#DToddChristofferson said in his #GeneralConference talk that staying on the covenant path will help us “bypass the people & things that, even if popular, would jeopardize our physical & spiritual well-being.” Seeking refuge in what’s popular is human nature. And it’s dangerous.
Worldly power builds around the rickety scaffolding of popularity. The more people shunted into a tribe (however they arrived) the greater that faction’s societal influence. So power-mongers create a climate of fear outside the tribe & promises of safety under their own banner.
He whose power banner looms the largest collects the most followers. The more populous the tribe, the larger it will grow; isolation from the pack makes one vulnerable. We surrender principle for the illusion of safety. It’s natural. Hence “the natural man” is God’s enemy—& ours.
Mark Twain said, “Whenever you ever find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause & reflect.” Landing on the populous side of the line is not a guarantee of error, but in a corrupt world so steeped in deception, you can never reorient yourself to God too often.
Stand in holy places; not in popular places that demand allegiance for the illusion of protection & mortal spoils—*holy* places that provide real safety, peace, & reward. Mortal power-seekers demand oaths & conformity. God offers covenants & sanctity.
God will give you more safety, strength, & power to overcome as a party of one than the world can give with all its walls & weapons. He will give you more peace upon the holy ground of your own two footprints than the world can give in a thousand miles of conquered earthly sod.
Be mindful what you surrender when you fall in with the more populous ppl & opinions. Look around. Who’s standing at your sides? Who is behind & before you? Are these righteous people? Is the mob in which you move headed toward the Lord or into worthless diversion & destruction?
Consider not just “is this evil?” but “does this waste my time?” If it wastes time, it is an evil. Activities that enrich, rejuvenate, build bonds, & inspire joy are not evils as they don’t waste time. You know what wastes time. That thing, whether to all or just you, is an evil.
Life is remarkably (& arguably, mercifully) SHORT. Take care that you don’t give away too many of your precious seconds to worthless diversions & unworthy, popular mortals. Stay the course of righteousness. Seek holy safety. Let nothing remove your foot from the covenant path.
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