Which Way Do You Face?

In case you are not one of those who looked at all the Conference talks from last October, this talk seems to be one of the top 10 favorites. That must mean it strikes a chord  in many of us, so here goes an attempt to share a few of the thoughts from the afore mentioned talk. I never feel like I can do a conference talk justice in a short blog but hopefully you will watch the entire talk that I have attached at the bottom. See how wonderful technology can be?
Elder Packer asked Elder Robbins which way he faced, as a new Seventy. Caught off guard, Elder Robbins responded and was then given this council. " “A Seventy does not represent the people to the prophet but the prophet to the people. Never forget which way you face!” Now you might think this does not apply to you since none of us has a calling as a Seventy, but none the less, our actions show our Father which way we face, to Him or the world of men. It wouldn't hurt us to examine ourselves each day and ask this question of ourselves regularly. Do we worry about what others think? What is our reason for caring?
Peer pressure is something we hear about all the time regarding teens but I do believe peer pressure follows us throughout our lives. The test continues to be how we treat it. If we do things to please others, then our values change because of mankind. We can peacefully disagree with the ways of the world and hold our course. " We seek respectful coexistence with those who point fingers, but when this fear of men tempts us to condone sin, it becomes a “snare” according to the book of Proverbs (see Proverbs 29:25). The snare may be cleverly baited to appeal to our compassionate side to tolerate or even approve of something that has been condemned by God. For the weak of faith, it can be a major stumbling block. " Beware the "sophistication" of Satan's allure.
Even Joseph Smith succumbed to peer pressure when Martin Harris begged to be allowed to borrow a few of the plates from the Book of Mormon during translation. Joseph was the focal point of much finger pointing and mocking. What does it take to break down your guard? - - - - -
Do you fear man more than God? At that moment, perhaps Joseph felt that way. Trying to please everyone makes us duplicitous, serving God and man. It doesn't work. Joseph learned his lesson right then, straight from God.
Sister Hole told a story about someone who had lunch with a person with whom they worked. The older man asked if the younger man was a "Mormon." The reply was yes and then a short discussion ensued that revealed that the older man had "been one" a long time ago. This sharing brought about a new realization for the older man as he dealt with the younger man. The mantle of the gospel had shone brightly and the young man had been facing his God.
How do you behave when someone tells a bad joke or story or uses bad language around you?
I like to quote by C.S. Lewis in the talk that states, " “Courage is … the form of every virtue at the testing point."
 There are so many stories in the scriptures where great men and women have stood firm in their beliefs at what we might call dangerous odds.: Daniel, when he dared to disagree with the King, Queen Esther when she knew she might die if she spoke boldly to the king. There are also many examples in the Book of Mormon but I will share one that I think might encourage you.
       "Captain Moroni: “Behold, I am Moroni, your chief captain. I seek not for power, but to pull it down. I seek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God, and the freedom and welfare of my country” (Alma 60:36).
     Moroni had such great courage in remembering which way he faced that it was said of him, “If all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men” (Alma 48:17)." Don't you wish we had Captain Moroni at the head of our country? I would love to see him inspire and maybe help many who want to speak up for freedom have the courage and power to do so. (I am not talking politics but leadership).

Which brings us to the point of letting others talk us into lowering our standards or pressuring us into changing our thoughts to the point of lobbying the church to amend the Lord's rules. Try to be like the Savior who always spoke as one with the Father. If we can think of what our Father in Heaven would want us to do, we will have the strength we need to face toward Him, not caring for the ways of the world. Enjoy honest praise for good works, but don't be overcome by either guilt or flattery. Neither helps you move toward the Father. "May His (Jesus)  inspiring example strengthen us against the pitfalls of flattery from without or of conceit from within. May it give us courage to never cower or fawn at the feet of intimidation. May it inspire us to go about doing good as anonymously as possible and not “aspire to the honors of men” (D&C 121:35)

Your bloggess,

Janice