Constitution Day

[lundbaekcaptain of 1,000]

I have found 2 hich council members in our stakd who seem to understand the importance of the Constitution to members of the Church. Today I asked one of them that since 17 September is Constitution Day if he would suggest in a high council meeting with the stake presidency that the wards devote a few minutes on Sunday 18 September to remind members of the Constitution. He seemed very enthusiastic about it and said he would bring the idea up in a HC meeting. Others man consider doing similar as a way of promoting member awareness of our duty to honour the Constitution and to honour freedom.
287

[jeanpierrecaptain of 100]

I read a written statement by one of the counsellors to our stake president that if the Prophet is not talking about it we should leave it alone.

[lundbaekcaptain of 1,000]

Almost two years ago I sent the following email to our stake president. He declined to take action on the suggestion at that time. But about two months ago an incident including the same suggestion by another member of our stake led to talks in sacrament meetings about the US Constitution and its imipact on the establishment of the Church in America. The talks were given this past Sunday in each ward in our stake by a member of the stake high council and a companion speaker. I don't know how well the talks were received in general, but at least the word is out in our stake that the US Constitution is a part of our religion.

My message to our stake president 2 years ago was this:
"I came away from our stake priesthood meeting Sunday evening wishing that some time, even five minutes, could have been squeezed in or added on to advise or remind the priesthood brethren of our responsibilities mandated by God to commit ourselves to the principles of the U.S. Constitution "in the tradition of the Founding Fathers" and to the freedoms the Lord intended the Constitution to provide. I am not suggesting this because of the upcoming August and November elections. I suggest this in part because I attribute the "awful situation" America is now in, that the Lord warned us thru Nephi and Moroni we in our day would be in, to the negligence of Americans, including Latter-day Saints who of all people should know better, in revering and "befriending" the US Constitution and supporting candidates for elected government offices who are truly dedicated to the Constitution in the tradition of our Founding Fathers.

"I hope you agree with me that it is a part of the doctrine of the Latter-day Saints, as much a part as any other tenet of their religion, that the Lord Himself established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom He raised up unto that very purpose, and that our Constitution "should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles.". I believe that God has placed a mandate upon Latter-day Saints to do all they can to befriend and defend the constitutional laws of the land and see that the rights and privileges of all mankind are protected. And "Unless we members of the Church do all we can to preserve the freedoms we have, within the bounds of the laws of God, we will be held accountable." (Principles of the Gospel, Page 136, Published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1991)"

I am confident that many of you believe the US Constitution is not only a part of our faith, but that it is high time members of the Church recognize that fact and begin to become educated in its principles and in their responsibility to uphold and abide by it just as much as they try to abide by the 10 Commandments. My request to each of you is to try to find a way to inspire or motivate your stake presidency to remind the members of their stake of our/their responsibilities mandated by God to commit ourselves to the principles of the U.S. Constitution "in the tradition of the Founding Fathers" and to the freedoms the Lord intended the Constitution to provide. Sunday, 16 September, is the day before Constitution Day, and an ideal time to suggest as the time to broach this subject in sacrament meeting or PH/RS meetings. Please give this suggestion some consideration.

[freedomfightercaptain of 1,000]

Almost two years ago I sent the following email to our stake president. He declined to take action on the suggestion at that time. But about two months ago an incident including the same suggestion by another member of our stake led to talks in sacrament meetings about the US Constitution and its imipact on the establishment of the Church in America. The talks were given this past Sunday in each ward in our stake by a member of the stake high council and a companion speaker. I don't know how well the talks were received in general, but at least the word is out in our stake that the US Constitution is a part of our religion.

My message to our stake president 2 years ago was this:
"I came away from our stake priesthood meeting Sunday evening wishing that some time, even five minutes, could have been squeezed in or added on to advise or remind the priesthood brethren of our responsibilities mandated by God to commit ourselves to the principles of the U.S. Constitution "in the tradition of the Founding Fathers" and to the freedoms the Lord intended the Constitution to provide. I am not suggesting this because of the upcoming August and November elections. I suggest this in part because I attribute the "awful situation" America is now in, that the Lord warned us thru Nephi and Moroni we in our day would be in, to the negligence of Americans, including Latter-day Saints who of all people should know better, in revering and "befriending" the US Constitution and supporting candidates for elected government offices who are truly dedicated to the Constitution in the tradition of our Founding Fathers.

