Keep the First Great Commandments in the Correct Order

This is a letter to my family and friends on how to love those we disagree with, particularly those who view church doctrines as hateful or out of touch with todays world, specifically the LGBT+ ideology.

In the world today there is a struggle going on between good and evil. The war in heaven is still going on but is now on earth. Although we Christians know the ending, people are struggling to know how to conduct themselves around those who have chosen the opposite team. The evidence is clear from scriptures and Prophets that we are meant to love all mankind. However the question remains what does that look like when we are confronted with ideas that are questionable? Some assert that unless we support them then we are hating them. Support for them includes allowing their ideology to be taught and accepted by us and our children, but how wise do we believe that to be and is this what HF wants? 

"If individually we each “put on Christ,” then together we can hope to become one, as Paul said, “the body of Christ.” To “put on Christ” certainly includes making His “first and great commandment” our first and greatest commitment, and if we love God, we will keep His commandments. Unity with our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ grows as we heed the second commandment—inextricably connected to the first—to love others as ourselves. And I suppose an even more perfect unity would obtain among us if we followed the Savior’s higher and holier expression of this second commandment—to love one another not only as we love ourselves but as He loved us. In sum, it is “every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God.

So does seeking the interest of our neighbour include agreeing that we should support people doing whatever they want? We certainly don't tolerate physical harm but what of spiritual harm?

"...... unity does not mean simply agreeing that everyone should do his or her own thing or go his or her own way. We cannot be one unless we all bend our efforts to the common cause.
I say again that it is only in and through our individual loyalty to and love of Jesus Christ that we can hope to be one—one within, one at home, one in the Church, eventually one in Zion, and above all, one with the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost." (Christofferson, April 2023)

So here Elder Christofferson is teaching us to be one in Christ includes to love each other and come together in a common cause- which is to be one in the doctrine of Christ. The doctrine and law is to love God first, we find as we increase our faith and love for God, we increase our compassion and love for each other.

"I have spoken of the first commandment, but what of the second? How do we keep the commandment to love our neighbors? We seek to persuade our members that those who follow lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender teachings and actions should be treated with the love our Savior commands us to show toward all our neighbors. Thus, when same-sex marriage was declared legal in the United States, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve declared: “The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to love and treat all people with kindness and civility—even when we disagree. We affirm that those who avail themselves of laws or court rulings authorizing same-sex marriage should not be treated disrespectfully.” Further, we must never persecute those who do not share our beliefs and commitments. Regretfully, some persons facing these issues continue to feel marginalized and rejected by some members and leaders in our families, wards, and stakes. We must all strive to be kinder and more civil."

Here Elder Oaks is teaching us that we must love others, be kind and civil, even when we disagree. The point here is that we are going to disagree, and that's okay. He then goes on to say we need to seek the spirit on what to support and what to oppose. How to love and listen respectfully and teach in the process because God demands that we not compromise our standards or support those who lead us away from the Lord.

"Meanwhile, we must try to keep both of the great commandments. To do so, we walk a fine line between law and love—keeping the commandments and walking the covenant path, while loving our neighbors along the way. This walk requires us to seek divine inspiration on what to support and what to oppose and how to love and listen respectfully and teach in the process. Our walk demands that we not compromise on commandments but show forth a full measure of understanding and love. Our walk must be considerate of children who are uncertain about their sexual orientation, but it discourages premature labeling because, in most children, such uncertainty decreases significantly over time. Our walk opposes recruitment away from the covenant path, and it denies support to any who lead people away from the Lord. In all of this we remember that God promises hope and ultimate joy and blessings for all who keep His commandments." 
"This means we are commanded to love everyone, since Jesus’s parable of the good Samaritan teaches that everyone is our neighbor. 
But our zeal to keep this second commandment must not cause us to forget the first, to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. We show that love by “keep[ing] [His] commandments.” (Oaks, Oct 2019)

We are meant to be a peculiar people, set apart from the world. D&C 131:34-35 teaches that many are called but few are chosen, why are they not chosen? Because they don't learn this one lesson. What is this one lesson we can't learn that will cost us our exaltation? Surely one lesson is not too hard to learn?
"Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men." (wanting the praise or to be accepted by man)
 
My question is are we too afraid to tell others that we disagree with them, warn them, question their thinking and try to teach them a higher and holier way?

