D&C 98

As the Lord teaches His will concerning war and confrontations, He also touches on a few principles and truths that I would like to approach this morning.  First, even as the saints in Zion were struggling with persecution and tribulation, the Lord instructs the saints -

"...I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 98:1)

Even when we are in the most difficult of circumstances, there is still many good and plentiful blessings that surround us.  Even the opportunity to gow with such challenge.  Thus the Lord instructs "in everything give thanks".  Life seems to be much better as we look upon all things in gratitude.

And even as we struggle with personal trials, the Lord instructs -

"Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 98:2)

Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught that faith in Jesus Christ includes faith in His timing.  Part of our persoanl growth must include patience. 

As we read that in doing so, that the Lord promises our prayers will be granted.  Reliance upon these words may be misleading if we do not include the following verse -

"Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 98:3)

The promise then and covenant is that our prayers will be granted in a manner that it will be for our good which would suggest our eternal good from the prospective of the Lord.

Another truth the Lord shares is -

"...verily I say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them.
5 And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.
6 Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 98:4 - 6)

Upon understanding the divine nature of the constitution of the United States, the Lord teaches -

"I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free.
9 Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.
10 Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 98:8 - 10)

This is sound counsel as we consider our privilege to vote.  But what I find most important is the Lord stresses that our focus and excuses should not be on what others are doing, but what we are personally doing.  It doesn't matter if others are not keeping the commandments of the Lord,  for the Lord continues -

"I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God.
12 For he will give unto the faithful line upon line, precept upon precept; and I will try you and prove you herewith.
13 And whoso layeth down his life in my cause, for my name's sake, shall find it again, even life eternal.
14 Therefore, be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy.
15 For if ye will not abide in my covenant ye are not worthy of me."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 98:11 - 15)

The fact is the blessings of  exaltation has nothing to do with others, only you, for again, the purpose of the plan of salvation is about the individual where  -

"...I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 98:14)

That is the issue, not whether others choose to abide His covenant.  So when others mock and persecute, and do not keep the commandments, it should not matter to us.  It real issue is how we respond to keeping His commandments.