TRUTH? (Part 2)

Rapidly we see the plague spread from the walls of homes into the streets of our towns soon engulfing the entire nation with its talons.

We see families with financial accountings hidden from partners.

We hear promises which can never be fulfilled spewing from town halls.

We view national leaders who are quick to point out the mote in another’s eye while living contentedly with the beam so obviously protruding from their own.

We witness the usurping of a neighbor nation’s natural resources masqueraded beneath the guise of the tyranny of foreign monsters.

The ‘beware’ notice turns from being a statement of commercial caution to a theme for conducting national, international or personal economic affairs.

Where did it begin – When is the die cast – When is the cup full – Where is the ending – When will the promised day come?

That their hears may be softened … that their prejudices may give way before the truth … (Doctrine and Covenants 109:56)

For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are kept from the truth because they know not where to find it. (Doctrine and Covenants 123:12

Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. (Psalms 85:11)

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)

Because our character has been so cleverly conceived – so laboriously nurtured through youth – cultivated and manufactured through adulthood, rebirth may be extremely painful and its attending labor may extend well beyond our appointed time. But we need to wake from our deceptive slumber and understand that the alternative to rebirth may be an all-ending abortion of life.

It is very possible that the greatest gifts we may be able to give this world and our fellow inhabitants is a life of integrity.

A life founded upon a devotion to truth and the elimination of falsehoods.

A life keenly aware of the dangers attendant to yielding to even the slightest subtleties between truth and untruth.

A life determined to avoid stretching truth between two points.

A life where no quarter is given in the battle to express truth.

A life where the dark enemy of lies must be totally subdued.

A life worthy of being blessed with the light of truth.
Recognizing that as Paul said, we now see through the glass darkly, we can nevertheless strive to choose the path of truth as we understand it, thereby, diminishing the stress, guilt and contention in life which attend one when they are constantly overshadowed by the clouds of deception.

It might be worth the price to cease making a lie and thereby receive the blessing of being attended by peace, contentment, trust and honor.