Freedom is One of the Greatest Gifts Given by God

In The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, a great military leader, Captain Moroni (depicted here to the left), had become frustrated with the people (see Alma 46). There was an uprising in the land. Many people were supporting politicians, if you will, that were in favor of limiting the freedoms of the general public. These politicians came from different backgrounds, ranging from what seemed to be unelected new-comers to elected judges with lesser power than other judges in the land.

The politicians gained the favor of the people by saying what the people wanted to hear. This flattery had garnered the politicians much favor in many parts of the land and a growing number of supporters, even though when the general public scrutinized the politicians closely, they would know that the politicians were only interested in limiting the people's freedom.

The purpose, of course, of limiting freedom is the acquisition of power. The more people rely on their leaders or their government, the more power the general public willingly cedes to their rulers. Generally, arguments are made about how much the politician cares for us and our well-being, when in reality, the politician desires us to need them, thus giving him power.

In this political climate, Captain Moroni, it seemed, became incensed, in my opinion, because of the large number of people willing to follow that which sounded good, without critically thinking about the consequences of the flattering words. So Moroni tore his coat and wrote on it: "In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children" (Alma 46:12).

Then Captain Moroni took this flag, fastened it onto a pole, put on his full battle armor, and prayed for everyone around him. After that Captain Moroni stood and he stood for something. Captain Moroni stood for one of the greatest gifts God has given us, the freedom to choose. He went about in the land proclaiming freedom, which in some parts of the land was probably not popular, though those who were against freedom certainly had created new names for their causes (because who is really going to proclaim to be anti-freedom), they still likely despised Captain Moroni's heroic efforts.

I love the freedom that living in the United States of America gives me. I know that God appointed this land to be a free nation from its birth so that his church could be restored. I also know that there are those who take advantage of this freedom and use flattering words to attempt to gain power on both sides of the aisle, with the intent to whittle away at our freedom little by little. However, I know that righteousness will prevail, that in the last days God will preserve his people.

In the up coming elections, I will ask God in my prayers who will do the best at upholding our freedom. This is who I will vote for. I will not vote strategically or vote against someone. I will stand for something and vote for someone. I hope you are willing to do the same.