Brethren, have we essentially been neutered and nullified in our Priesthood?

As I re-read Elder Ezra Taft Benson’s 1965 April General Conference address, “Not Commanded in All Things” I must admit I see much nullification in our Priesthood power (sounds reminiscent of the last several, recent Conferences…).  Does the Lord not warn that Priesthood power may be “handled only upon principles of righteousness“?  Brethren, we must awake and go forward in this great and noble cause!

In 1831 the Lord said this to his Church:

“For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

“Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

“For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.

“But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.” (D&C 58:26–29.)

. . . The devil knows that if the elders of Israel should ever wake up, they could step forth and help preserve freedom and extend the gospel. Therefore the devil has concentrated, and to a large extent successfully, in neutralizing much of the priesthood. He has reduced them to sleeping giants. His arguments are clever.

. . . But many of the prophecies referring to America’s preservation are conditional. That is, if we do our duty we can be preserved, and if not then we shall be destroyed. This means that a good deal of the responsibility lies with the priesthood of this Church as to what happens to America and as to how much tragedy can be avoided if we do act now.

. . . The Prophet Joseph Smith declared it will be the elders of Israel who will step forward to help save the Constitution, not the Church. And have we elders been warned? Yes, we have.

. . . Brethren, if we had done our homework and were faithful, we could step forward at this time and help save this country. The fact that most of us are unprepared to do it is an indictment we will have to bear. The longer we wait, the heavier the chains, the deeper the blood, the more the persecution and the less we can carry out our God-given mandate and world-wide mission. The war in heaven is raging on earth today. Are you being neutralized in the battle?

“Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

“For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. . . .” (D&C 58:27–28.)

Yesterday was April 15th – the notorious income tax day throughout the United States.  The day when the unconstitutional – aka illegal – income tax is rammed down our collective throats federally and, for most Americans, at the state level, too (though States’ Constitutions differ and such an income tax may be legal, dependent on your State of residence).

In conjunction with several other so-called “Tea Party” rallies (reminiscent of the Boston Tea Party of early American history fame, naturally) across the country, I gathered with other citizens in a demonstration of discontentment with the current Presidential administration – and, to be fair, I’m equally (perhaps more so – Obama has time to “change” for the better still!) discontent with the prior several administrations – and the botched economy, and other critical issues.

Though, candidly, I could not hear what the speakers said for the most part, as I stood behind them under the federal building overhand – it was snowing, afterall – I enjoyed myself nonetheless.  Despite having been labeled by the Department of Homeland Security as a “rightwing extremist” (despite the peaceful, Constitutionally-protected gathering) only days prior, I appreciated the sanctity of the moment, that I live in a nation wherein such practices are permitted – at least until the Gestapo “changes” that.

I tagged around with my cousin who has taken to state-level politics like a fish to water.  She was kind enough to introduce me to several of her associates, including several State legislators, Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, and others.  She has a desire – nay, passion – to make genuine improvements for the State and communities, not merely to politick.  Though we don’t live remotely in the same legislative districts, I hope that if – or, rather, when – she chooses to run for office, that she receives the support she deserves and wins!

My own political involvement has been on low simmer since my 2006 Congressional campaign (WA, 7th district).  Though I remain informed with current affairs, I’ve distanced myself from the so-called pavement, having been focused instead on several other efforts (finished my Masters, working on a Ph.D, in my local congregational Bishopric, on the South Salt Lake City Planning Commission, et cetera).  At the rally, though, I felt the simmer wanting to boil, though – it was fun, and I wasn’t truly involved!  My passion is centered on federal issues still, but I remain interested in local and State politics.