Becoming Like My Scripture Hero - Character Planning Sheet Template Page 27

ADVERTISEMENT

physical body—could be sacrificed for a high-fidelity fantasy that has no
The Rising Generation
lasting value. If you and I are not vigilant, we can become ―past feeling‖
(1
I would like to speak specifically to you as you really are. You really are the
Nephi
17:45), as did Laman and Lemuel long ago.
rising generation in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In
Let me provide another example of disconnecting gradually and
October of 1997, Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the
physically from things as they really are. Today a person can enter into a
Twelve Apostles visited Brigham Young University–Idaho to speak in a
virtual world, such as Second Life, and assume a new identity. An individual
devotional. During the day he was on the campus, we talked together about a
can create an avatar, or a cyberspace persona, that conforms to his or her
variety of gospel topics in general and about the youth of the Church in
own appearance and behavior. Or a person can concoct a counterfeit identity
particular. I remember Elder Maxwell making a statement that greatly
impressed me. He said, ―The youth of this generation have a greater capacity
that does not correlate in any way to things as they really are. However
for obedience than any previous generation.‖
closely the assumed new identity approximates the individual, such behavior
is the essence of things as they really are not. Earlier I defined the fidelity of
He then indicated that his statement was based upon a truth taught by
a simulation or model. I now emphasize the importance of personal fidelity—
President George Q. Cannon (1827–1901), First Counselor in the First
Presidency: ―God has reserved spirits for this dispensation who have the
the correspondence between an actual person and an assumed, cyberspace
identity. Please note the lack of personal fidelity in the following episode as
courage and determination to face the world, and all the powers of the evil
reported in the Wall Street Journal:
one, visible and invisible, to proclaim the gospel and maintain the truth and
Ric Hoogestraat is ―a burly [53-year-old] man with a long gray ponytail,
establish and build up the Zion of our God fearless of all consequences. He
thick sideburns and a salt-and-pepper handlebar mustache. … [Ric spends]
has sent these spirits in this generation to lay the foundation of Zion never
six hours a night and often 14 hours at a stretch on weekends as Dutch
more to be overthrown, and to raise up a seed that will be righteous, and that
Hoorenbeek, his six-foot-nine, muscular … cyber-self. The character looks
will honor God, and honor Him supremely, and be obedient to Him under all
like a younger, physically enhanced version of [Ric]. …
circumstances.‖7
―… [He] sits at his computer with the blinds drawn. … While his wife,
I testify that God lives and is our Heavenly Father. He is the author of
Sue, watches television in the living room, Mr. Hoogestraat chats online with
the plan of salvation. Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer, whose body was
what appears on the screen to be a tall, slim redhead.
bruised, broken, and torn for us as He offered the atoning sacrifice. He is
―He‘s never met the woman outside of the computer world of Second
resurrected, He lives, and He stands at the head of His Church in these latter
Life, a well-chronicled digital fantasyland. … He‘s never so much as spoken
days. To be ―encircled about eternally in the arms of his love‖
(2 Nephi
1:15)
to her on the telephone. But their relationship has taken on curiously real
will be a real and not a virtual experience.
dimensions. They own two dogs, pay a mortgage together and spend hours
I testify we can and will be blessed with the courage and determination
[in their cyberspace world] shopping at the mall and taking long motorcycle
to face the world and all the powers of the evil one. Righteousness will
rides. … Their bond is so strong that three months ago, Mr. Hoogestraat
prevail. No unhallowed hand can stop this work from progressing. I bear
asked Janet Spielman, the 38-year-old Canadian woman who controls the
witness and testify of these things as they really are and as they really will
redhead, to become his virtual wife.
be, in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
―The woman he‘s legally wed to is not amused. ‗It‘s really devastating,‘
says Sue Hoogestraat, … who has been married to Mr. Hoogestraat for
1- If my hero lived in today’s world, with all of the technology
seven
months.‖5
Brothers and sisters, please understand. I am not suggesting all
surrounding them, what dangers would they avoid in the
technology is inherently bad; it is not. Nor am I saying we should not use its
following areas?
many capabilities in appropriate ways to learn, to communicate, to lift and
brighten lives, and to build and strengthen the Church; of course we should.
But I am raising a warning voice that we should not squander and damage
Texting:
-
authentic relationships by obsessing over contrived ones. …
How important, how enduring, and how timely is the Lord‘s definition of
truth: ―things as they really are.‖ The prophet Alma asked, ―O then, is not this
real?‖
(Alma
Social Networking
32:35). He was speaking of light and good so discernible they
-
(facebook, etc):
can be tasted. Indeed, ―they who dwell in [the Father‘s] presence … see as
they are seen, and know as they are known, having received of his fulness
and of his grace‖
(D&C
76:94)….
Online Chatting:
-
Now I would like to address an additional characteristic of the
adversary‘s attacks. Satan often offers an alluring illusion of anonymity.
Lucifer always has sought to accomplish his work in secret (see
Moses
5:30).
Video Gaming:
Remember, however, that apostasy is not anonymous simply because it
-
occurs in a blog or through a fabricated identity in a chat room or virtual
world. Immoral thoughts, words, and deeds always are immoral, even in
cyberspace. Deceitful acts supposedly veiled in secrecy, such as illegally
The internet in general:
-
downloading music from the Internet or copying CDs or DVDs for distribution
to friends and families, are nonetheless deceitful. We are all accountable to
God, and ultimately we will be judged of Him according to our deeds and the
41:3). ―For as [a man] thinketh in his heart,
2- What Gospel doctrines would give them the strength and
desires of our hearts (see
Alma
so is he‖
(Proverbs
23:7).
wisdom to avoid those things above?
The Lord knows who we really are, what we really think, what we really
do, and who we really are becoming. He has warned us that ―the rebellious
shall be pierced with much sorrow; for their iniquities shall be spoken upon
the housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed‖
(D&C
1:3)….
For your happiness and protection, I invite you to study more diligently
the doctrine of the plan of salvation—and to prayerfully ponder the truths we
3- How could Satan use those things to effect my hero so they
have reviewed. I offer two questions for consideration in your personal
would be less able to fulfill their mission on earth?
pondering and prayerful studying:
1. Does the use of various technologies and media invite or impede the
constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in your life?
2. Does the time you spend using various technologies and media enlarge or
restrict your capacity to live, to love, and to serve in meaningful ways?
You will receive answers, inspiration, and instruction from the Holy
Ghost suited to your individual circumstances and needs. I repeat and affirm
the teaching of the Prophet Joseph: ―All beings who have bodies have power
over those who have not. The devil has no power over us only as we permit
him.‖…
27 |
P a g e

ADVERTISEMENT

00 votes

Related Articles

Related forms

Related Categories

Parent category: Miscellaneous