The other day in HP group meeting, we were reading about Alma speaking to the people of Gideon. (Alma 7) After how poorly some of his other visits had gone, he was quite pleased by the people of Gideon. We got to verse 19 and a line jumped out at me which I had never really noticed before. I asked the brother next to me (In my best whisper) what he thought it meant. He shrugged his shoulders and said that he always wondered about that verse. I was a bit disappointed because this brother is one of the smartest guys I know.
Before I dissect it, here is the passage, I highlighted the phrase that I find interesting.
Alma 7:19-20
For I perceive that ye are in the paths of righteousness; I perceive that ye are in the path which leads to the kingdom of God; yea, I perceive that ye are making his paths straight.
I perceive that it has been made known unto you, by the testimony of his word, that he cannot walk in crooked paths; neither doth he vary from that which he hath said; neither hath he a shadow of turning from the right to the left, or from that which is right to that which is wrong; therefore, his course is one eternal round.
Now, I consider myself a capable guy, but I would not presume to go around making paths for God. Especially after Alma points out that God cannot walk in crooked paths. Not sure that I am up for that task. An Eagle Project, maybe? Besides, I always figured that God makes His own paths, and it is up to me to follow them. So why is Alma commending the church members in Gideon for making God’s paths straight?
So I tucked this question back into a corner of my brain and went on with life.
A few days ago I found the answer on blogs. No just one, but hundreds. The idea of making God’s path straight makes a lot more sense if you look at how many people out there are trying their hardest to make God’s paths crooked. Did I lose you?
Most LDS blogs have an agenda. Many are wonderfully supportive of the Church, its leaders, and its teachings. Many of them appear to be pro-LDS – supportive of the church, the doctrine and the leaders. But you don’t have to dig very deep to see that many of the articles and comments are pushing an agenda that attempts to redefine God’s path.
I have seen posts about core gospel principles that morphed into accusations about how “out-of-touch” the brethren are. I have seen comments on the purest doctrines become angry rants about homosexuality, feminism, environmentalism. immigration, etc. Often I see the writers of these posts and comments encouraging people to veer a little off the path that God has defined. Some call for open rebellion.
Perhaps we all have a role in trying to keep God’s paths straight – In our callings in the church, in our posts and comments, and in the way we live our very lives. Every minute of every day we are testifying if we believe God’s paths are straight, and if we are willing to follow them. As church members and leaders we have a responsibility to illuminate that path for others, and put up guard rails. markers, reflectors, and warning signs to reinforce HIs paths. (Keepers of the Path?)
Meanwhile the world will go on trying to redefine what God’s paths should look like. And the world will be wrong.
Our task to to keep His paths straight.
Yesterday afternoon I spent a good portion of my time going through your archives from the beginning and reading all your posts (as you could maybe tell by the occasional comment I’ve left). Last night before bed I was thinking about all the Mormon blogs that are out there and how I hated every single one of them. In my head I was explaining to some unknown person how your blog was different, based on true doctrine, and not seeking to tear down the leaders of the Church or redefine any of the doctrines and principles we believe in. It frustrates me SO MUCH that so many members of the Church want to teach others what we believe, yet they, themselves, don’t have the first clue. Or if they do, they have their own agenda like you said.
I’m interested in the word choice of “making” versus “keeping” his paths straight. Maybe it means that we are supposed to prepare or build the way for Him into our lives and into the world. I just looked up the footnote in Matt 3:3, and it supports that idea.
Wow. What great insight. Thanks for sharing those thoughts. Something I’m going to bring up in our next FHE. BTW – I think it’s a great Eagle project too 🙂
Good comment Anonymous! You should read misfit cygnet.
Maybe the guy next to you didn’t know the answer cuz you had to wake him up to ask and was disoriented…bwahahaa
I think your interpretation is spot on! I think we so often try to form God’s path to our own agenda.
This is a very timely post, what with all the hubbub about that broadway musical going on.
I fail to understand why some elements within the Church can’t help but fall all over themselves in their desire to be liked by the “cool kids” of mainstream culture, even then those people are mocking, scornful and dismissive of what makes us who we are. Their attitude seems to be that if the broader culture doesn’t like it, then it means there is something wrong with US (not the other way around).
The observation can be expanded beyond broadway musicals to include views on gender roles, gay marriage, and welfare issues. In short, if there is some disconnect between so-called “Mormon culture” and the World’s views, then we are the ones who should change.
Some of these LDS bloggers are like kids who are embarrassed to be part of our family…when we all go out to the theme park, they bolt for the thrill rides and pretend that they’re not with the rest of the group. Or, alternatively, they’re the kids to berate their parents for not “getting with the times” and being old-fashioned.