Why does God want us to live "In the world, but not of the world?" Wouldn't it just be easier for us all to pack up and head for the hills where we could live as the Monks do all alone or with only those of our same beliefs?
Dallin H. Oaks taught "We must live in the world because, as Jesus taught in a parable, His kingdom is “like leaven,” whose function is to raise the whole mass by its influence. (Matt 13:33) His followers cannot do that if they associate only with those who share their beliefs and practices. But the Savior also taught that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments"
In my personal study the last few days I've been reading near the end of the Book of Mormon where Mormon's story is told. His calling was truly to live in the world. He speaks of a scene of war and carnage continually before him. In fact "there never had been so great wickedness among all the children of Lehi." They "did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them." Mormon is a perfect example of what it means to be "like leaven" in the world, without succumbing to the influences of the world around him.
"Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable." -Oaks
I was impressed by the genuine love Mormon had for his rebellious and wicked brethren. In Chapter 3 he says. "notwithstanding their wickedness I had led them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of God which was in me, with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them; nevertheless, it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts."
Eventually their "wickedness and abomination" led Mormon to remove himself from his brethren and he refused to be their leader. However it wasn't long until his love for them caused him to repent of his oath and again take up position to lead them. Mormon then shares his lament over the darkest days in the Nephite history. His soul was rent with anguish, because of the slain of his people as he cried his famous, "Oh ye fair ones."
Elder Oaks continued, "When our positions do not prevail, we should accept unfavorable results graciously and practice civility with our adversaries. In any event, we should be persons of goodwill toward all, rejecting persecution of any kind."
"The commandment to love one another surely includes love and respect across religious lines and also across racial, cultural, and economic lines... In so many relationships and circumstances in life, we must live with differences. Where vital, our side of these differences should not be denied or abandoned, but as followers of Christ we should live peacefully with others who do not share our values or accept the teachings upon which they are based... As a Book of Mormon prophet taught, we must press forward, having “a love of God and of all men” (2 Ne 31:20)
The Savior showed us the way. As we face a troubled world with differing and sometimes wicked opinions, loving-kindness is required, but follower of Christ—just like the Master—will be firm in the truth. May we all be "like leaven" while we dwell in the world but not of it. Do not hide yourself away from others not of our faith, but let your light shine and be a blessing to all those around you. I know that God will bless us in our efforts to invite other to come unto Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