Are we caring about them or ourselves when we know they are listening to the opposite team with no chance of celestial glory if they continue on that path and we're too afraid to say anything?

If we truly love others would we walk by them and leave them wallowing in the mud? Or do we in love and compassion offer them a lifeline? 

"Mothers and fathers and all of us are responsible to teach both of the two great commandments. For the women of the Church, President Spencer W. Kimball described that duty in this great prophecy: “Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world … will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different … from the women of the world."
 "Speaking of that prophecy, President Russell M. Nelson declared that “the day that President Kimball foresaw is today. You are the women he foresaw!” Little did we who heard that prophecy 40 years ago realize that among those the women of this Church may save will be their own dear friends and family who are currently influenced by worldly priorities and devilish distortions. My prayer and blessing is that you will teach and act to fulfill that prophecy. (Oaks, Oct 2019)

There are many scriptures that teach against sin, Nephi states in 2 Nephi 33:4-7 that the words he has written speak harshly against sin, according to the plainness of the truth. He says no man will be angry at the words he has written unless they are of the Spirit of the devil. He glories in plainness and truth and yet states that he has charity for his people and great faith in Jesus Christ that he shall meet many souls spotless at the judgement seat.

Can we say the same as Nephi, that we declare plain truth and because of our love for our neighbour that we will meet many souls spotless at the judgement seat? Or do we ascribe to the notion that each to his own and as long as I'm living the commandments, I don't need to concern myself with my neighbour?

"Because God’s love is all-embracing, some speak of it as “unconditional,” and in their minds they may project that thought to mean that God’s blessings are “unconditional” and that salvation is “unconditional.” They are not. Some are wont to say, “The Savior loves me just as I am,” and that is certainly true. But He cannot take any of us into His kingdom just as we are, “for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in his presence.” Our sins must first be resolved… The commandments of God are “strict” because His kingdom and its citizens can stand only if they consistently reject evil and choose good, without exception."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland observed, “Jesus clearly understood what many in our modern culture seem to forget: that there is a crucial difference between the commandment to forgive sin (which He had an infinite capacity to do) and the warning against condoning it (which He never ever did even once).”

(Christofferson, Oct 2021)

Pres Nelson:
Now, I am not talking about “peace at any price.(Footnote18)" I am talking about treating others in ways that are consistent with keeping the covenant you make when you partake of the sacrament. You covenant to always remember the Savior. In situations that are highly charged and filled with contention, I invite you to remember Jesus Christ. Pray to have the courage and wisdom to say or do what He would. As we follow the Prince of Peace, we will become His peacemakers. Nelson, April 2023
Footnote 18

God’s plan, founded on eternal truth, requires that exaltation can be attained only through faithfulness to the covenants of an eternal marriage between a man and a woman in the holy temple, which marriage will ultimately be available to all the faithful. That is why we teach that “gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.” 
A uniquely valuable teaching to help us prepare for exaltation is the 1995 proclamation on the family. Its declarations clarify the requirements that prepare us to live with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Those who do not fully understand the Father’s loving plan for His children may consider this family proclamation no more than a changeable statement of policy. In contrast, we affirm that the family proclamation, founded on irrevocable doctrine, defines the mortal family relationship where the most important part of our eternal development can occur.
Speaking of the three kingdoms of glory with his prophetic vision, President Russell M. Nelson recently wrote: “Mortal lifetime is barely a nanosecond compared with eternity. But what a crucial nanosecond it is! Consider carefully how it works: During this mortal life you get to choose which laws you are willing to obey—those of the celestial kingdom, or the terrestrial, or the telestial—and, therefore, in which kingdom of glory you will live forever. What a plan! It is a plan that completely honors your agency.” (Oaks Oct, 2023)

It is interesting to note so much of the current ideology is pushing for moral change.  Satan is attacking the very foundation of who we are. Our gender, the family, our sexuality. He is not satisfied that we are merely tolerant, he wants us to embrace it. Why not accept drag queen reading hour with young children? Why not accept children attending mardi-gras with people dressed and behaving in a sexually explicit way? Why not accept young people confused about their sexuality, take hormone changing drugs, have irreversible surgery and  destroy their future opportunities to be parents? Why not accept that mothers or fathers are redundant and have children grow up without mothers or fathers and never know who their birth mother is? It is a slippery slope which begins with seemingly benign actions but will only end when Satan has succeeded in full destruction. Next is a group coming forward calling themselves Minor Attracted Persons or MAP. It's a re-branding for paedophilia saying that if love is love then we can love and enjoy sexual relations with children. Are we meant to accept this too?

