28 July, 2002

When asked whether or not it was lawful to render tribute unto Caesar, Jesus replied, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Mark 12:14-17). The Prophet Joseph Smith further clarified in the 12th Article of Faith: “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law”. The Lord further reveled in the Doctrine and Covenants: “All men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments . . . " (D. C. 134:5).

This states clearly that we should be responsible citizens and follow the laws of the land no matter where we live.

President Hinckley said: “I want to say that we of this Church deplore violence in any form or of any nature as a protest against the legal processes under which we live. There are peaceable ways to settle questionable matters, through the legislative process or the judicial process, and violence of any kind is out of order and is to be condemned, and it is contrary to the word and will of the Lord. We believe in honoring, obeying and sustaining the law. We have little sympathy for those who in various parts of the world engage in terrorist activities to the destruction of life and property.”, close quote. (Boston Massachusetts Regional Conference, April 23, 1995). He said this while he was the prophet.

I believe the words of the Prophet and believe in this Article of Faith. Following this counsel helps us to be better citizens. Being a good citizen means following the three R’s: righteousness, responsibility and reliance upon God.

The first ‘R’ – Righteousness - A righteous nation will only be as righteous as the individual homes of its people. Before we can set the affairs of a nation in order, we need to set our own houses in order. We must have standards in our homes of integrity, morality, modesty and industry.

The second ‘R’ – Responsibility - Edmond Burke once said: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing.”, close quote. We must not just complain about conditions in America, but we should be anxiously engaged in good causes that will promote righteousness in our country.

The third ‘R’ – Reliance upon God - We need to keep our thinking straight and not be influenced by policies and programs that would tear down what we know to be true. Present Bensen has said: “We have a measuring rod that no other group has. We have the revelations of the Almighty to indicate to us whether a thing is right or wrong…. We are not left to move in the dark.”, end quote.

Being a good citizen means, relying on God. As Latter-day Saints we should pray for our leaders and encourage them in righteousness.

I pray that we will all live as the 12th Article of Faith states by “…obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.