Aristocracy of Virtue

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"Aristocracy of Virtue"

Elder L. Aldin Porter

October 9, 2001

What a delight it is to be here during this period of transition. I have had the opportunity to sit on the Board of Trustees of the Church Education System for the past few years during the entire time of the consideration and transition that has just occurred here. I have to tell you that the example of President Bednar, the faculty and staff, and other administrative officers of this fine institution are a magnificent example, even a prime example, of what can be done when a group of Latter-day Saints hear the words of the prophet and, without argument and without a great deal of concern, proceed to cause it to go into effect. I cannot express too highly my gratitude to these brothers and sisters for what they have done in your behalf and in behalf of many who will follow you.

I am here today to raise a warning voice. You have lived during the past 30 days in what could be called tumultuous times. I'm here to tell you that is not the end, and I want to talk to you about preparation. You can tell a great deal about any person, community, or nation by noting on whom they shower praise, wealth, and fame. Think about that for a moment.

In a letter dated October 28, 1813, to John Quincy Adams, Thomas Jefferson said: "There is a natural aristocracy among men. The grounds of this are virtue and talents . . . ." He went on to say, "There is also an artificial aristocracy, founded on wealth and birth, without either virtue or talents" (Thomas Jefferson, Writings, 13:396).

When I was your age President David O. McKay, said there would come a time "when nobility of character would be recognized as being greater than intellect" (General Conference of the Sunday School, October 1949, Improvement Era, December 1949, p. 863). Think about that--nobility of character would be recognized as being greater than intellect. My hope is that even sooner nobility of character will be recognized as being greater than outstanding athletic or musical or acting ability. It is to be devoutly wished that you leave here highly skilled in music, business, science, drama, the law, athletics, history, or whatever your chosen field may be. But I ask you: What of virtue? I mean that in its broadest sense. One definition is "a moral excellence in all aspects of one's life." When I use the word virtue through the balance of this discussion, that is what I am talking about--a moral excellence in all aspects of your life.

Brother Rodney Turner made a statement some years ago. He said:

Our moral environment is far more polluted than our physical environment. It seems as though good and evil are being homogenized out of existence by a generation led by 'foolish and blind guides.' What was once whispered in shame is now electronically shouted from the housetops as the famous and the foolish appear on television to parade their sins, like so many medals, before laughing, applauding audiences (Rodney Turner, "To Learn With Joy," p. 272).

He speaks the truth. Now, the question I would raise: What and to whom do we give our honor?

I enjoy, as time permits, a good NBA basketball game. Last winter a discussion was being held at halftime with a group that included Charles Barkley. Maybe some of you young men and women remember him as a player. He is now retired. One of the participants took him to task for some activity which had taken place in a bar--activity that would not be acceptable under any circumstances. His response--remember now he is on national television and many millions were watching. He said, "Don't make me a role model for anyone. That is a parent's job, not mine." I've thought about that a great deal. Pay me millions for playing basketball; put me on television and let me tell of my opinion on a variety of subjects; buy the products that I endorse, hopefully by the millions, but don't ask me to be responsible for my actions. Don't ask me to be responsible for my influence.

Moving, in a sense, to another generation, just a few weeks ago in the Deseret News was an article quoting Brittany Spears. Apparently, her new video includes material that is less than might be acceptable in some circles. You know what her comment was? "I really want this to be shocking and edgier." That was the phrase she used. Then, anticipating the response from others who might be a little more mature, she said "I don't want to be considered a role model." Now, pay me millions for performing, have thousands at my concerts showering adulation and money on me, buy the products I endorse, but don't expect me to use my influence for positive purposes. Don't hold me accountable for my influence.

That's the world you live in. Think about that. Now, what kind of thinking is this? Where does it come from? Interestingly enough, it started--at least the first one I remember-- in a statement from Samuel the Lamanite. Samuel the Lamanite (in speaking to the Nephites) said, "Yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides?" (Helaman 13:29). I ask us the same question.

Is there a way for us to test the guides in our lives--the people who want to influence us? The answer, of course, is yes. There is a test. It has many names. In the scriptures it's called the plan of happiness, the plan of redemption, the plan of salvation, and, my favorite, the great plan of the Eternal God. There is only one plan, all by different names. If there was ever a time in the history of this world that we need order, it is now. And order requires a plan. And the father of us all has given us one. The plan says, among other things, that there was a premortal existence. Will you remember that? You did not spring into existence when you were born here in mortality. You lived eons of time before you came here. Continuing, the plan tells us that agency is part of that eternal plan--the right to choose. All of us want the right to choose. But sometimes in our lives we have to understand that after we have made the choice we must accept the consequences, and often we don't like the consequences. Let me continue. The plan teaches of the fall of man and of the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. The plan tells us that the individual survives the grave and that there is a spirit world, a judgment, and a literal resurrection.