"I hope you agree with me that it is a part of the doctrine of the Latter-day Saints, as much a part as any other tenet of their religion, that the Lord Himself established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom He raised up unto that very purpose, and that our Constitution "should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles.". I believe that God has placed a mandate upon Latter-day Saints to do all they can to befriend and defend the constitutional laws of the land and see that the rights and privileges of all mankind are protected. And "Unless we members of the Church do all we can to preserve the freedoms we have, within the bounds of the laws of God, we will be held accountable." (Principles of the Gospel, Page 136, Published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1991)"

I am confident that many of you believe the US Constitution is not only a part of our faith, but that it is high time members of the Church recognize that fact and begin to become educated in its principles and in their responsibility to uphold and abide by it just as much as they try to abide by the 10 Commandments. My request to each of you is to try to find a way to inspire or motivate your stake presidency to remind the members of their stake of our/their responsibilities mandated by God to commit ourselves to the principles of the U.S. Constitution "in the tradition of the Founding Fathers" and to the freedoms the Lord intended the Constitution to provide. Sunday, 16 September, is the day before Constitution Day, and an ideal time to suggest as the time to broach this subject in sacrament meeting or PH/RS meetings. Please give this suggestion some consideration.

+10

[freedomfightercaptain of 1,000]

I read a written statement by one of the counsellors to our stake president that if the Prophet is not talking about it we should leave it alone.

Here is some good counsel:

The devil knows that if the elders of Israel should ever wake up, they could step forth and help preserve freedom and extend the gospel. Therefore the devil has concentrated, and to a large extent successfully, in neutralizing much of the priesthood. He has reduced them to sleeping giants. His arguments are clever….
[Says the devil]: “Don’t do anything in the fight for freedom until the Church sets up its own specific program to save the Constitution.” This brings us right back to the scripture…to those slothful servants who will not do anything until they are “compelled in all things” [D&C 58:26]. Maybe the Lord will never set up a specific church program for the purpose of saving the Constitution. Perhaps if he set one up at this time it might split the Church asunder, and perhaps he does not want that to happen yet for not all the wheat and tares are fully ripe….
[H]ave we elders been warned? Yes, we have. And have we elders been given the guidelines? Yes indeed, we have. And besides, if the Church should ever inaugurate a program [to save the Constitution], who do you think would be in the forefront to get it moving? It would not be those who were sitting on the sidelines prior to that time or those who were appeasing the enemy. It would be those choice spirits who, not waiting to be “commanded in all things,” used their own free will, the counsel of the prophets, and the Spirit of the Lord as guidelines and who entered the battle “in a good cause” and brought to pass much righteousness in freedom’s cause….
Brethren, if we had done our homework and were faithful, we could step forward at this time and help save this country. The fact that most of us are unprepared to do it is an indictment we will have to bear. The longer we wait, the heavier the chains, the deeper the blood, the more the persecution, and the less we can carry out our God-given mandate and worldwide mission. The war in heaven is raging on the earth today. Are you being neutralized in the battle? (April 1965, General Conference)

[lundbaekcaptain of 1,000]

