Watchmen on the Towers

            We live in a strange and wicked world, and we are seeing things happen that have never happened before in our nation. Never before has a former President of the United States set up camp in Washington, D.C., with the intent to make governing difficult for the new President. Never before has a President of the United States charged a former President with spying on him. Yet, these things are happening right before our eyes. What do they mean?

            I believe they are examples of the wickedness of the last days. Many men and women have worked in the dark to benefit themselves and their cronies. Now their actions are being brought into the light for the entire world to see. Of course, they do not want their shameful works to be known and are doing all in their power to keep their evil acts secret. They are not concerned that their actions may be destructive to the Constitution or the nation. They are simply working to save their own skins. It. will be interesting to see what kind of muck will be found when the swamp of Washington, D.C., is drained.

            Meanwhile, we have “watchmen” on the “towers” to warn us of dangers. One such watchman is President Thomas S. Monson. Fifty years ago then-Elder Monson said, “Today, we are encamped against the greatest array of sin, vice, and evil ever assembled before our eyes” (“Correlation Brings Blessings,” Relief Society Magazine, April 1967, 247).

            Another watchman on the tower, even President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor to President Monson, quotes the above statement and then states, “Would you be surprised to learn that President Monson uttered those words 50 years ago? If we were encamped against an unprecedented array of wickedness back then, how much more so does evil threaten us today? For good reason, the Lord has proclaimed of our dispensation, `Behold, the enemy is combined’ (Doctrine and Covenants 38:12).” 

            President Eyring continues by reminding his readers that this war against “unprecedented” wickedness is not a new war, but one that started in our pre-earth life. Satan lost that battle and was kicked out of heaven. The influence of Satan and those who follow him are in our world today, and they are still fighting against righteousness. “He wars against the prophets and apostles. He wars against the law of chastity and the sanctity of marriage. He wars against the family and the temple. He wars against what is good, holy, and sacred.”

            A third watchman on the tower, even President Gordon B. Hinckley, shares some ideas on how to oppose evil in our lives and in the world around us. His first suggestion is that we start with ourselves. “Reformation of the world begins with reformation of self…. We cannot hope to influence others in the direction of virtue unless we live lives of virtue. The example of our living will carry a greater influence than will all the preaching in which we might indulge. We cannot expect to lift others unless we stand on higher ground ourselves.” This is a great idea. Even though we can be influences for good in others, we can control only ourselves.

            President Hinckley’s second point is: “A better tomorrow begins with the training of a better generation. This places upon parents the responsibility to do a more effective work in the rearing of children. The home is the cradle of virtue, the place where character is formed and habits are established.” God knows – and so does Satan – that the way to change the world is to teach the rising generation the principles they need to become the world that you want.

            With his third point President Hinckley teaches: “The building of public sentiment begins with a few earnest voices.” He continues by explaining that “we should earnestly and sincerely and positively express our convictions to those given the heavy responsibility of making and enforcing our laws.” “The Silent Majority” is a term coined years ago to include a large group of American citizens who did not protest and make themselves heard. According to President Hinckley, we can no longer be silent. If the majority does not make their voices heard, the minority will appear to be the majority.

            President Hinckley’s fourth point is: “Strength to do battle begins with enlisting the strength of God. He is the source of all true power.” He quotes the Apostle Paul’s statement to the Ephesians:

   Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

   For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

   Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:10-13).

            Then-Elder Monson issued his warning in 1967, President Hinckley issued his warning in 2004, and President Eyring issued his warning this month. The warnings are all the same. We live in a world with ever-increasing wickedness, even “spiritual wickedness in high places.” It is flooding all around us. How do we battle such wickedness? We take upon us the full armour of God and live our lives as He would have us do. We let our voices be heard in opposing wickedness and supporting righteousness. We are no longer the Silent Majority, but we are soldiers for righteousness and truth. We are on the Lord’s side in this battle against the creatures who work in darkness in an effort to destroy goodness.