Stand Independent

I have been listening to Gerald Lund’s latest historical fiction novel that just came out, and this one covers part of the time of the Great Depression for the family that lives in Utah.  In one scene, the father/grandfather of the family gathers his children and grandchildren together for a family council to discuss how they can survive the very difficult financial times that they are in.  In the story he reads this passage from the Doctrine and Covenants with his family to set the stage for their discussion: “Behold, this is the preparation wherewith I prepare you, and the foundation, and the ensample which I give unto you, whereby you may accomplish the commandments which are given you; That through my providence, notwithstanding the tribulation which shall descend upon you, that the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world” (Doctrine and Covenants 78:13-14).  The general message as they interpreted it in the book for their family was that they needed to be stand independent despite the terrible challenges they were facing.  They realized that needed to focus on doing everything they could to prepare for the tribulations that might come to them and be able to “stand independent” as a family in the midst of very trying times.

               I believe that these words from the Doctrine and Covenants are just as applicable to us today.  Certainly there is a message there about temporal self-reliance and being prepared for the physical challenges that await us by seeking to be financially independent and having food storage to last through difficult times.  But I believe that it also speaks to a spiritual preparation that is needed, especially now.  The recent changes that we have seen all point to a need for being able to stand independent in our testimony and commitment to the gospel.  For example, the first two purposes listed by Elder Cook for the recent changes in the Sunday schedule, with a focus on studying the gospel in the home, is “deepening conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthening faith in Them” and “strengthening individuals and families through home-centered, Church-supported curriculum that contributes to joyful gospel living.”  In other words, we need to be more converted to Christ and strengthened in our personal gospel living. 

This is what Heber C. Kimball taught and which has been repeated so often, especially in recent years.  He said, “To meet the difficulties that are coming, it will be necessary for you to have a knowledge of the truth of this work for yourselves. The difficulties will be of such a character that the man or woman who does not possess this personal knowledge or witness will fall. If you have not got the testimony, live right and call upon the Lord and cease not till you obtain it. If you do not you will not stand.  Remember these sayings, for many of you will live to see them fulfilled. The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand?"  We cannot depend on others to give us spiritual assurances and knowledge and foundation in the days ahead.  We must be able to “stand independent” in our testimonies and knowledge of the Lord to face whatever difficulties may come.