My last post generated a considerable amount of thoughtful commentary. I spent a long time reading and considering your ideas and opinions. I took detours of thought that led me down previously untrod cerebral pathways. Thanks for all the mental stimulation!
But alas, now I am left with not much time for posting. So in consideration of today's list of to-dos that I have yet to dent, I'm posting my comment to my last post as today's main post.
As always, I'm interested to know what you're thinking!
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Oh my brain cells, they are a firing! These comments have given me a lot to think about. And because I filter everything through the lens of the gospel, I'm left wondering, What will Jesus do? We're told that at his second coming he'll rule temporally as well as spirtually. What will he make of this fine mess?
I believe that we should do all in our power to support and encourage government to best meet the needs of its citizens. That's one complex task! I'm glad Linda mentioned her example of sharing a lane and how it relates to government. I like to simplify complex things, and I do that by relating large and complex things to a scale that I can understand, knowing full well that complexities multiply as size increases.
So here's the thing. I've been thinking about writing another letter to my federal representatives encouraging them to take a close look at the "economy" of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Remember when Time Magazine did that report entitled, "Mormons Inc.?" One thing I remember is that Joseph Smith received revelation early on to get the church out of debt. I think that our government would do well to follow the same advice. Yes, it will be difficult to whittle away at a trillion dollar deficit, but difficult doesn't mean impossible.
[Note: I re-read the Time article. It didn't say anything about Joseph Smith getting the church out of debt. But section 64 of the Doctrine and Covenants does. This talk by Franklin D. Richards also mentions other scriptural references to debt.]
I can see that STM has her heart in the right place. Along with her, I've noticed that ultra-conservative policies seem uncaring and hands-off in a 'we don't care' kind of way. That's not right either.
I like to think of myself as a compassionate conservative, but what does that mean? I'm idealistic and a Christian too. And in my heart of hearts, I know that the Lord is aware of each individual person on this earth. He knows our needs and knows this earth, His creation, down to every milliliter of oil. He has created this world to support our lives with enough and to spare. I'm sure he weeps to see how some have hoarded resourses and sold them off to the highest bidder. But he does not over-ride agency. Ever. Not even when it was His son they were hanging on a cross.
Our United States government was founded on providing freedom for its citizens. This means that some will use that freedom to exploit those underneath them. It also means that every one of us is free to "lift where we stand," as Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf expressed in his talk in the General Priesthood session of General Conference.
I believe that when more of us lift, we need less government. I'm going to do what I can to spread the good news of the gospel to those in my circle of influence. It lifts in ways that government can't.
We are in the hands of the Lord. I'll be praying for our leaders and supporting and encouraging them to look for ways to provide the greatest good while preserving the greatest amount of freedom.
3 comments:
Sounds like I have missed out on some very intriguing conversation. I liked your post. Our government is all whacked up. In my opinion, it comes down to one basic principle. Personal responsibility. Our nation can't be responsible until we as citizens practice that principle. We can bail out the entire universe and just be throwing money down the drain. However, I have been personally "bailed out" many a time. Growing up, my parents were constantly helping me. Maybe our nation will catch on just as I hopefully have.
I misspoke in my comments by calling myself a "compassionate conservative." I know many people who are very conservative who are compassionate and giving in many ways. I'm really a moderate conservative. I'm happy paying a bit more in taxes if it provides services for those in need. One of the biggest needs I'm happy paying taxes toward is education.
Also Allie, you're right. America could do with more personal responsibility. And unity. That's another toughy.
The posts and commentary are thought-provoking, and present a more well-rounded picture. Awareness of different sides may lead to better solutions to the challenging difficulties ahead.
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