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M E R I D I A N M A G A Z I N E Following the Motto One of the great things about the Boy Scouts of America is the universality of the sentiments expressed in the Scout law and oath. Who can argue with, trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent; or the importance of promising to do your duty to God and country, helping other people at all times, and living physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight? The sentiments expressed in these BSA guidelines could provide the basis for almost any general conference talk. In these latter-days, however, while the Scout law and oath resonate with the principals necessary for living life as the Lord intended, it is the Scout motto — be prepared –- to which we must pay attention. In many ways, by following the edicts of the Scout law and oath, we are preparing ourselves spiritually –- thus adhering to the motto. But the act of being prepared goes beyond spiritual and ethical aspects. Words of the Prophets In his address to the priesthood in October 2005, President Hinckley spoke extensively about the natural disasters occurring around the world and the wonderful response provided by Latter-day Saints in providing goods, financial donations, prayers and fasting, and in thousands and thousands of hours of actual hands on service — all of the volunteers missionaries by their very example. President Hinckley specifically stated these disasters are not punishment from the Lord. It further follows the personal tragedies such as sickness, injury, terminal illness, financial setbacks, or the loss of loved ones, are not castigations from the Lord directed specifically at individuals. Having stressed this belief, however, President Hinckley further counseled us by affirming the reality of the many calamities and catastrophes that have occurred throughout the history of our world. Pointing to the warnings of the prophets recorded in scripture of natural disasters past and yet to come, President Hinckley referred to Matthew 24, where the Lord says:
President Hinckley further cites 3 Nephi, which records with savage grace the almost inconceivable destruction of the Western Hemisphere at the time of the Savior’s death in Jerusalem; and D&C 88, which goes further to give us these ominous words of revelation:
And how prescient is this description when we compare it to the visual images of the recent tsunami and hurricanes? The full article can be found here: |