Now, who should you listen to in these times of severe trial. And I say again, they will get worse. We have trials and tribulations ahead of us.

Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof" taught a marvelous principle. You'll recall he sang the song entitled, "If I Were a Rich Man." He expressed the thought that he would like to be rich. Do you remember why? So people would come to him for advice. Then Tevye said, "It won't make one bit of difference if I answer right or wrong. When you're rich, they think you really know." Is that true? It's important for us to understand that everything said, written, sung, or insinuated by the wealthy or famous is not necessarily so. Because someone is athletic or musical or handsome or wealthy or even very intellectual does not mean they are wise--especially when they are not moral. Wisdom does not come with athletic or musical or even intellectual ability. Wisdom is a gift of the Holy Spirit which the Lord has reserved for the faithful and for the pure, and you will have wisdom as you grow and experience. But your greatest wisdom will come by those sweet, tender impressions of the spirit.

Are we supporting those who do not accept responsibility when we buy their records or pay to see them play or purchase items they endorse? I know what you are saying is: "What I would buy or pay wouldn't make any difference." That may be true, but that's one way to vote isn't it? And I think we should consider that when we buy products endorsed by those whom we do not sustain, or we pay to hear them sing, or we pay to hear them play, we are voting for them. We may not have a large vote, but we have one. Now the Lord indicated that we should let our light so shine before men. One way to let your light shine is by the way you act and by the way you vote and for whom you vote.

Brother Truman Madsen opened a real door of enlightenment for me in his excellent work on the life of President B. H. Roberts. The book was called Defender of the Faith, and in that book--this is going to take a little concentration so listen carefully--he quoted President Roberts describing President Brigham Young. In fact, President Roberts' B, for B. H., is Brigham. His mother had named him after President Young, apparently. Anyway, President Roberts is describing President Young. Note this:

The quality that linked him [Brigham Young] to God; that added in large measure the strength and wisdom of God to his own strength and wisdom . . . .

President Roberts was indicating that Brigham Young's power came from the strength and wisdom of God which he had inculcated And he went on to say:

The man [or woman] who so walks in the light and wisdom and power of God, will at the last, by the very force of association, make the light and wisdom and power of God his [or her] own--weaving those bright rays into a chain divine, linking himself forever to God and God to him . . . . Beyond this, human greatness cannot achieve (B. H. Roberts, Defender of the Faith page 390.)

Now the reverse is sadly true. Is it not clear that he who walks in the wickedness and depravity of Lucifer, even if only in the mind, also weaves those dark rays into a chain which will bind him? One whose mind is saturated, even intermittently, with wicked or pornographic thoughts will find when he seeks to escape that he has forged a formidable chain indeed.

Elder Bruce Hafen, formerly of this institution, asked the following question: "Have we really comprehended how the devil operates? Lehi's vision of the great and spacious building, for example, tells us graphically that one main weapon used by the wicked is mocking and derision." And Elder Hafen indicates that "It's a lot easier to plan your defense when you know your opponent's play book" (Bruce Hafen, BYU, Today, Sept. 1998, p. 22). We know our opponent's play book.

President Ezra Taft Benson gave us insight on Satan's play book and on the Savior's play book when he said that "the Book of Mormon was written for us today" (President Ezra T. Benson, April Conference 1975). Do you realize that neither the Nephites nor the Lamanites ever had the Book of Mormon? It was written for us today, President Benson said. He went on to say that God, knowing the end from the beginning, told Mormon what to put in the book that we would need for our day. Think about that. When you read a chapter of the Book of Mormon, stop and ask yourself: Why did the Lord have Mormon put that chapter in the book, knowing that the book was written for our day?

For instance, let's review part of Lehi's dream. You will recall that he beheld a rod of iron extended along the river to a tree. There was also a strait and narrow path with a rod of iron leading to the path. He said:

And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth. And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit (I Nephi 8:26,27).

And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not (I Nephi 8:33).

Tucked away as a tiny comment, was the answer--simple, clear, and enormously effective: "but we heeded them not." Difficult to do? You bet it is difficult. Clear to understand? Absolutely!

