Sunday afternoon session: Live well, find peace amid increasing evil
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Church members have a choice: They can wring their hands and be consumed with concern for the future or choose to use the counsel the Lord has given to live with peace and happiness in a world awash with evil, said Elder Richard G. Scott.
"If you choose to concentrate on the dark side that is what you will see," he said. "Much of the world is being engulfed in a rising river of degenerate filth, with the abandonment of virtue, righteousness, personal integrity, traditional marriage and family life."
Speaking Sunday afternoon, Elder Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve, addressed the topic, "How to Live Well Amid Increasing Evil."
Elder Scott said Satan skillfully manipulates the power of all types of media and communication. "His success has greatly increased the extent and availability of such degrading and destructive influences worldwide. In the past, some effort was required to seek out such evil. Now it saturates significant portions of virtually every corner of the world.
"We cannot dry up the mounting river of evil influences for they result from the exercise of moral agency divinely granted by our Father. But we can and must, with clarity, warn of the consequences of getting close to its enticing, destructive current."
However, he added, there is a brighter side. Despite pockets of evil, the world overall is majestically beautiful, filled with many good and sincere people.
"God has provided a way to live in the world and not be contaminated by the degrading pressures spread throughout it. You can live a virtuous, productive, righteous life, by following the plan of protection created by your Father in Heaven: His Plan of Happiness.
"It is contained in the scriptures and in the inspired declarations of His prophets. He clothed your intelligence with spirit and made it possible for you to enjoy the wonder of a physical body. When you use that body in the way He has decreed, you will grow in strength and capacity, will avoid transgression and be abundantly blessed."
The scriptures and divine guidance assure Church members that they can live with peace and happiness amid increasing evil.
"I know the Plan of Happiness can lift and bless those who live it anywhere," said Elder Scott, recounting the time he spent as a young missionary in the isolated village of Quiriza, Bolivia. The harsh environment seemed hopeless for the village's inhabitants. There was no electricity, telephone, running water, roads, proper sanitation, or doctors. The people lived amid severe poverty, alcohol, drugs, witchcraft and immorality. Then the missionaries introduced the gospel and changed the lives of those who embraced it.
"Through faith and obedience, I have seen how in one generation youth baptized in that village have overcome a seemingly hopeless future," he said.
To those who have become entangled from poor choices, Elder Scott continued, "Please decide to come back now. You know how to begin. Do it now. We love you. We need you. God will help you."
Closing, Elder Scott counseled the congregation to avoid worldly wickedness.
"Know that God is in control. In time, Satan will completely fail and be punished for his perverse evil. God has a specific plan for your life. He will reveal parts of that plan to you as you look for it with faith and consistent obedience. His Son has made you free — not from the consequences of your acts, but free to make choices. God's eternal purpose is for you to be successful in this mortal life. No matter how wicked the world becomes, you can earn that blessing."
