Our leaders have always encouraged us to be civically responsible by independently exercising our right to vote.
As I scroll on my phone and get notifications from online newspapers, there is a distinct feeling of dread that weighs on my shoulders at the end of each day. Faceless accounts spit insults, journalists report on an endless slew of tragedies, and confusing sources cause fear for engagement. In a time that is full of hateful rhetoric and without a discernible source of truth, it is understandable why many faithful members may be nervous about getting involved with politics. Disagreeing about political issues is uncomfortable and can seem to oppose our responsibility as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be peacemakers.
Photo by Cathy Mü
In his 2016 devotional “Elections, Hope, and Freedom,” Elder Dallin H. Oaks addresses these very concerns. He provides members with an accessible list of instructions on how to earnestly seek knowledge and become civically engaged:
- Regardless of the uncomfortable nature of political division, we are responsible for being informed about current issues and candidates. We must use our earnest research to register and independently vote, both in local and national elections.
- While we form our researched opinions, we need to discuss differences with “a minimum of offense.”
- We are reminded to vote for candidates that will honor the US Constitution, especially the rights of religious freedom.
This guidance may be overwhelming, especially when the rest of the world does not partake in this peacemaking culture. This is why Elder Oaks’s pieces of counsel provide necessary comfort to those who want to answer this call:
- “We must trust in God and His promises and hold fast to the vital gospel teaching of hope.”
Trusting in the Lord is important as we navigate political discourse and search for truth. The Lord encourages us to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118). As we do so, we will be prepared with the knowledge we need to hold political discussions with friends, family, and community members, having the faith we need to approach those discussions with kindness. We will also be prepared to recognize and support leaders who honor the US Constitution.
If we consult the Lord as we become civically engaged, he will guide us to be the civically involved followers of Christ that we are called to be. We can all practice Elder Oaks’s advice by being active participants in state and national elections this November. Hopefully, as we stay informed and involved with peace in our hearts, we can become a much-needed presence in politics today.
Source: BYU Speeches
—Laura Vance, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY PUBLIC DAVID DIBER
Find more insights
Read about civic charity in Allie Arnell Hamilton’s Latter-day Saint Insights article “Peaceful Politics: What Past Leaders Teach Us about Civic Charity.”
Check out Kira Christensen’s Latter-day Saint Insights article “Creating Peace on Earth” to learn more about peacemaking.