My intent in reactivating this thread is to generate interest among more Church members in honouring their/our responsibility to study, uphold, and abide by the principles of the US Constitution in the tradition of the Founding Fathers. It has been suggested that I am out of line in promoting something (actually, a principle of the gospel) that the First Presidency is not openly promoting. It has been suggested to me that promotion of Constitution and freedom issues in a Church building could open the Church up to retribution from powerful elements in our government and elsewhere that are working to destroy our constitutional government and replace it with a centralized socialist government. And it has also been suggested that the work of promoting a return to the principles of the US Constitution in the tradition of the Founding Fathers in government by Latter-day Saints be restricted to activities and locations away from Church facilities. I am aware of and to varying extents involved with Church members in such activities outside of church, like the JBS, tea parties, political parties, etc. However, it seems to me that many Latter-day Saints are being denied awareness of their/our responsibility to study, uphold, and abide by the principles of the US Constitution in the tradition of the Founding Fathers. And that troubles me. It seems most haven't a clue that to honour the Constitution and to honour freedom is a principle of the gospel (and I'm wondering why no one is challenging that statement.). I was pleasantly but very much surprised when our stake president directed the sacrament meeting talks last Sunday to address the founding of America and the Constitution. I would love for this to happen in every stake in the Church, and yes, including in other countries, considering the Lord intended the principles of our Constitution to eventually take root in other countries. I note there have been to date well over 200 "views" of this thread since I posted my suggestion. I also sent this same suggestion to about 50 email addresses, and have received so far 3 "roger, willco" replies. I would have expected a show of more interest in this sort of thing on this forum. So it goes, I guess.

[lundbaekcaptain of 1,000]

I note my 20 July post to the Constitution Day thread has received well over 500 views by readers hopefully warm to that topic. I wonder how many will actually take the action suggested. I have sent this out as an email to about 50 others as well, and received only 3 roger willco thus far. I realize that many LDSs feel such a suggestion to a stake president or even a bishop is inappropriate, but I care enuf about this that I don't care if anyone becomes offended at my suggestion. Has anyone considered the suggestion ?

[freedomfightercaptain of 1,000]

I'm fortunate, because my Bishop already feels this way.

[uglypitbullcaptain of 1,000]

Here is some good counsel:

The devil knows that if the elders of Israel should ever wake up, they could step forth and help preserve freedom and extend the gospel. Therefore the devil has concentrated, and to a large extent successfully, in neutralizing much of the priesthood. He has reduced them to sleeping giants. His arguments are clever….
[Says the devil]: “Don’t do anything in the fight for freedom until the Church sets up its own specific program to save the Constitution.” This brings us right back to the scripture…to those slothful servants who will not do anything until they are “compelled in all things” [D&C 58:26]. Maybe the Lord will never set up a specific church program for the purpose of saving the Constitution. Perhaps if he set one up at this time it might split the Church asunder, and perhaps he does not want that to happen yet for not all the wheat and tares are fully ripe….
[H]ave we elders been warned? Yes, we have. And have we elders been given the guidelines? Yes indeed, we have. And besides, if the Church should ever inaugurate a program [to save the Constitution], who do you think would be in the forefront to get it moving? It would not be those who were sitting on the sidelines prior to that time or those who were appeasing the enemy. It would be those choice spirits who, not waiting to be “commanded in all things,” used their own free will, the counsel of the prophets, and the Spirit of the Lord as guidelines and who entered the battle “in a good cause” and brought to pass much righteousness in freedom’s cause….
Brethren, if we had done our homework and were faithful, we could step forward at this time and help save this country. The fact that most of us are unprepared to do it is an indictment we will have to bear. The longer we wait, the heavier the chains, the deeper the blood, the more the persecution, and the less we can carry out our God-given mandate and worldwide mission. The war in heaven is raging on the earth today. Are you being neutralized in the battle? (April 1965, General Conference)

That is exactly what my final lesson was on in Elders Quorum the Sunday prior to July 4th. Got some people talking too.

I note my 20 July post to the Constitution Day thread has received well over 500 views by readers hopefully warm to that topic. I wonder how many will actually take the action suggested. I have sent this out as an email to about 50 others as well, and received only 3 roger willco thus far.

The Shane Krauser fireside has been posted to my FB page, along with a new group set up for Gilbert, AZ families on FB. (Over 1000 members in that group)

[lundbaekcaptain of 1,000]

Some (4) feedback from my emailings:

1.)"Interestingly enough, the Hansens (remember them from your mission?) gave a talk in sacrament meeting this Sunday about befriending the constitution. Our bishop really gets it and there have been a few talks this year on that subject."

