A Prophet's Concern

This is my lesson planned for tomorrow; Samuel the Lamanite.  I taught a lesson today that had a similar bold prophet whom the Nephites rejected.  Nephi, the son of Helaman, had just called the wicked Nephites in Zarahemla to repentance.  They are heavily infiltrated with Gadianton Robbers throughout their society.  Their righteous are being persecuted, and their morals and government laws have been corrupted.  Nephi, without concern for his own position, or safety, boldly declares the truth.

Over the last week or two, I have been listening to a podcast that I subscribe to on iTunes.  It is called "Conversations: A Mormon Channel Original".  Conversations features interviews with people of interest to the LDS community—General Authorities, Auxiliary leaders, and faithful Latter-day Saints.  The interview I listened to this week was conducted by Sister Sheri Dew interviewing Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Sister Kristen Oaks.  Sister Dew commented that Elder Oaks seemed very bold, clear, and direct, yet kind in how he teaches principles of the gospel.  She asked Elder and Sister Oaks to comment on how Elder Oaks is able to speak with such clarity, boldness, and fearlessness.  

In paraphrasing Sister Oaks' response she said that as an Apostle of the Lord, he's called to speak the TRUTH, especially in these times of great darkness.  It is difficult for people to hear, and it will become more difficult to hear as time goes on.  He, and all the leaders of the Church, are worried for the welfare of souls.  He'll be a spokesman for the Lord because he carries it in his heart.  

Elder Oaks stated that he is most worried to do what is right, and not much worried about pleasing other people (audience, peers, or anyone else).  He's only worried about pleasing the Lord.  "I want to know what He wants me to do, and I don't have much concern about my own position or positioning myself for my own personal advantage."  When he has had opposition to some of the things he's taught, that has not bothered him.  "I'm just concerned about whether I've done what the Lord wants me to do, and done it as well as it can be done by me."

I played a short 5 minute exerpt from this interview for my class today so they could hear Elder Oaks' voice for themselves.  I believe they were impacted by his sincerity and candor.   As we go through the scriptures, we can list the many prophets who have been sent to teach the principles and doctrines of Jesus Christ to the world.  As some of them have called a specific group of people to repentance, many of them have been criticized, persecuted, and even killed because of their testimonies. As men who are called to speak truth, I am grateful for their documented testimonies in the scriptures and I admire their courage.  Our modern day prophets are no different.  They are just as courageous (if not more), and there is no doubt in my mind that they are sent to declare truth to us and the world for the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Since I'm teaching Samuel the Lamanite tomorrow, I had to show you this awesome idea.   Isn't this a great excuse to make Rice Krispy Treats?????  My "Samuel" is going to be a little Playmobil indian instead of this cool figurine, but it'll get the job done.