I have always been interested in the growth of the kingdom of God, not that the numbers are the most important thing, as it shows in some areas we have lots of numbers but little activity. The things that fascinate me about the growth and development of the kingdom are these: 1. God has promised that there will not be another universal apostasy of the truth. Individuals have their agency and are free to walk away from the gospel and the church. Overall, though, the kingdom will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent (Standard of Truth) 2. The way the Lord brings about his purposes to help the kingdom grow and to bring his children into the fold (see Moses 1:39). There are miraculous ways, often wrought by the hand of other friends, neighbors or church members to allow others to discover the truth. 3. God finds ways to make hard things and adversity against the kingdom bring the good to the work. I will try and show a bit of this in the points below. My first section will be a very brief and skinny illustration of how the truth has been persecuted, be it the LDS church or others. The second portion will show some examples of how hard or “bad” situations were turned for good.
Throughout history, truth has fallen under attack, be it the ancient Jews being persecuted by Egypt, or being embattled by surrounding enemies, others in Nehemiah who attempted to re-build the Temple, but found opposition. Some of this was the Jews refusal to heed the Prophets and they continued to follow along idolatrous ways, but there came with them much trouble simply because they were trying to live the truth. Lehi and Nephi encountered trials at the hands of their own family for trying to follow the commandments of God. This is evident throughout the Book of Mormon, the Old Testament, and when Christ walked the earth, as he was persecuted by those who claimed to be close to God. Some may have simply been evil and masquerading as good men, as was suggested by Jesus, and some may have honestly thought they were doing God’s work by railing against this new breed of Christianity. Others wanted no part of it and were determined to “rid the earth of the blight” The early apostles were killed within a matter of a few decades, and the Priesthood line eventually dwindled and was taken from the earth. This is similar to the effects of the Catholic Church persecuting and putting to death many of the great reformers who attempted to bring greater light and knowledge to the world. Luther, Tyndale, and others were killed for trying to live the truth and share it. Other movements also faced opposition, as Muslims were harassed and Christians smitten, peaceful Gandhi was maligned for his beliefs. And even within the boarders of our own free land, Joseph Smith and others who embraced the restoration were beaten, jailed, and derided for the truth. There were other reasons for this, the political climate was hot, but when all is said and done, these are simply screens for the top reasons for the persecution. Satan was stirring up the hearts of men against the truth, and he did it with efficacy. Joseph and Hyrum Smith lost their lives’ for the cause, being killed by a mob, some of whom were bitter apostates from the truth. Bishop Edward Partridge was tarred and feathered, eventually dying from the effects. There are other examples. The Saints eventually left the country and through much sacrifice arrived in The Salt Lake Valley. Through it all, Church membership exploded as many came to Zion. Today, the truth is “picked on” although in different ways. This is not exclusive to The LDS faith, as Christians are treat5ed badly in many areas of the world. Muslims encounter treatment like it as well. The main thrust of this is for different reasons I think. 1. Truth is hated by Satan and he does what he can to fight against it. 2. We as imperfect human beings seem to choose the path of anger and malice of love patience kindness and peace. All this being said, I have been privileged to see countless individuals in my life, both in the church and out who have shown great love and kindness toward me and their other fellow beings. I am grateful that, for the most part, people are still basically good. I know that truth will prevail and that it will grow in the hearts of those that plant and nourish the seeds there.
The second portion of my post will be quite a bit shorter. I have noticed things in my lifetime that have given me a deeper conviction that God is in control of His kingdom and purposes on the earth. A few examples in the world that have occurred in my memory, although they may seem small and insignificant, show me a great deal. In 1989, Portland OR received a Temple. There were many who decided it was a bad thing, and set to work to discourage others from seeing the open house as a positive thing in their lives’. The protestors were out in force, but a spirit of calm was evident to my young 10 year old mind throughout the affair It gave my parents the chance to teach my sister and I about the temple, and that others don’t always like what we believe as a church. From what I have since heard, people were impressed overall, and as often happens when a temple is built in an area, membership increases, despite opposition. Similar things have happened in Billings, MT, Seattle, WA, and Phoenix, AZ. Other examples I recall took place in the media. The earliest I remember was during the 1997 NBA finals when the Jazz were playing the Bulls. Dennis Rodman, bless his perplexing soul, mentioned he had a problem with UT and it’s laws. Coach Phil Jackson decided to chime in on the church being a “sect, cult, or whatever it is.” They were fined a hefty sum by the NBA. Well, fast forward through the next few months, and you will find a reported increase in baptisms in the greater Chicago area. It was suggested by the mission president and members there at the time, that due to the remarks of 2 of the most popular figures in Chicago at that time, people looked into the church and what it stood for. Another example is that of Mitt Romney. He is well known for many things, both positive and negative. The largest for the media in 2008 was his religion, though. There were many opportunities for him to share the gospel indirectly and to be an example. I feel he did the best he could under the microscope, and he is making another round in 2012 (or so it seems). The newspapers are still abuzz with h=e and his faith. The Winter Olympics in 2002 generated quite a stir as well, bringing many to Temple Square. I heard through many (though these are now 2nd or 3rd hand sources, so take a grain of salt with them) that there was an increase in referrals and baptisms from that as well. Last but not least, I wish to point to the recent success of BYU Basketball and “Jimmer” He is the best college basketball player I have actually sat down to watch. He is bringing a lot of notoriety to BYU and the church, and much of it is positive. On the other side, Brandon Davies, who was dismissed from the team due to an honor code infraction, brought attention as well. Thankfully, He was shown much love and support by many. The Media, especially the national individuals, showed respect for BYUs stance for keeping their rules in tact, even though it cost them their starting Center and possibly a deep NCAA Tournament run and much exposure and millions of dollars. God has, in my mind, taken the situation and helped to make it as positive as possible. I’m sure Brandon Davies, the team, and The Lord would have preferred the good publicity happen a different way, but good has come of it, and my personal love and respect for BYU, and Brandon Davies has increased because of how things have been handled.
There are other examples of good things coming from adversity and persecution, but I will leave things at this juncture. I am thankful for the gospel, and for the vision I am granted, if only glimpses, of the majesty and destiny of this work. I know truth will prevail, in all of its purest forms, to help us as God’s children to improve in life. I also know God is in control, and he will guide his work until it is done, despite all opposition the adversary can attempt to throw at it. I hope to do my part in overcoming my weaknesses in order to help build the kingdom.
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