2.)"That said, I still forwarded your recommendation to my stake president, but not in the spirit of trying to tell him how to do his job. Rather, I said that after reading all the quotes you have sent me by Latter-day prophets about the U.S. Constitution, with our living abroad we've been hard pressed to know how we might be better supporters of that document other than to learn more about it. I agreed it is a subject we're not very up on so we welcome the opportunity to learn as much as we can. I can't imagine that he'll feel threatened by that. But it'll be interesting to see what he says in return."

3.)"To those that are given much, much is required. You have the responsibility to teach the gospel even the Constitution part of it. We both know that. None of us are responsible for how those that are taught receive the message. If the Holy Spirit can not get through to them why should we feel slighted if we can't. The only one we have to please is God. In essence let the chips fall where they may."

4.)"I wholeheartedly agree, thanks. I will pass it along and also present it to my Stake President."
(and he did)
"I wholeheartedly agree with.....the attached e-mail and told him I would pass this along to my Stake President. September 17th is Constitution Day and would be a good time for a reminder to church members of our sacred responsibility to uphold and defend that divine document, which was established by the hand of God to facilitate the restoration of His gospel.
There is no need for this to be in any way partisan. Furthermore, the General Authorities have been telling us that as a people we need to be involved in the political process otherwise we will by default defer the protection of our religious freedoms to the ungodly and become subject to their definitions of what is legal and/or morality."
Most respectfully,
James

[freedomfightercaptain of 1,000]

Here is some good counsel:

The devil knows that if the elders of Israel should ever wake up, they could step forth and help preserve freedom and extend the gospel. Therefore the devil has concentrated, and to a large extent successfully, in neutralizing much of the priesthood. He has reduced them to sleeping giants. His arguments are clever….
[Says the devil]: “Don’t do anything in the fight for freedom until the Church sets up its own specific program to save the Constitution.” This brings us right back to the scripture…to those slothful servants who will not do anything until they are “compelled in all things” [D&C 58:26]. Maybe the Lord will never set up a specific church program for the purpose of saving the Constitution. Perhaps if he set one up at this time it might split the Church asunder, and perhaps he does not want that to happen yet for not all the wheat and tares are fully ripe….
[H]ave we elders been warned? Yes, we have. And have we elders been given the guidelines? Yes indeed, we have. And besides, if the Church should ever inaugurate a program [to save the Constitution], who do you think would be in the forefront to get it moving? It would not be those who were sitting on the sidelines prior to that time or those who were appeasing the enemy. It would be those choice spirits who, not waiting to be “commanded in all things,” used their own free will, the counsel of the prophets, and the Spirit of the Lord as guidelines and who entered the battle “in a good cause” and brought to pass much righteousness in freedom’s cause….
Brethren, if we had done our homework and were faithful, we could step forward at this time and help save this country. The fact that most of us are unprepared to do it is an indictment we will have to bear. The longer we wait, the heavier the chains, the deeper the blood, the more the persecution, and the less we can carry out our God-given mandate and worldwide mission. The war in heaven is raging on the earth today. Are you being neutralized in the battle? (April 1965, General Conference)

That is exactly what my final lesson was on in Elders Quorum the Sunday prior to July 4th. Got some people talking too.

I note my 20 July post to the Constitution Day thread has received well over 500 views by readers hopefully warm to that topic. I wonder how many will actually take the action suggested. I have sent this out as an email to about 50 others as well, and received only 3 roger willco thus far.

The Shane Krauser fireside has been posted to my FB page, along with a new group set up for Gilbert, AZ families on FB. (Over 1000 members in that group)

Did the lesson go well?

[jeanpierrecaptain of 100]

Considering that this is an LDS Freedom Forum, I don't see much interest in making members aware of the constitution. And I don't see much dedication to the constitution by many forum members.

[freedomfightercaptain of 1,000]

Considering that this is an LDS Freedom Forum, I don't see much interest in making members aware of the constitution. And I don't see much dedication to the constitution by many forum members.

Just keep feeding information and maybe someone will get curious. I even posted some Constitution quizzes and only two members responded. I took some of the quizzes myself. Didn't do well on most of them, but the neat thing is one can redo the quizzes over and over til more answers are retained.

