This is a journal entry of mine from October of 2006. I thought it was interesting considering the events of today with terrorism continuing to grow and the formation of ISIS. The later part is also interesting considering the testimony I bore in Sacrament today.
I also wanted to write about some of the other things I’ve been pondering about. I have been thinking about our country’s response to the attacks on 9-11-2001 and wondering if there might have been a better response. As a “Christian” nation, with a devoted “Christian” president, I have been wondering if we should have been more Christian in our response. Christ taught that although it had been taught of old “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,” now we should turn the other cheek. We should not hate our enemies, but we should pray for them and do everything we can to recover them. I know this would be a very difficult thing to do as a nation, but what would happen if this were our response?
There are a couple of examples in the Book of Mormon that could lead to either a “turn the other cheek” response, or a “defend ourselves” response. The Nephites were taught that as long as they were not guilty of the first offense, that they should defend themselves, and not let themselves, nor their privileges to worship God be destroyed. Then we see the converted Lamanites refuse to talk up arms against their brethren, and this was counted to them as great righteousness. There is a verse also, I believe it is during Christ’s visit that says they are not to go to war anymore unless the Lord commands it.
With all these examples and the teaching of Christ, I wonder where the right balance is in our current situation to “turn the other cheek”, yet preserve our rights and freedoms.
I also strongly believe that the only way to truly achieve peace and win this war with terrorism is through the preaching of the Gospel in the Middle East. The Gospel was the only effective means of turning around the hatred of the Lamanites for the Nephites. Ammon and his brethren were the means of bringing many Lamanites to the light of the Gospel. Once they were converted, they buried their weapons of war and sought to repair all the damage they had done. Nephi and Lehi also were the means of converting many Lamanites and Nephite dissenter to the Gospel, after which they returned lands to the Nephites and also sought to repair all the damage they had done to the Nephites.
It took great courage and faith on the part of Ammon, Aaron, Omner, Himni and their brethren and Nephi and Lehi to go amongst the Lamanites. The Lamanites hated the Nephites and would not hesitate to kill any of them when given the chance. That hatred cannot be much different than the hatred of the current Islamic fanatics’ hatred for all western culture. I look forward to when we will call men of great faith to go to the Middle East to share the Gospel. I think it has to be done. The Gospel must be preached to every nation and this Earth must be prepared for the Second Coming. I don’t believe that will come until we have used the Gospel to spread peace in every nation. I don’t know how the Middle East will be opened to missionary work; I had thought that democracy in Iraq could be a starting point. But, I am wondering why we have to wait for the political climate to be right. Ammon and Nephi didn’t when they went among the Lamanites. Would the Lord and the Leaders of the Church be willing to send worthy Priesthood holders, men of great faith, into the Middle East to try the word of God among them? I suppose if it’s the right thing to do, they would. I know it seems foolish and far too dangerous, but that’s the same thing Ammon and his brethren were told. If it is the right thing to do and is the Lord’s will, I know these missionaries would be protected and allowed to fill their mission. Is there enough faith among us to do it? Is the Lord just waiting for us to be willing? Or is the time still not right? Interesting thoughts.
Another thing I am slowing beginning to understand is the love our Father in Heaven has for all of his children, and I mean everyone. I know I don’t fully comprehend it, but I’m beginning to get a small sense of it. It is one of the reasons I wonder if a better approach could have been taken in our response to terrorist attacks. And why I think the Gospel is the answer to defeating terrorism. Even these evil men seeking our destruction are children of God and He mourns their wickedness. What sorrow it must cause Him to see their wickedness and know they may be lost. I am sure He weeps for them as much has he weeps for any his “chosen” who fall away. Even as I type, I can feel a portion of His love and concern for them. I am confident that he would want them to have the opportunity to repent and accept the Gospel. Not only to stop their senseless violence, but to save their souls as well.
This small understanding of His love for all of us also makes me hope for the people of China; that their country will soon be open to the Gospel.
And, above all, it helps me know how much He wants me to teach my children. He loves them very much and has entrusted me with their upbringing. He wants them to be happy and to know His Gospel so that they can return to Him.
I hope understanding of His love continues to grow within me and that I can also develop some of that love myself. I feel some times that I am just apathetic to those around me. If I can develop a portion of our Father in Heaven’s love in me, then I will want to help and serve everyone I meet. I think this is one of the biggest things I am lacking.
