Happy Independence Day

Independence Day seems to me to be more than an American holiday, but one the whole world can celebrate. One of the fruits of this country's declared independence is religious freedom. In the 1st amendment to the constitution we read:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;

Because of this religious freedom, the 14-year-old Joseph Smith was introduced to many religions. With so many churches to chose from, he learned much and, in his own words, he "attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit." But, he wanted to know more. If not for religious freedom, perhaps he would never have had the desire to know which of all the churches was true. He would certainly not have had the freedom to investigate many churches, let alone to follow the Lord's instructions and organize His church in this dispensation. 

God prepared the way for His gospel to be restored and the opportunity for all to receive it. The establishment of this nation was a part of that preparation. The Lord has encouraged us to honor the law of the land

and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles (D&C 101:77)

Our religious liberty is essential if we are to have the chance to exercise our moral agency. The Lord has told us the reason he established this Constitution and this nation.

That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment. . . And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood. (D&C 101:78, 80)

There are forces today who wish to take away our freedoms. Our nation can be attacked and brought into physical bondage, but the more immediate challenges we each face are daily attacks on our own personal freedom.

When we give in to temptation, our freedom of choice is diminished and we put ourselves in spiritual bondage. During these times we must again and again use our freedom to worship God by choosing to repent and obey God. The freedom to worship God means nothing if we do not in fact worship Him.

The personal battles we are facing don't necessarily require physical weapons, but new tools, obedience, testimony and the courage to share it. With these gifts, we have the chance to exercise our freedom to worship, and to help our friends and neighbors to do the same by sharing the truth of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.