[HeirofNumenorthe Heir Of Numenor]

Considering that this is an LDS Freedom Forum, I don't see much interest in making members aware of the constitution. And I don't see much dedication to the constitution by many forum members.

nah most either argue incessantly about Ron Paul vs Mitt Romney, or get caught up in (seemingly) criticizing or defending The LDS Church, leaders, history, & doctrine...

[singyourwayhomecaptain of 1,000]

Or maybe some are so busy trying to learn all they need to help save their families and country, that they don't have much time to spend on this forum!

Take some time and read/study what the Church is saying on its "Newsroom" page about all this, there were some things I was surprised at. For instance, we are not nearly as restricted in what we do and say in our church buildings and meetings as we've thought. It seems that we could maybe have a little more sway with our stake presidents if we are thoroughly familiar with this stuff. In fact, maybe a good suggestion is to refer HIM to this page, and recommend using these resources/talks for focus in the wards and stake.

The official "Political Neutrality" statement: http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/official-statement/political-neutrality

On the Religious Freedom page, http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/official-statement/religious-freedom some of the best things are in the "Additional Resources" column on the right side of the page. Here they are (the above link will take you there)
Selected Beliefs and Statements on Religious Freedom of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Video: Elder Quentin L. Cook Talks about Religious Liberty
Blog Article: Protecting Religious FreedomCommentary: Religious Values in the Public Square
An Introduction to Religious Freedom: Part 1 in a Series on Religious Freedom
What Religious Freedom Means: Part 2 in a Series on Religious Freedom
Why We Need Religious Freedom: Part 3 in a Series on Religious Freedom
Why Religious Freedom Matters to Mormons: Part 4 in a Series on Religious Freedom
Religion’s Vital Place in Society: Part 5 in a Series on Religious Freedom
What Religious Freedom Requires of Us: Part 6 in a Series on Religious Freedom

[uglypitbullcaptain of 1,000]

Did the lesson go well?

It did! Several people mentioned they hadn't heard the talk before (which wasn't surprising considering I hadn't either until 2yrs ago) and asked a few questions afterward. There was a member of the stake presidency present, and he kept nodding his head in agreement throughout the lesson. I wasn't sure how it would be received as most of the lesson topics I gave were of my own choosing (I got the off weeks with no topics and the EQ Pres. gave me the green light to do whatever I was inspired to), but it was interesting to see ALL faces up and not on smartphones for a change.

[freedomfightercaptain of 1,000]

Did the lesson go well?

It did! Several people mentioned they hadn't heard the talk before (which wasn't surprising considering I hadn't either until 2yrs ago) and asked a few questions afterward. There was a member of the stake presidency present, and he kept nodding his head in agreement throughout the lesson. I wasn't sure how it would be received as most of the lesson topics I gave were of my own choosing (I got the off weeks with no topics and the EQ Pres. gave me the green light to do whatever I was inspired to), but it was interesting to see ALL faces up and not on smartphones for a change.

That's great. Like I've mentioned before, finding people to awaken to our awful situation and reading up on it is likened to missionaries finding new converts...they're somewhere, we just have to find them, and the only way to do this is to open our mouth.

The church wants to continue in sending out missionaries.
The way to do this is to keep our liberty and freedom.
The way to keep these is to retain the Constitution.
The way to do this is to awaken the saints to their responsibility to know the Constitution and abide by it.
The way to do this is to open one's mouth.

Thus, we open mouth...save Constitution...keep liberty and freedom...keep church moving forward in finding converts...everybody's happy!

[freedomfightercaptain of 1,000]

Considering that this is an LDS Freedom Forum, I don't see much interest in making members aware of the constitution. And I don't see much dedication to the constitution by many forum members.

nah most either argue incessantly about Ron Paul vs Mitt Romney, or get caught up in (seemingly) criticizing or defending The LDS Church, leaders, history, & doctrine...

Have you ever heard that there are a lot of Mormons but few Latter-day Saints? And just what is a Saint?

Are You a Latter-day Saint? By Elder Quentin L. Cook Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

From an October 2003 general conference address.

