I'll Stand With God's Prophet

Several weeks ago I posted a quote from Elder Neil L. Anderson on Facebook about the Lord’s definition of marriage. 

“This past month the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve published a letter to leaders of the Church across the world. In part it read: ‘Changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law that God has established. God expects us to uphold and keep His commandments regardless of divergent opinions or trends in society. His law of chastity is clear: sexual relations are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife . . . .’

“While many governments and well-meaning individuals have redefined marriage, the Lord has not. In the very beginning, God initiated marriage between a man and a woman—Adam and Eve. He designated the purposes of marriage to go far beyond the personal satisfaction and fulfillment of adults to, more importantly, advancing the ideal setting for children to be born, reared, and nurtured.” (Spiritual Whirlwinds). 

I commented on how every time I’ve read this, the Holy Ghost has confirmed to me of its truthfulness. 

Overall, the feedback I received was positive, except for one person who commented on how human rights aren’t trends.  A link was shared regarding a study done on children of same-sex parents.  The article states, “Children of same-sex couples fare better when it comes to physical health and social well-being than children in the general population . . .” 

I disregarded this study.  Here is why.

In the spring of 2012 I was assigned to do two research argumentative papers on one controversial issue.  One paper was to be for the issue, and the other against.  I decided to research how children fared when raised by heterosexual parents and how they fared when raised by homosexual parents. 

I found this researching topic extremely frustrating. 

Usually when researching a topic, most research tends to lean toward one conclusion, with a few researches leaning toward the other side. 

This was not the case. 

I found many articles and researches that claimed children raised by heterosexual couples fared far better than those raised by homosexual couples.  On other hand, I found just as many articles and researches that claimed the opposite: those children raised by homosexual couples didn’t fare worse, or even fared better than those raised by heterosexual couples.

While writing these papers I couldn’t disregard the research that claimed children raised by homosexual couples did just fine.  Nor could I disregard the research that said children develop better when raised by heterosexual parents. 

One could feel like Joseph Smith when he said, “In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?” (JS-H1:10)

Fortunately, I didn’t feel like this.  I knew where I stood, and no amount of research was going to persuade me. 

I believe there is a living prophet on this earth today, just like there were prophets in the Old Testament times.  A prophet’s purpose is to guide God’s children, teaching them His laws and commandments. 

God’s word was revealed to prophets such as Adam, Moses, Abraham, Daniel, and Isaiah.  They told the will and laws of God to the people.  God just didn’t love those who lived thousands of years ago.  He loves his children so much He has given us a prophet today.

Today!  As in 2014! 

There are also twelve apostles, just like Christ had when He walked the earth. 

IN 2014!!!

God has not left His children to rely on imperfect research, and imperfect human ideas and opinions.  He has a mouthpiece on this earth that speaks for Him. 

Thomas S. Monson has been called to be God’s prophet today.  He, his two counselors, and the twelve apostles are God’s prophets, seers, and revelators. 

In the midst of all the research I pored over for my paper, I relied on what the prophets have said about marriage and family to formulate my own opinion. “We . . . declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.. . . Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.” (The Family: AProclamation to the World). 

To me that clearly states marriage, as defined by God, is between a man and a wife.  It is a child’s right, in the eyes of God, that a father and mother raise them. 

Are these ideas old fashioned?  Yes.  If enforced everywhere would there be people saying their rights are being taken away?  Yes.  Do God’s laws change?  No.

These may be old-fashioned ideas, and I know people will think me a hater (of which I am not) because of my beliefs, but these old fashioned ideas are God’s law.  Just as God revealed his law to the Israelites through prophets, He has revealed them today through prophets.  And just as people rejected His law in Old and New Testament times, they reject them today. 

When studies of man are contradicting, when issues in government, or in the world, or even in the community or my family arise—I look to God’s prophets for guidance. 

What is God’s law on abortion?  Or what does He say about lying?  Or murder?  Or even our personal health?  God has revealed all of these things to His children through His prophets. 

I love the words of a primary song,

“Now we have a world where people are confused.

“If you don’t believe it, go and watch the new.

“We can get direction all along our way,

“If we heed the prophets—follow what they say.”

We do not have to walk in darkness.  Though at times I personally wonder why He gives a certain commandment, I know that He is all powerful, He sees the beginning from the end, He, through Christ, created this world.  I don’t want to base my opinions off of man’s research.  I want to base them off of God’s word, because I know it’s 100% true. 

I am so grateful the Lord has given His children a prophet to guide us in a world full of confusion.  I know President Monson is that prophet today.  God created all His children, and loves them all equally.  I am grateful for this love.  God has commanded us to love everyone regardless of what they believe, and how they choose to live.  I hope to live this commandment, and try to everyday. 

God lives.  He loves us. He has given us a prophet “Who guides us in these latter days.”

President Thomas S. Monson