Judgement

Yesterday, I was told that "Utah Mormons" are hypocritical because they judge other people just as much as they themselves are judged. Ironic he thought? But I do not see hypocritical or ironic. I see stupidity. By making that statement he was judging, he was assuming a stereotype that all "Utah Mormons" are this way, therefore himself becoming hypocritical. In conclusion that is just stupid. No one will ever take your advice if you do not practice what you preach. 

Every person on this earth is a judge of what they allow into their own life. People, substances, and media are all options that are available to us either to participate in or steer clear of. In a fireside given by Elder Jensen of the 70 at the University of Utah institute last Sunday he taught me that it is our right and responsibility to draw the moral line of what you allow into your life. What is wrong and what is right is universal. D&C 93:30: Truth is absolute, for everything.

Imagine you are in a large city in late evening, alone. As you are walking down an ally way a man is coming at you looking into your eyes with a gun in his hand. What do you do? You not matter who or what you are, will judge the situation because it is crucial to your survival. You will run, and fast. Explain to me what the difference this example makes between physical and spiritual danger. There is none. Because in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong people and you will be damaged spiritually. So be like Joseph, know what is right and run from the wrong.

Now there seems to be something missing right? I presume the world looks at judgment as a negative and destructive tool because it is often combined with discrimination and discourtesy towards other people.  The mistake is not in the judgment but in the attitude and negativity shown towards that difference. The dissimilarity of your beliefs with another is not a reason to criticize or insult, even… especially if in the eternal law of things you are right. The fact that you know the truth puts the responsibility on you to teach by example. When does example ever mean to undermine the person you are teaching? I checked and Jesus never did that so you shouldn't either.

Hyrum Smith said. "Love the sinner, hate the sin" Everyone that is here on this earth was a follower of Christ. Translated: every person on this earth is a good person, although they may choose awful actions. So we show them, teaching them with love how to live the better way. Elder Jensen taught that we must, "show the world that it can be done."

Surely, you can not get angry at a child who is incapable of walking. They have not yet learned how. It is absurd to criticize or slander that child who is not yet privileged to know how to take consecutive steps. Is that not what the gospel of Jesus Christ consists of? Consecutive baby steps into change: to become more Christ like?

In conclusion please don't be afraid to draw the line and keep it firm on your moral beliefs. At the same time remember that if you use ridicule to teach others the right choices they will be too offended to listen to you and you will hold the accountability.