Pres Nelson:
"Many of the adversary’s most relentless temptations involve violations of moral purity. The power to create life is the one privilege of godhood that Heavenly Father allows His mortal children to exercise. Thus, God set clear guidelines for the use of this living, divine power. Physical intimacy is only for a man and a woman who are married to each other. Much of the world does not believe this, but public opinion is not the arbiter of truth. The Lord has declared that no unchaste person will attain the celestial kingdom. So when you make decisions regarding morality, please think celestial.
As you think celestial, you will view trials and opposition in a new light. When someone you love attacks truth, think celestial, and don’t question your testimony. The Apostle Paul prophesied that “in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 
There is no end to the adversary’s deceptions. Please be prepared. Never take counsel from those who do not believe. Seek guidance from voices you can trust—from prophets, seers, and revelators and from the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, who “will show unto you all things what ye should do.” (Nelson, Oct 2023)

The activists are going full throttle striving to deceive young and impressionable people who are struggling or suffering. The activists are full of hate and oppression. They are not tolerant of us and are attacking us and the truths we abide by. As President Nelson said, we need to use the Spirit to know when to speak up, sometimes it is just not safe to do so, however that didn't stop Abinadi or Alma and Amulek. How willing are we to put the commandments in the correct order when we are confronted with the opportunity to declare truth?

"One of our greatest challenges today is distinguishing between the truths of God and the counterfeits of Satan. That is why the Lord warned us to “pray always, … that [we] may conquer Satan, and … escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work.” Moses provided an example of how to discern between God and Satan. When Satan came tempting Moses, he detected the deception because he had just had a face-to-face interaction with God. Moses quickly realized who Satan was and commanded him to depart. When Satan persisted, Moses knew how to call upon God for more help. Moses received divine strength and rebuked the evil one again, saying, “Depart from me, Satan, for this one God only will I worship.” We should follow that example. Cast Satan’s influence out of your life! Please do not follow him down to his “gulf of misery and endless wo.”
Thus, the antidote to Satan’s scheme is clear: we need daily experiences worshipping the Lord and studying His gospel. I plead with you to let God prevail in your life.
And I promise you greater strength to resist temptation, more peace of mind, freedom from fear, and greater unity in your families." (Nelson, April 2022)

2 Nephi 28 is a very powerful chapter full of warnings and teachings. If we believe that the BoM is written to us in our day, and we do, we know that Nephi is speaking to us and warning us of the perils of the last days. We learn the three distinct behaviours of Satan are rage, flattery and pacification. This teaching is helpful in recognising evil in our society. 

Rage is easy to observe, contention, strife and anger are prevalent in today's world. We see everywhere Satan stirring people to be outraged, easily provoked and angry against each other and that which is good.

Flattery is lying and deceiving, Satan lies and deceives us as well as entices us to lie and deceive others. One of the main lies highlighted in this chapter is the lie that there is no devil. This is pervasive in society but are we as members ignorant to the wiles of the devil? Do we ignore and play down the warnings in the scriptures and given from our Prophets? Do we flatter ourselves that Satan does not play much of a role in our lives? I have been guilty of this myself. I don't like to shift responsibility and blame him for everything that goes wrong in my life as I dont think that's helpful but are we oblivious to the influence he has in our lives?

And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell. (2 Nephi 28:21)

Many members are asleep and indifferent to the enticings of the evil one, pretend there is no devil, justify their actions against the standards of the world and rationalise their sins telling themselves all is well in Zion. "The baseless notion that we should “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us” is one of the most absurd lies in the universe."(Nelson, Oct 2023)
This is a particularly nefarious situation as members allow themselves to be deceived and destroyed because of ignorance and apathy. Many within our Church membership have become corrupted by the precepts of man, false doctrines which are carefully crafted by the cunningness of the devil and become preoccupied and distracted by the colourful and loud enticements of the world. Satan will placate and lull us into a passive stupor so he can rock us to sleep with his smooth and subtle seductions.