Quentin L. Cook

Are You a Latter-day Saint?

A number of years ago I was in Atlanta, Georgia, as an attorney representing a man who was buying a business. After several days of negotiations we reached an agreement and signed the closing documents. That evening one of the sellers invited us to a dinner to celebrate the closing. When I arrived, he offered me an alcoholic drink, which I declined. He then said, “Are you a Saint?” I didn’t fully understand what he meant, and he repeated, “Are you a Latter-day Saint?” I responded, “Yes, I am,” and he said he had been observing my personal habits during our negotiations and had concluded that I was either LDS or had a stomach problem. We both chuckled. He then informed me that he had only known one member of the Church on a personal basis, David B. Haight (later a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles). They were both executives in Chicago with a large retail chain following World War II. He told me of the significant influence Elder Haight had been in his life and that he held him in the highest regard.

As I flew back home to San Francisco, I thought about what had occurred, especially in two respects: I was surprised at how it felt to be asked if I was a Saint, and I was impressed with the positive influence one outstanding example—Elder Haight—had on this good man.

What Is a Saint?

What does it mean to be a Saint? In the Lord’s Church, the members are Latter-day Saints, and they attempt to emulate the Savior, follow His teachings, and receive saving ordinances in order to live in the celestial kingdom with God the Father and our Savior Jesus Christ (see 2 Nephi 9:18). The Savior said, “This is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do” (3 Nephi 27:21).

It is not easy to be a Latter-day Saint. It was not meant to be easy. The ultimate goal of living in the presence of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, is a privilege almost beyond comprehension.

Among the greatest trials the Church has ever faced were the Martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and then ultimately the expulsion of the Saints from Nauvoo. When they were making their way across the plains under very adverse circumstances, William Clayton penned the great hymn “Come, Come, Ye Saints.” It was a hymn that stirred their souls and helped them remember their sacred mission. Who among us does not become emotional as we feel their sacrifice, courage, and commitment when we sing: “And should we die before our journey’s through, / Happy day! All is well!” (Hymns, no. 30).

This hymn gave them comfort, solace, and hope in a time of great difficulty with almost insurmountable obstacles. It buoyed them up and highlighted the fact that this mortal life is a journey between premortal life and eternal life to come—the great plan of happiness. Brother Clayton’s inspiring hymn emphasizes sacrifices and what it really means to be a Saint. Our pioneer members met the challenges of their day to be Saints.

The word saint in Greek denotes “set apart, separate, [and] holy” (in Daniel H. Ludlow, ed., Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 5 vols. [1992], 3:1249). If we are to be Saints in our day, we need to separate ourselves from evil conduct and destructive pursuits that are prevalent in the world.

Being a Saint Today

We are bombarded with visual images of violence and immorality. Inappropriate music and pornography are increasingly tolerated. The use of drugs and alcohol is rampant. There is less emphasis on honesty and character. Individual rights are demanded, but duties, responsibilities, and obligations are neglected. There has been a coarsening of dialogue and increased exposure to that which is base and vulgar. The adversary has been relentless in his efforts to undermine the plan of happiness. If we separate ourselves from this worldly conduct, we will have the Spirit in our lives and experience the joy of being worthy Latter-day Saints.

As Saints, we also need to avoid the worship of worldly gods. President Hinckley expressed the desire that “everyone might have some of the good things of life” but has cautioned, “It is the obsession with riches that cankers and destroys” (“Thou Shalt Not Covet,” Ensign, Mar. 1990, 4–5).

In the recent past President Kimball counseled that even homes, boats, credentials, titles, and other similar pursuits can be worshiped as idols when they entice us away from love and service to God (see The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 40–41).

The prophet Moroni, speaking of our day, warned about the love of money and substance and suggested that we would love them more than we “love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted” (Mormon 8:37).

If we are to be worthy Saints, we should minister to others and follow the Savior’s admonition to love God and our fellowmen.

