Dallas Jones, Guest Columnist

DALLAS JONES:What will bring peace in times of anxiety from serious problems

Dallin H. Oaks speaking to a college student body said, "Only the gospel of Jesus Christ can unite and bring peace to people of all races and nationalities," he said. "We who believe in that gospel, whatever our origins, must unite in love of each other and of our Savior Jesus Christ."

RACISM

Dallin Oaks repeated several recent teachings of Russell M. Nelson on racism:

God does not love one race more than another.

Favor or disfavor with God is dependent upon your devotion to God and His commandments, and not the color of your skin.

We should build bridges of cooperation instead of walls of segregation.

We should abandon attitudes and actions of prejudice toward any group of God's children.

ERASE HISTORY

Mr. Oaks noted that the efforts of some today to erase from history people associated with slavery may accomplish nothing but a bow to the cause of political correctness. Instead, he encouraged inspiration, education and clear thinking. He related a recent and serendipitous encounter with some of the words of Winston Churchill from 1940. Churchill was once a minority voice in Britain who warned of the evils of the Nazi government in Germany. Later, after many of his predictions came to pass, he became prime minister. Some of his colleagues in government wanted to punish those who had ignored his warnings and thus contributed to Britain's lack of preparedness during World War II. Churchill, however, saw folly in such an approach. "There are many who would hold an inquest in the House of Commons on the conduct of the Government and of Parliaments during the years which led up to this catastrophe. They seek to indict those who were responsible for the guidance of our affairs. This also would be a foolish and pernicious process. Of this I am quite sure, that if we open a quarrel between the past and the present, we shall find that we have lost the future."

HONOR PAST GENERATIONS THAT HAVE HELPED TO FORM AND PRESERVE OUR FREEDOM

"The predecessors of many Americans of different backgrounds made great sacrifices to establish this nation," Oaks said.

Whatever those sacrifices, of freedom, property or even life, let us now honor them for what they have done for us and forgo quarrelling over the past. Ours is the duty to unite and improve the future we will share.

GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

Regardless of the cause of anxiety, first line of defense is always our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We trust in His promises of peace and in the cleansing that His atonement makes possible. Instead of being swept along in the anxiety and fear and rely on the assurances of a loving Heavenly Father. Rely on the counsel of His loving Son, a Savior who has assured us that 'if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear' (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30). The Lord promised that in the midst of prophesied destructions and tragedies, He will protect the righteous.

INCREASING OUR FAITH

In a period of anxiety from personal and world problems what strengthens my faith is to realize that the "Great Creator" is my loving Heavenly Father and I am His son. If I trust in Him and His Beloved Son Jesus Christ and seek His help and direction He will help me through the worldly destructive land mines of sin and realizing that the future of the earth and our plan of salvation is under His control.

THE SAVIOR'S PEACE

The Savior said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16: 33 in the Bible). The Savior said to His apostles, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14: 27 in the Bible). The peace the Savior refers to is the sense of well-being and serenity that comes from keeping His commandments and having the Spirit of the Holy Ghost with us regardless of the affairs and conditions of the world.

Dallas Jones is the local leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For further discussion call (231) 383-8359 or send an email to dallasjones8349@yahoo.com. Those interested in reading more articles from Dallas Jones visit djonesarticles.com.

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DALLAS JONES: What will bring peace in times of anxiety from serious problems - Manistee News Advocate