We have become desensitized to the wickedness of this world and if we do not watch ourselves, our thoughts, our words, and our deeds we must perish.

(Mosiah 4:30) King Benjamin teaches us;
But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.

We know that prophecy finds that before Zion will be redeemed America will be destroyed(3 Nephi 21:14-21). One prominent scholar (Hyrum Andrus) has said that if America is not destroyed soon then God will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah(Nephi's Prophecies of the Last Days, Lecture 7, p13) which was destroyed due to its sexual impurity and wickedness. The whole notion of Lot's wife being turned to a pillar of salt because she looked back was about her heart longing to stay in the world; she could not learn that one lesson.(D&C 121:35)

Let's look a bit further into the words of King Benjamin in Mosiah 4:30;
'Continue in the faith of what you have heard concerning the coming of our Lord,  even unto the end of our lives' 
Many of us are acting in faith, awaiting the Saviours return and doing all we can to prepare. Twice the Lord told Joseph Smith in Doctrine and Covenants to seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion (D&C 6:6 D&C 11:6).
The Savior cannot return but by Zion, Joseph Smith taught 
"For without Zion, and a place of deliverance, we must fall" (Joseph Smith the Prophet,TPJS, pp. 70-7)
The Lord taught, Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom(D&C 105:5).
Satan sows seeds of doubt, fear and discord in our hearts and minds, he does this to destroy Zion.

Elder Christofferson shared, "Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens. Remember, “the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them” (Moses 7:18). 
"If we would establish Zion in our homes, branches, wards, and stakes, we must rise to this standard. It will be necessary:
(1) to become unified in one heart and one mind; 
(2) to become, individually and collectively, a holy people; and 
(3) to care for the poor and needy with such effectiveness that we eliminate poverty among us.
"We cannot wait until Zion comes for these things to happen—Zion will come only as they happen."
"Then he closes with this powerful reminder "The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 186). 
"In our families and in our stakes and districts, let us seek to build up Zion through unity, godliness, and charity, preparing for that great day when Zion, the New Jerusalem, will arise." (Christofferson,  2008)

3 Nephi 20:36-37
Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.
37 Shake thyself from the dust; arise, sit down, O Jerusalem; loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.

As we awaken once more to the promises of Zion and put on spiritual strength through Christ's atonement, we can create a Standard of Righteousness that will give us power to overcome Satan and his followers. This standard of righteousness is to do all we can to arise to our celestial birthright. Do we believe we can cast Satan out of our relationships and out of our lives? 

Pres Kimball taught ; When Satan is bound in a single home—when Satan is bound in a single life—the Millennium has already begun in that home, in that life” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 172).

President Marion G. Romney, a former counselor in the First Presidency, in explaining how enduring peace and unity are obtained, said: “If a single person, yielding to Satan, is filled with the works of the flesh, he wars within himself. If two yield, they each war within themselves and fight with each other. If many people yield, a society [reaps] the harvest of great stress and contention. If the rulers of a country yield, there is world-wide contention....As the works of the flesh have universal application, so likewise does the gospel of peace. If one man lives it, he has peace within himself. If two men live it, they each have peace within themselves and with each other. If the citizens live it, the nation has domestic peace". (Christofferson 2023)

Therefore if our greatest objective is Zion, which includes us becoming unified through our strength in Christ, it makes total sense that Satan’s objective is to destroy the possibility of this happening. So far he has been very successful, but we know the ending of this story, it's time we awake and take action, but how might we do that?

"As you think celestial, you will find yourself avoiding anything that robs you of your agency. The Apostle Paul prophesied that “in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” (Nelson Oct 2023)

"Please do not fear or delay repenting. Satan delights in your misery. Cut it short. Cast his influence out of your life! Start today to experience the joy of putting off the natural man." (Nelson, April 2022)

The natural man is an enemy to God. In the guide to the Scriptures we read that the natural man is a person who chooses to be influenced by the passions, desires, appetites, and senses of the flesh rather than by the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Satan works on this tempting us to give into these influences. When we yield to the flesh, we yield to Satan.

