"When we covenant in the waters of baptism to 'stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places' (Mosiah 18:9), we’re not talking solely about fast and testimony meetings. It may not always be easy, convenient, or politically correct to stand for truth and right, but it is always the right thing to do. Always. ...
"Standing for truth and right is not solely a Sunday thing. Every day our neighborhoods and communities are in desperate need of our support and our commitment to safety and law and order. Crime, in all its pervasive manifestations, is a serious worldwide evil and a moral problem about which Church leaders have great concern. The social, economic, and moral costs of crime are incalculable. It is no respecter of race, religion, nationality, age, culture, or socioeconomic status."
- M. Russell Ballard, "Standing for Truth and Right," General Conference October 1997
Click here to read or listen to the full talk
What does it mean to "stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places"? President Ballard challenges us, in this address shared with a Priesthood session of conference, to be more involved in our communities in defending the truth and being voices for righteousness.
Wickedness continues to grow in society; the modern analogs to Book of Mormon concerns about "secret combinations" are rampant. It becomes more and more critical for faithful disciples of Christ to be willing to be visible and vocal in our efforts to combat the adversary.
(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)
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