Current Lesson No. Twenty-Three

God Has Said The Inward Vessel Shall Be Cleansed First - Alma 60:23

The importance for the latter days of the war chapters in the Book of Mormon (Alma 43 – 62) – These chapters teach us how members of the Lord’s Church are to live during times of great conflicts between good and evil of all kinds.  Because this is so important to us Mormon is inspired to devote 54 pages to these chapters which is a little more than 10% of the 531 pages of the entire Book of Mormon.

The greatest threat to our freedom is from within – For the many years Moroni dealt with external threats from the Lamanites, but the larger threat to their freedom came from traitors and apostates from within the Nephite society.  (See Alma 60:16)  Moroni wrote to Pahoran, the chief judge:    

“Now I would that ye should remember that God has said that the inward vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also….behold it will be expedient that we contend no more with the Lamanites until we have first cleansed our inward vessel, yea, even the great head or our government” (Alma 60:23-24).  What Moroni wrote has application in the latter-days.

Today, the greatest threats to our freedom is not outward threats from any foreign country, but rather the inward threats of false educational, political, and philosophical concepts – These concepts are often promoted by those who seek for power and include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Those who want religion and the teaching of morality out of the public square.  Freedom of religion applies only to religious belief and not to the practice of religion.  Freedom to exercise religion is trumped by many social issues such as abortion, gay marriage, and gender identity.

• Those who want to cancel our national history and re-write it according to their agenda. This includes demeaning the founding and history of the United States and slandering its Founders.  As Senator Orrin Hatch explains how this “cancel culture” threatens our liberty.  (Hatch, 2020)

• Those who ridicule, shame, and bully others to eliminate discussion of ideas they do not like.  Amazingly, this is now common at many universities.  Historically universities have stood strong in support of freedom of speech, and have been forums for open discussion and debate.  Senator Hatch observed in some universities their “humanities and social-sciences departments look like political re-education camps” (Hatch, 2020).

• Those who accept violence, arson, and looting as legitimate ways to promote equality.  It seems unbelievable that this group even includes elected officials.

• Those who would use government to usurp the agency and responsibility of individuals and families.  This growing threat is often promoted by individuals and organizations that appear to be well meaning, but are at best ill informed, and at worst active conspirators against freedom. “Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets” (The Family – A Proclamation to the World).  Certainly, this prophesy is being fulfilled.

The accompanying illustrations were published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day in 1976, as part of the celebration of the Bicentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – These illustrate our belief that the Lord directed the discovery of the new world by Columbus, the settlement of this land by the pilgrims,  and the establishment of the Constitution of the United States by wise men He raised up for that very purpose.  All of this was necessary so there could be a free nation where the gospel of Jesus Christ could be restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. 

The threats to our freedom have been a concern for many years, and they are now more immediate and pressing.  Therefore, it seems appropriate to be reminded of the truths taught in these illustrations.

What can we do about these threats to our freedom? The following are ways that apply generally to all concerned people and specifically to members of the Restored Church of Jesus Christ:

• Stand up and speak up in the public square.  The public square includes social media, political and social occasions, and one on one with friends and family members.  We should not argue, use words that offend, or act in any irresponsible way.  We must become informed so we can calmly and effectively discuss and advance our beliefs.  We should be willing to adjust our opinions and beliefs when the facts require it.  We must have the moral courage necessary to stand up for the truth, and support organizations who do the same.  We must exercise our franchise and encourage other like-minded people to vote.

• Teach and advocate the unvarnished truth about the founding of the United States.  Those who know the truth have the responsibility to teach our children and grandchildren, and to advocate with our friends and associates.  We know that the founding of this nation was directed by God in preparation for the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  (See 1 Nephi 13 – 14)  We know that some of the Founders were slave holders who lived in a different time, and that none of them were perfect.  The Lord knew all of this when He said in 1833 that He “established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood” (D&C 101:80; see also accompanying illustrations).

• Work to improve education, especially higher education, all across our country.  The Book of Mormon warns against the time when “people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning” (3 Nephi 6:12).  Senator Hatch has some excellent suggestions of ways that higher education can be reformed.  (Hatch, 2020)

• Most people strongly reject violence, arson, and looting as the solution to any current problem.  We must be open to necessary reforms, but we should demand that elected officials hold those who violate the law accountable.  This includes rioters, arsonists, and looters.  If they do not they should be voted out of office. 

• There is a built-in tension between over-reaching government and functioning families.  At the heart of many of the problems our society struggles with is the question of who has the responsibility for our basic needs.  Government is responsible for military, public safety and health, and many other important functions.  However, our day to day well being is primarily the responsibility of the individual and the family.  Unfortunately, often the government is anxious to overstep, and many individuals and families are willing to abdicate.  It must be remembered that if the family is strong, the government can be limited, and if the family is weak, government expands.  The solution is for “responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society” (The Family – A Proclamation to the World).

When we pray and act with faith the Lord will make up the difference – Moroni “bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessing of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land….And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored” (Alma 46:13, 16).

We can do as Moroni did and pray with faith.  This means Moroni coupled his prayers with action and did everything he could to defend freedom.  By doing this Moroni knew, as we can, that “the Lord would deliver them; and this was the faith of Moroni, and his heart did glory in it; not in the shedding of blood but in doing good, in preserving his people, yea, in keeping the commandments of God, yea, and resisting iniquity” (Alma 48:16).

At this point having “cheerfully done all things that lie in our power; then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed” (D&C 123:17).