Separation from the evils of the world needs to be accompanied by holiness. A Saint loves the Savior and follows Him in holiness and devotion. Evidence of this kind of holiness and devotion is exemplified by consecration and sacrifice. Sacrifice is the crowning test of the gospel. It means consecrating time, talents, energy, and earthly possessions to further the work of God. In Doctrine and Covenants 97, verse 8, it concludes, “All … who … are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me.”

Saints who respond to the Savior’s message will not be led astray by distracting and destructive pursuits and will be prepared to make appropriate sacrifices. The importance of sacrifice to those who want to be Saints is exemplified by the atoning sacrifice of the Savior, which is at the center of the gospel (see Alma 34:8–16).

Three Questions

Coming back to the original question that my acquaintance in Atlanta asked, “Are you a Saint?” may I suggest we ask ourselves these three questions.

First, is the way we live consistent with what we believe, and would our friends recognize, as Elder Haight’s friend did, that we have separated ourselves from worldly evils?

Second, are worldly pleasures, profits, and similar pursuits distracting us from following, worshiping, and serving the Savior in our daily lives?

Third, in order to serve God and be holy, are we making sacrifices consistent with our covenants?

What a wonderful blessing it is to be a Latter-day Saint. I love the words in the last lines of the hymn “O Saints of Zion”:
O Saints of Zion, tread the paths
Your faithful fathers trod.
Lift up your hearts in gratitude
And serve the living God! (Hymns, no. 39).

I testify that avoiding evil and destructive pursuits and sacrificing in order to serve will qualify us to experience the joy of being committed Latter-day Saints and, as the scriptures promise, bring “peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come” (D&C 59:23).

What does it mean to be a Saint? In the Lord’s Church, the members are Latter-day Saints, and they attempt to emulate the Savior, follow His teachings, and receive saving ordinances in order to live in the celestial kingdom with God the Father and our Savior Jesus Christ.

We should minister to others and follow the Savior’s admonition to love God and our fellowmen.

The Savior said, “This is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do” (3 Nephi 27:21).

From: http://www.lds.org/new-era/2009/12/are- ... -day-saint

[lundbaekcaptain of 1,000]

I noticee there have been over 6000 views of this thread. I hope some of the viewers will try to initiate some recognition of our duty to honour the Constitution and to honour freedom in their wards and stakes.

[freedomfightercaptain of 1,000]

For those behind the scenes reading these posts, here is a link for learning more about the constitution.

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=21566

[singyourwayhomecaptain of 1,000]

I noticee there have been over 6000 views of this thread. I hope some of the viewers will try to initiate some recognition of our duty to honour the Constitution and to honour freedom in their wards and stakes.

How about this?
I've made a blog post of a list of resources and ideas together to hopefully help individuals and families learn more about the Constitution. Lots of the links came from you here on the forum.

The post is at http://theprovidenthomemaker.com/1/post ... n-day.html

[lundbaekcaptain of 1,000]

Very nice, Sister Singyourwayhome, and thank you.

I sent an excerpt from what you wrote to Mitt Romney at http://www.mittromney.com/forms/suggestions.

[singyourwayhomecaptain of 1,000]

Cool.

I'm not quite sure what to expect from him, constitution-wise. He seems to be a good man, actively trying to serve God and his 'neighbor'- but I haven't seen a lot of indicators of his constitutional knowledge.

[linj2flycaptain of 1,000]

Tomorrow, constitution day and FHE night fall in line....

props to singyourwayhome for posting this on her blog:

http://www.latterdayconservative.com/articles/family-home-evening-lessons-for-the-bicentennial-of-the-constitution/

[linj2flycaptain of 1,000]

I noticee there have been over 6000 views of this thread. I hope some of the viewers will try to initiate some recognition of our duty to honour the Constitution and to honour freedom in their wards and stakes.

How about this?
I've made a blog post of a list of resources and ideas together to hopefully help individuals and families learn more about the Constitution. Lots of the links came from you here on the forum.

The post is at http://theprovidenthomemaker.com/1/post ... n-day.html

Great compilation! I'm going to share this with my family. My kids love schoolhouse rocks (esp 'no more kings' and 'shot heard round the world') I hadn't seen the 'preamble' version yet. Thanks!