LETTER: Following the prophet
To the editor:
In light of recent opinions regarding the LDS Church’s teachings on homosexuality, I feel a need to express myself. Like many others, I am an LDS student in my mid-twenties. I also grew up singing the words, “Follow the prophet.” I’m also not perfect nor claim to have the answers. What I do know is what the Lord spoke through the Prophet Joseph Smith, in relation to following prophets: “For his word ye shall receive, as if from my own mouth, in all patience and faith.” He then gives the blessings for doing so.
Call that dogmatic or close-minded or whatnot — I know this is true, because I have asked God and strived to live it. So if the President of the Church asks members to support legislation that strengthens the family, the basic unit of society and key to God’s plan, doing so does requires patience and faith, especially when conflicting with personal views. If a modern apostle unites his voice with Church leaders in calling for charity towards identified homosexuals while decrying homoerotic acts, but leaving it at that — then following such counsel, even for one who is gay, requires a tremendous amount of patience and faith to obey.
If God does not reveal more, it’s a test of faith to follow what is spoken, a trial of patience to endure until He reveals more, in His own time and way — and a sign of devotion to God. He knows how unspeakable it is to have homosexual feelings while striving to remain chaste. But because He knows all things, he provided His Son Jesus Christ, who aligned His will to God’s, even when He felt incredible pain and isolation. Do I then believe my Church leaders are preaching hate from the pulpit? No, what I hear is an invitation to yes, come unto Christ, but also to repent — align our will as Christ did. Do I believe following such counsel is difficult and can incur prejudice and some uncertainty? Absolutely, but following His prophets is following God, both in faith to what is revealed and patience to what is yet to be, and brings untold blessings and surety.
Don’t take my word for it: experience their words and ask God if they come from Him. It may be simple for a complex world, but following in patience and faith is what I believe and know to be true.
Jeremy Pettersson