Mosiah 3:19

For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

Back to Pres Nelson;

Charity is the spiritual gift that helps us to cast off the natural man…The temple can help us in our quest. There we are endowed with God’s power, giving us the ability to overcome Satan….Cast him out of your relationships! Note that we also rebuke the adversary every time we heal a misunderstanding or refuse to take offense. Instead, we can show the tender mercy that is characteristic of true disciples of Jesus Christ. Peacemakers thwart the adversary. Let us as a people become a true light on the hill—a light that “cannot be hid….. As you demonstrate the charity that true followers of Jesus Christ manifest, the Lord will magnify your efforts beyond your loftiest imagination. (Nelson , April 2023)

Moroni 7 is an excellent chapter teaching us that we are given the spirit of Christ to help us judge good from evil so that we can make the choices to love and serve God. Satan persuades men to deny Christ and do evil. Verse 5 teaches we will know by people's works if they be good or evil. 

How can our works be good if we allow Satan to take hold of our world and do nothing to oppose it?

How can the works of this ideology be good when they lead people to sin and away from the restored truths of God? 

Verse 17 teaches whatsoever thing persuaderh men to deny Christ and serve not God is of the devil and verse 18 a warning to be careful not to judge wrongfully. We are not judging individual people but their works or fruit. What is the fruit of this ideology or movement? The fruit is sin, mostly sexual sin. The intention of this ideology is to recruit people away from the covenant path and leading them away from the Lord. 

One of Satan's tactics is to teach us we are not to judge, this is a lie to enable acceptance for sin. We are very much to judge, it's the inability to judge that leads us to the place where we call good evil and evil good because we have not utilised the gift of discernment. We make judgements everyday, it's important we judge good from evil to keep our families safe.

If we are teaching our children to tolerate or accept sin in the name of love, then the next step is to embrace it. We have lost many young adults in the Church because of this exact position due to this very ideology.

The Church uses this quote in their guidelines for evaluating media but I think it applies to this too;

"Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, As to be hated needs but to be seen; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace."

(Alexander Pope) To reiterate, we judge works and fruit to know good from evil. If the works and fruit from this movement is evil, and it is, surely the preferred action will be to keep our children from exposure to it. We don't let our children watch inappropriate movies etc then teach them why it's evil, we protect them from it, this is no different.

As we prepare for Zion and become one with Christ, we need to beware of Satan's tactics because as we strive to live a celestial standard of righteousness, he will do everything in his power to stop us. 

Pres Nelson said in 2022 to expect opposition, because the adversary does not want us to discover the power of Jesus Christ. But yoking ourselves with the Savior means we do have access to His strength and redeeming power.  

I believe our Prophet that through the power of our Saviour that we can become unified in putting on celestial spiritual strength, thus overcoming Satan and preparing to redeem Zion.

Ephesians 6:10-20

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 

20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak

Note the end of this scripture teaches us that as we put on the armour of God, we shall receive the power to speak boldly and stand against the wiles of the devil. As has been shown from the above quotes and scriptures, this includes standing in righteousness to the extent that like Moses, we recognise and know the difference as we face evil, we know we have the power to overcome Satan and we are prepared to act swiftly and confidently in that faith in our daily lives. 

In summary I have learnt that when we Love God first we are willing to sacrifice all our cares for this world. We are willing to put on the altar everything that we have and everything we are, including our agency, and obey God. Jesus Christ always loved and respected the people but he never once condoned sin and allowed it to be taught.

When we put this first commandment first we follow His example. As we put God first and grow His charity within we learn to love our neighbour, this means to put aside our own fears and lovingly lead them to the laws of redemption and salvation. It means that we discern right from wrong, good from evil and we take action to protect our loved ones from Satan's influence. We don't wait until he has a hold and then take action to put out spot fires. We flee as Joseph in Egypt from the very sight of evil and warn our neighbours out of love.

It takes great love to put the Lord first and leave ourselves behind, the natural man will fight to be recognised but we must prevail so to win the prize.  Zion is the prize, Zion will be redeemed and only those who are able, ready, and worthy to receive the Lord when He comes again, those who have already chosen Jesus Christ over this fallen world, those who rejoice in their agency to live the higher, holier laws of Jesus Christ will be prepared to receive Him. (Nelson, Oct 2022)

I realise this is long but out of love for you, I desire to show you all the reasons I have come to this position and give you plenty of opportunity to see it too. If you have not come to the same conclusion as I have, I respect your agency to make your own decisions. At least now you are aware of my standing in this matter as I have declared truth in plainness and put my love for God and His commandments first, this is my motivation and I declare it in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.