In D&C 20:21-22, notice these words: "Wherefore, the almighty God gave his only begotten son as it is written in those scriptures which have been given of him. He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them." [Emphasis added] You see where our protection is? We have to shield ourselves.

Now I am going to give you the second protection. The first one was that we "gave them no heed."

And it came to pass that I saw and bear record, that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; [You see why it was standing high above the earth?] and it fell, and the fall thereof was exceedingly great. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again saying: Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb (I Nephi 11:36).

You see your protection? Listen to the twelve apostles of the Lamb. In this day, those fifteen men who hold that authority in the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve.

I'd ask you to consider with me the response when Lucifer used this very weapon against the boy Prophet. He had received so much scorn when he had simply told the truth about his experience in the temple grove. I quote from the Prophet Joseph:

However, it was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision. I have thought since, that I felt much like Paul, when he made his defense before King Agrippa, and related the account of the vision he had when he saw a light, and heard a voice; but still there were but few who believed him; some said he was dishonest, others said he was mad; and he was ridiculed and reviled. But all this did not destroy the reality of his vision. He had seen a vision, he knew he had, and all the persecution under heaven could not make it otherwise . . . .

So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation (Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith History, 1:24-25).

Did this scorn bring the Prophet pain? Of course it did. He would not have given the very paragraph I just read to you if he had not felt it very very deeply. What did he do? He continued with the work of the restoration. It hurt, but he gave it no heed.

Now I have to point out something that I think you know very well. There is fear in every human heart? Did you know that? You may think you are the only one who feels inadequate. Inadequacy is one of the burdens most humankind carry. In fact, the truth is when you find one that doesn't, he is impossible. When scorn comes, we are all vulnerable. I'm trying to prepare you to handle it because you are going to be scorned if you keep the commandments and live by the plan. Now even Moroni shared this concern over our vulnerability. In speaking to the Lord, he said:

Thou hast also made our words powerful and great, even that we cannot write them; wherefore, when we write we behold our weakness, and stumble because of the placing of our words; and I fear lest the Gentiles shall mock at our words (Ether 12:25).

Moroni knew where this book was going. He knew to whom it was coming. "I fear lest the gentiles shall mock at our words."

And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: Fools mock, but they shall morn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek . . . . (Ether 12:26).

You notice he doesn't say my grace is sufficient for the scorned? For the meek, and we can then take the scorn.

Do the gentiles, and maybe even some of us who consider ourselves other than gentiles, mock the words of Moroni? I fear we do. For you see, the wicked heap scorn when they have no other weapon to use. And too often the righteous run for cover when they are scorned by the famous, the wealthy--especially if the mocker can run fast or jump high or sing well or has high-profile degrees or a great deal of money, even though all of those wrapped together have nothing to do with the eternal subject being discussed.

I ask you, what are the rewards of standing fast in your own virtue--even against the scorn of the world? Far more monumental than you might think. Let me share with you the experience of Nephi, the son of Helaman and the brother of Lehi. He was suffering depression and discouragement in building the kingdom of God. I understand there are 2,400 returned missionaries on this campus. If there are 2,400 who were hard-working missionaries, every one of them have felt depression and discouragement in the building of the kingdom. Now the Lord spoke to him in the midst of this depression. He said:

Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but has sought my will, and to keep my commandments.

And now, because thou has done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will (Helaman 10:4-5).

How did Nephi reach that point where the Lord said ask what you want because I know you will not ask anything contrary to my will? The very same thing that B. H. Roberts was saying about Brigham Young. Nephi had lived so close to the Lord, had kept the covenants so well, that there had been intertwined into his very soul the principles of the gospel; and when Nephi was faced with a decision, he didn't even have to turn to the Lord to say what should I do? He had so intertwined those principles that according to the Lord, "Yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will." And he closes with "Behold, thou art Nephi and I am God . . . ." (Helaman 10:6). There are great blessings. Now, because Nephi had stood for truth and virtue without fear of the world, consider the consequences that came into his life.

