Where do we draw the line with being subjected to an ever increasing corrupt government?

Question

Gramps,

Where are we supposed to draw the line with being subjected to an ever increasing corrupt government? Does this mean that we are supposed to submit to knowingly accepting “the chip”? Are we expected to?

Raymond

Answer

Raymond,

Within the United States of America we are able to read the following words from “The Declaration of Independence” regarding being subject to corrupt/destructive governments, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

Thus the question, when has a government been destructive enough toward these liberties such that it can be changed or abolished? How far must the pendulum swing that people will change or abolish said “Form of Government”? Our first objective would be through proper methods already established within the government for said grievances. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we find ourselves in a more peculiar position as we are not just subject to rule and law of mortal governments, we are also subject to a higher law — God’s law — and we are accountable to God for all our earthly thoughts, words, and actions. Even if we feel we are in the right, if our decision is in direct violation of God’s law then we have reason to pause and think more soundly upon our decision.

The most honest answer I can give is, “I don’t know,” and I am not sure anyone has a definitive answer as to when our rights, our liberties, and our pursuit of happiness is truly being denied. This does not mean that we can’t see signs of these “unalienable Rights” being inhibited. What then about “submitting” to the changes that are occurring? In some cases, and we have scripture which confirms this, yes we are expected to “submit” to changes within government that appear to be undermining our “Rights.” In our Book of Mormon we have the following experience of Alma and his people as they endured a destructive government (Mosiah 24:13-15):

“13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.

 

14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

 

15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.”

In light of these verses of scripture, yes, at times, the Lord does indeed expect us to submit with patience and long-suffering as we endure destructive policies, rules, and laws from earthly governments. When Russia took over East Germany and established the wall, the Church expected the members to submit cheerfully, willfully, and obediently to the laws of the land. As with the people of Alma the Lord strengthened the members, and because of this and their willingness to submit to the government and the honor the counsel from the Lord’s servants upon the earth they were given privileges due to their obedience.

If we find ourselves in a position where we personally feel our “Rights” are being abused, I would give the counsel Alma gave to his people by lifting your heart to God in prayer, and then wait patiently for His instruction, and should we find ourselves in a position, as some of our brethren have, confronting our government and the leaders of the Church speak out against it; then, the Lord bless us to have a humble heart to pause and think more soundly upon our decision.

Gramps