it similar to baptism.  The validity and sacredness of my baptism is not diminished because others of different faiths or beliefs also baptize.  Their beliefs and baptisms do not lessen my baptism, neither do other's marriages of whatever level of sacredness lessen my marriage.

Secondly, will the inclusion of gay marriage in society be the tipping point that will lead to rampant immoral promiscuity as so many conservatives fear?  Hard to say.  I feel that society has already plummeted off a proverbial moral cliff decades ago and has been accelerating towards Hell with ever increasing incident by heterosexual misconduct already, although I would imagine that any accelerant would increase it's breadth and pace.

There is a war on traditional marriage, but I do not feel it is all about the gays.  While I myself am not threatened by gay marriage and I feel great empathy for those who struggle with same-sex-attraction, I do feel that it's inevitable inclusion to normalcy in society is a manifestation of societies general descent of traditional values and morals.  This is the real glossed-over issue--the mainstream loss of morality.  As is often said, we are free to choose, but not to choose our consequences.  The world is on a slippery slope of immorality from so many fronts and it's consequences are at our door.

In an associated note:
The LDS church has created a wonderful pamphlet entitled,"God loveth his children" (2007) which eloquently elaborates the LDS church's position toward same-sex-attraction.  It is well written and expresses a greater understanding, sympathy and empathy for those who struggle with this than is often portrayed across the pulpit.  See link below:

http://www.lds.org/manual/god-loveth-his-children/god-loveth-his-children?lang=eng