As husband and wife we have had conversations concerning the state of life in the world today, specifically in America. In the last year or so we have watched a division in America grow increasing larger. To me it is unimaginable how a civilized people can allow a a supposed protest morphs into a violent, crime filled demonstration that results in property damage, looting, physical injuries and in some instances death. We agree that we fear for our children and our grandchildren. We are fearful of what the conditions will be in our world when our grandchildren reach our ages. In our life times we have seen a great decline in morality, a turn of proclaiming what was once wrong is now right and what was once right is now wrong. What will our grandchildren see in their lifetimes?
We also agree in regards to the state of the world, that the time of the Second Coming of the Savior is coming faster and faster. In 1982, Neal A. Maxwell, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at that time said this: "We are living in a time in which we shall see things both wonderful and awful. There is no way that we can be a part of the last days and have it otherwise." This statement was made over 34 years ago and yet it is just as pertinent today as it was then.
So what do we do when we find ourselves stressed and concerned about our future and the future of our families? Elder Maxwell addressed that as well:
We are instructed by our Lord and Exemplar, Jesus Christ, to “be of good cheer.” (D&C 61:36; D&C 78:18.)
Jesus has given that same instruction to others before, when the stressful circumstances in which they found themselves were anything but cheerful. For instance, he told the original Twelve to be of good cheer when, on the surface, there was nothing to be cheerful about. (John 16:33.) The indescribable agonies of Gethsemane were imminent. Judas’s betrayal lay immediately ahead. Likewise, Jesus’ arrest and arraignment. The Twelve would be scattered like sheep. Jesus’ unjust and mocking trial and His terrible scourging were but hours away. The shrill and disappointing cry of the mob—to release Barabbas instead of Jesus—would soon echo in the air. Then would come the final, awful moments on Calvary!
Therefore, how could Jesus expect the Twelve to be of good cheer? Because, the Savior said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33; italics added.)
We are justified in being of good cheer for ultimate reasons—reasons to be distinguished, however, from proximate circumstances. If, for instance, our attitude towards life depends upon the praise of men, the level of interest rates, the outcome of a particular election or athletic contest—we are too much at the mercy of men and circumstance. Nor should our gratitude for the gift of mortal life depend upon the manner in which we die, for surely none of us will rush eagerly forward to tell Jesus how we died!
Instead, Jesus calls upon us to have a deliberate trust in God’s unfolding purposes, not only for all humankind but for us individually. And we are to be of good cheer in the unfolding process.
And in these days, being of good cheer is part of being valiant in the testimony of Jesus. (See D&C 76:79; D&C 121:29.)
To be cheerful when others are in despair, to keep the faith when others falter, to be true even when we feel forsaken—all of these are deeply desired outcomes during the deliberate, divine tutorials which God gives to us—because He loves us. (See Mosiah 3:19.) These learning experiences must not be misread as divine indifference. Instead, such tutorials are a part of the divine unfolding.
In our striving to be prepared, therefore, let us be careful to rely on parents, priesthood, and principles—and on scriptures, and temples, and leaders who lead—to see us through.
To read or watch Elder Maxwell's talk from October 1982 follow this link: Neal A Maxwell General Conference - October 1982
Submitted by: James and Lee Tanner
