LOVE IS OF GOD – CONTENTION IS OF THE DEVIL

We live in a society that feeds on criticism. Faultfinding is the substance of columnists and commentators. There is too much of this among our people. It is so easy to find fault, and to resist doing so requires much discipline… the enemy of truth would divide us and cultivate within us attitudes of criticism which, if permitted to prevail, will only deter us in the pursuit of our divinely given goal.

It was in April of 1982 when Prophet/President Spencer W. Kimball gave these words of counsel and warning. As I reread his words this past week I couldn't help but wonder what he would think after these attitudes have prevailed, pestered and become more prevalent during another third of a century.

I suspect if Prophet/President Kimball would be saddened at the revelatory results of his statement, the Prophet/King Benjamin would wonder why the Lord’s voice of warning has been so universally rejected: But, O my people, beware lest there shall arise contentions among you, and ye list to obey the evil spirit which was spoken of by my father Mosiah. For behold, there is a wo pronounced upon him who listeth to obey that spirit; for if he listeth to obey him, and remaineth and dieth in his sins, the same drinketh damnation to his own soul. (Book of Mormon – Mosiah 2:32, 33)

I am sure the Prophet/Restorer Joseph Smith would recoil at the way current relationships are devalued and destroyed because the hearts of mankind have become so hardened. We not only reject the existence of God and the devil, but we continue our destructive march. We scoff at the warnings of ancient and modern scripture, which clearly state not only the author of contention, but the resultant condemnation which accompanies contentiousness.

I do not know what the heavenly abode of Spencer, Benjamin and Joseph allows them to see or to what extent they are aware of what is happening in the technologically driven age of the 21st century. But I am sure if they are privileged even a casual glance at the predominant interactions among the current crop of Heavenly Father’s children presently abiding on the planet; their eyes must fill with tears and such sorrowful words as, ‘why can they never learn,’ fall from their lips in almost silent whispers.

Those who proclaim opposition as well as those who claim to be partners in the political arena, fill the air with vile, contentious half-truths and lies concerning those who would stand in their way of obtaining a position of prominence in governing nations.

With such an example – how can we ever learn a better way!!

Those who have dedicated their lives to reporting through the media the current news, the world of the arts and the games of sport, strive to find dominance in their journalistic fields by stimulating derision and contention through asking the ‘hard’ questions. Ironically, many times the side of an issue they find themselves on is decided not by belief or truth, but the flip of a coin, much like high school debate sides are chosen by drawing a slip of paper from a hat.

With such an example – how can we ever learn a better way!!

It should not surprise me, yet it does, when I go to the social media pages I frequent, to find that even though most of the words I read are from those who account themselves as Christians and disciples of Jesus the Christ, all too often I am confronted with harsh, contentious words about anyone who might have a different point of view or who might have a different life style.

With such an example – how can we ever learn a better way!!

One of those virtues that is especially needed in our routine contact with others – with family, friend, members, and non-members – is the rare ability to accept people for what they are, while lifting them toward what they can become.

Whether dealing with devoted disciples close at hand, or publicans and prostitutes less familiar with such love, Jesus saw all of them as children of God. Some He knew were doing better than others. But all were in need of the higher, heavenly view He came to bring. (Jeffery R. Holland –Ensign, July 1983)

With such an example – we can learn a better way!!

Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do. (Book of Mormon – 3 Nephi 18:24)

With such an example – we can learn a better way!!

And now my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life according to the will of his Holy Spirit. And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom. (Book of Mormon – 2 Nephi 2:28, 29)

With such an example – we can learn a better way!!

And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness. That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter until the perfect day. (Doctrine and Covenants 50:23, 24)

With such an example – we can learn a better way!!

A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (New Testament – John 13:34, 35)

With such an example – we can learn a better way!!

It seems that as centuries pass and we advance in so many ways, we likewise seem to have a great propensity to stay the same. Just as it was in days of Benjamin who lived some 125 years before the advent of the Savior on the earth, in the days of Joseph who lived during the formative years of the nation of the United States of America and Spencer who lived during the time when many of us had come to earth to tarry, we still are confronted with the dramatic choice of how we will conduct ourselves in our relationships.

Do we make every encounter with those we deem to be friend or foe contentious and destructive?

With such an example – how can we ever learn a better way!!

Do we strive to make every meeting with those who mirror our lifestyle or those with whom we find little commonality one of edification through love?

With such an example – we can learn a better way!!