Stem unbelief
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PROVO, Utah — Because they are living in a world where secularism is threatening faith, young adults were encouraged by Bishop Keith B. McMullin during a Church Educational System fireside to use four benchmarks to measure their personal faith.
"Much of the world today views secularism as vital to a balanced, just, and ordered government," said Bishop McMullin, second counselor in the Presiding Bishopric. "Hence, religious expression is discouraged in public forums, civil rights are dependent upon the courts and legislative processes, men and women readily seek solutions and redress through litigious means. In the extreme, society's secularism overlooks the concept of eternal life, places all things in the context of the natural world, and consequently is prone to works without faith."
Speaking to those in the Marriott Center on Sunday, Nov. 5, and to others watching via satellite broadcast throughout North America and other parts of the world, Bishop McMullin said, "What can happen, what must happen is that your faith and accompanying works will stem the tide of unbelief. This is your lot in life. This is your sacred duty."
He recited a dictionary definition of benchmark: "A standard of excellence (or) achievement ... against which similar things (are) measured or judged."
He then said, "There are four benchmarks that can help each of us know if our personal faith in Christ is being 'made perfect' by our works."
First, the benchmark of choice.
Illustrating this benchmark, he spoke of an imaginary young adult named Bill who believes in the Church but is plagued with pornography. "After each encounter with this sleazy stuff, Bill has felt sickened, ashamed and worthless inside," Bishop McMullin said.
Hearing a general conference talk in which President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke of the negative impact and evils of pornography, "Bill decided, 'It is time for me to stand up for my faith!"'
With that choice, he removed from his life all pornography and music with sordid lyrics. He cleaned off his computer, added a filter to it and placed it in a more public place. He "acknowledged his transgressions before God. He prayed fervently for the strength to repent, to expel this evil from his life. He sought help from his bishop and loved ones. ... His faith, because of his works, is being affirmed and strengthened."
Bill may have more to do, Bishop McMullin said. "Nevertheless, the benchmark shows: Bill is beginning to exercise faith unto repentance — he has made the right choice."
Second, the benchmark of devotion.
"True devotion is tied to divine causes set in motion before the foundations of this world," Bishop McMullin said. "Righteous ancestors enlisted in them and gave their lives to the furtherance of Heavenly Father's purposes. We have been entrusted to carry on, to build upon their consecrated labors."
He illustrated with the familiar pioneer story of Robert and Ann Parker whose son, Arthur, fell asleep and was left behind on the handcart trail. Searchers failed to find him and, finally, his father was preparing to make one more trek back to look for his son. Sister Parker gave him a red shawl, instructing him that if he found their son dead, he should bury him in the shawl. But if he found the boy alive, he should signal with the shawl as he returned to camp. Robert's diligent searching and praying were rewarded when he found Arthur alive and was able to give the joyous signal with the shawl.
Bishop McMullin said, "God indeed was kind and merciful; their works had rewarded their devotion and sanctified their faith."
He said the story of the red shawl became a legacy of faith in his family because Arthur's younger sister, Ada, is his grandmother.
"About these early saints, the benchmark shows: Their works were a hallmark of faith, their devotion a standard for their posterity to live by," he said.
Third, the benchmark of obedience.
For this illustration, Bishop McMullin used an imaginary young couple in love who were reluctant to get married because of worries over schooling, money, personal ambition, wars, overpopulation and whether they should bring children into such a world.
He then counseled his listeners, "Act upon what you know to be true, and your righteous works will perfect your faith. Your lives will be full and wonderful. Follow the good example of your parents. They could not afford to get married, but they did. They, too, worried about war and tumult, but they exercised their faith and had you. ... As for their personal ambitions, they are completely and happily entwined in the well-being of each other and of you, your brothers and sisters, and their grandchildren."
Bishop McMullin said, "The benchmark shows: Obedience calls forth the blessings of Heaven. It did so for your parents, and it will do so for you."
Fourth, the benchmark of service.
"Make the work of the Church and kingdom of God the center of your life," Bishop McMullin advised. "When called to serve, say 'Yes,' and do your very best."
He reviewed the life of pioneer Levi Savage whose service included joining the Mormon Battalion, answering the Prophet's call to open a mission to Siam (today's Thailand) and helping members of the Willie Handcart Company overcome the severe trials of bitter winter storms on the trail.
Of pioneers, he said, "The benchmark shows: Their faith and works were a beacon in an unbelieving world, their service a pattern for each of us to follow."
Bishop McMullin concluded, "I bear you my witness, brothers and sisters — you stand at the confluence of history. You came from realms of glory. It is your singular privilege to be true to the faith, to press forward in good works. Do what the prophets say. Generations past expect it; generations present are saved by it; generations future depend upon it, and the Holy Spirit will guide you every step of your way."
E-mail to: ghill@desnews.com
