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The State
of the World: A Progress Report
by
H. Wallace Goddard
It is popular
among those who are politically conservative to observe that things
are not as they once were. The alarmists among them see a serious
decline in civilization: The world is bad and getting worse faster
than ever.
Among the politically
liberal, it is popular to observe that the world is changing; humans
are evolving and things are as good or better than ever--give or
take a few growing pains.
It is not easy
to reconcile the two views. In fact, it may not be possible, which
is just as well. It may be better to jettison both views. Maybe
we can set aside our unbalanced human perceptions and try to see
the state of the world from the heavenly perspective.
There is no
question that this is a time of great sin. Every form of awfulness
and ugliness is readily available in almost every corner of the
world. Popular entertainment is competing to be more outlandish
(Think "Fear Factor" or "Survivor.") and amoral (Consider "Sex and
the City.") It has never been easier to access smut, spread lies,
or get the grisly details on the most recent human atrocity. The
economy is sagging, corruption is rampant, terrorists elude us,
children are not safe. The news media feed us a steady diet of alarming
and discouraging news. Any sensible person would be apprehensive,
probably even distraught.
When our gag
reflex for awfulness is activated, we are enjoined by fellow earthlings
to be tolerant of each other. But we have a sneaking suspicion,
hard to crystalize and impossible to convey, that tolerance cannot
fully displace accountability and action. Not all choices bear sweet
fruit. Something must be done. Evil cannot be allowed full reign.
From the celestial
vantage point, is there any good news? Hmmm. It would seem
that there are more saints than there have ever been in any other
era of the world's history. It is easier to access the counsel of
the prophets than it has ever been. (Have you recently logged onto
the Church's website to enjoy a renewing segment/snack of the last
general conference?) There are more missionaries spreading the word
than ever before. The priesthood is compassing the globe as never
before. More temples are available to more people than any time
in the history of this world.
I am a poor
historian, so I will not attempt to put today's situation into historical
perspective. However I know a little about recent discoveries in
human development. I believe that God has delivered vast stores
of truth to guide His children in times of confusion.
While silly
theories and trivial programs are just as abundant as ever (and
are supported by more effective marketing departments than ever),
the findings of quality research on human development and human
relationships consistently affirm the counsel of Heaven.
According to
recent research, there are clear benefits in marriage for both men
and women. Research suggests that marital discord and dissolution
are costly. The key to marital happiness, according to revolutionary
research, is NOT disclosure, communication, and unloading; what
matters most in close relationships is kindness, editing, self-soothing,
patience, commitment. These revolutionary discoveries only confirm
what God has known and taught from the beginning of time.
The research
on effective parenting over the last few decades has dramatically
converged on the counsel of heaven. While researchers may recommend
inductive control or authoritative parenting, their description
of these forms of parenting is totally compatible (if somewhat inferior)
to the Lord's recommendation of persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness,
meekness, and love (See D&C 121:41.).
Even in the
field of resilience where the focus of study is children who face
daunting challenges yet manage to thrive, the message is that love
("someone who is crazy about that child") and service ("required
helpfulness") are the keys.
Discoveries
in moral development suggest that we should cultivate empathy and
perspective-taking. Martin Hoffman's amazing model of moral functioning
harmonizes perfectly with the Lord's recommendations for cultivating
good decision-making in children.
Teams of researchers
have recently discovered broad and surprising benefits to involving
youth in service. Anyone who has read the counsel of Spencer W.
Kimball is not surprised by this discovery.
The recent
discovery of and emphasis on emotional intelligence is a johnny-come-lately
in a world where God has been pointing us to the "still, small voice"
for millennia.
The recent
publication of the Handbook of Positive Psychology is a miracle
in its own right. A believer will smile knowingly in perusing the
new emphasis on wellness, forgiveness, humility, optimism, hope,
compassion, happiness, spirituality, and even joy. This is a revolution
for the traditionally-morose field of psychology.
The examples
of timeless truths being re-discovered and re-confirmed can be multiplied
endlessly. The fact that ancient truths about human development
and relationships are being affirmed by research should be comfort
to believers. In fact, in a world where the din of wickedness is
very loud, the message of truth is clearer than ever and confirmed
not only by latter-day revelation but also by respected research.
Anyone who
seeks to find healthy ways of living will get the same counsel from
good research that they have always gotten from God. I suspect that
God has accelerated the construction of truth in order to shelter
and protect the very elect who might otherwise be swept along by
waves of falsehood. While the tide of ugliness surges higher and
stronger, the walls of truth offer sure safety for those who take
refuge therein.
Is it harder
or easier to be a disciple today than in past eras? In some ways
the situation is no different from what it has always been. Satan
is promoting distraction and folly. His hired mockers heckle us
from their lofty perches.
Fortunately
our Perfect Father is eternally committed to agency. To use an athletic
metaphor, He insists on a level playing field. Returning to the
flood metaphor, He will not let us be swept away by the polluted
floods; neither does He hold us in His house against our will. There
is never a time when Satan can overpower Truth and Goodness just
as there will never be a time when God will force goodness. As a
result, we have agency.
Of course the
two choices are not equally blessed. The believer knows that one
option has glory and the other does not. But we always have choice.
He hath given
unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto
you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be
restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored
unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored
unto you. (Helaman 14:31)
Even in times
of terrible evil, God's grace is sufficient to inform, comfort,
protect, and ennoble us. We may benefit from God's counsel to Elijah
to look beyond earthquake, wind, and fire to the still, small voice.
We do not try to out-shout Satan; we turn from him and turn to the
Master of Peace. Those who are called to minister in these intense
times consult that inner voice for guidance and point all His children
to that inexpressible comfort to direct their lives.
Just as in
all ages, believers will find love, joy, and peace in following
God's plan.
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© 2007 Meridian
Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
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