Now, let me say this. The Lord has placed prophets in the land. Will you stop and think of the blessing that you have. I don't know the number of billions of people who have lived on this earth since its existence. Some have suggested, I think, 60 or 70 billion. Do you know how many have lived under the hands of living prophets as you do? I would suggest to you that there have been great and troublesome and difficult times in the past, but I do not think they will exceed those that you will face. I hope all of you were listening just a few days ago when President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke to the youth of the Church in the satellite broadcast. He made a statement I am going to quote to you again: "Believe in yourselves as sons and daughters of God." Listen carefully to this. There is a powerful message here. "Believe in yourselves as sons and daughters of God." Too many of us don't. We don't literally believe that God is our father. He continues: "Men and women with unlimited potential to do good in the world believe in personal virtue." He's talking here about the restrictive use of that word. There is no substitute for it anywhere under the heavens. "Believe in your power to discipline yourselves against the evils which could destroy you." Note this. "Believe in one another as the greatest generation ever yet to live upon the earth. Think about that. He doesn't say, "Believe me as the prophet." He says, "Believe in one another." Have that kind of respect for the people with whom you associate. Now it is also interesting to me to note when he said, "the greatest generation yet to live upon the earth." I believe that your sons and daughters will be an even greater generation.

Now why do you suppose the Lord has chosen to withhold you for these many years to come forth in this day and time? You think about it. Why would he do that? Because he knows the end from the beginning, and he knows what lies ahead. And he knows that there are some difficult and challenging problems that we face. Listen to the prophets. Listen with your ears. But more important than that, you listen with your hearts. You feel what they are saying. In the first eighteen chapters of Nephi, Nephi talks about feeling the words of the Lord. Look it up. Feeling, that is what I plead with you to do.

Incidentally, do not analyze the mortal preparation to speak on the subject we are speaking on. You say, "Well let's see now, President Hinckley has been with the Church now since he was 25 years old and he is 91. He hasn't had any experience out there in the world. We may say, "Well President Faust is a lawyer, what would you expect? He doesn't know anything about this subject. President Monson is a newspaperman, a publisher. And I say to you their strength does not come from their mortal preparation. In fact, it has very little to do with it. It is the power of God, coupled with His call to them, that qualify them to speak on any subject. And I would particularly draw your attention to any document that's ever presented to us that is the united voice of the First Presidency and the Twelve as per the Proclamation on the Family. I bear my testimony to you the Proclamation of the Family is a revelation from God to this people today through the prophets of God. The Proclamation on the Living Christ. Why do you suppose after all of these years we have a proclamation from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve on the Savior? Why? I submit to you it is very likely because this world is moving away from the Master about as fast as it can move in terms of fundamental principles.

Now why were you called and reserved for this day? Because you are capable of withstanding the arrows of evil that will be coming to you. The Lord knew it. He knows you have the power to do it, but he cannot guarantee that you will. Only through his prophets and through his scriptures can he teach you. And if you are weaving into the very fiber of your being the fundamental principles of the gospel that you are being taught not only in your homes and in the scriptures but here at this magnificent institution, you will be able to withstand it. I'm going to read you a statement from Brigham Young about that in a minute, so let me move on. I only say to you follow the prophets, beware of those whom the world loves and showers with fame and fortune. Remember this. When the world showers people with fame and fortune, be very careful about following them.

It is necessary that each of us obtain a witness for himself that God the Father is real and that there is a living Savior. Now I want to read to you from President Brigham Young and then I will conclude. President Young said:

You that have not passed through the trials and persecutions and drivings, with this people, from the beginning, but have only read of them, or heard some of them related, may think how awful they were to endure, and wonder that the Saints survived them at all. The thought of it makes your heart sink within you, your brains reel, and your bodies tremble, and you are ready to exclaim, 'I could not have endured it.' I have been in the heat of it, and I never felt better in my life; I never felt the peace and power of the Almighty more copiously poured upon me than in the keenest part of our trials. They appeared nothing to me" (Brigham Young, Journal of Discoveries, v 1, p. 313).

That is the promise I make to you today. Tribulations will come, but the Lord will sustain you if you have made the appropriate preparation--particularly, learning how to fend off the scorn of the world. And when it is over you are going to say, "That wasn't all that bad." Why? Because you are going to be able to say, "I never felt the peace and power of the Almighty more copiously poured out upon me than in the keenest part of our trials."

I bear you, my dear young brothers and sister, my witness that there is a God in Heaven. He has made known to me in an unmistakable way that he lives. I bear witness to you that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, the son of God in the flesh, that he literally walked forth from the tomb inhabiting that body that hung upon the cross, and that not only did that happen to him, we will each and every one be literally resurrected. Remember that. It will help you in the decisions that you are going to face.

I bear further testimony that the Lord Jesus Christ is directing his church today through fifteen men who hold the apostleship. But, in addition, by revelation to you through scriptures and through prayer, I bear again witness that he lives, that he will not leave us alone in times of trial and difficulty if we will hear and feel in advance and make the appropriate preparations, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.