Our Moral Obligation? Look Up

Do other people argue with the television and/or radio? Please tell me I’m not the only one. I was driving to work the other day having one of these arguments with the radio, the discussion was getting a little heated. Then all the sudden this bird lands a little ahead of my car and just started strolling down the road instead of flying away. Mid-argument I yelled out “get out of the way bird!” It immediately brought me back to reality and I busted up laughing at myself. Here I am yelling at this bird who won’t take any personal responsibility for its own life and health. I said a quick prayer to bless all animals as my penance. I also realized I need more of a social life (555…).

So, why am I telling this story? Well, there is something cathartic about writing it out. It doesn’t mean I’m not losing my mind, but acknowledging the fact somehow makes it feel better. But, really it was to discuss the reason I was yelling at the radio in the first place. I’m sick and tired of hearing that we have to pass health care reform because it is our moral responsibility or obligation or however people put it in order to guilt us into passing a trillion dollar deficit adding no problem solving piece of pork laden health care bill.

Moral obligation? Could anybody give me any good reason why we should listen to the government on any matters of moral obligation? You know what is immoral? Passing on trillions of dollars of debt onto the next generation, excuse me I mean the next generations (plural). It’s bad enough that millions than billions were passed on to my generation, but to just keep piling it on is completely immoral. So, yeah let’s add a trillion dollars onto that so we can have a public option that is going to be as awesome as the post office.

This kind of self-important faulty argument comes from the Progressive “enlightened” elite. And I don’t know if you get this from me, but I’m pretty fed up with Progressive enlightenment.

If people really want to preach morality they should be asking us to refer back to our founding fathers. They knew that in order for the nation to remain free they would have to be a moral people. Thus, one of the most important freedoms that was protected in the bill of rights is religious freedom. The answer for us to be moral is for this nation of individuals to individually turn back to God, to look up. I know I know that answer is just too easy, it can’t be enlightened because it isn’t new. Oh and we have to make sure we don’t offend somebody by referring to the God we proclaim to trust, the horror!

I think part of the problem with the Progressive mindset is that they must find the answer for all the worlds’ problems within their own amazing intellect. The idea of accepting God’s instructions on the matter is just mind boggling.

It reminds me of the story of Moses when the people were bitten by these poisonous snakes. The Lord instructed Moses to put a brass serpent on a staff and if the people would simply look up to the staff they would be healed. How, many people did not look up, because it was too easy? Surely, there had to be a more complicated answer to such a dire problem. There wasn’t, the answer was simply look up. And so it is today. If we want to be moral, God needs to be the center.

Elder Todd D. Christofferson in a recent address talked about the subject of moral discipline he stated:

-- By “moral discipline,” I mean self-discipline based on moral standards. Moral discipline is the consistent exercise of agency to choose the right because it is right, even when it is hard. It rejects the self-absorbed life in favor of developing character worthy of respect and true greatness through Christlike service (see Mark 10:42–45). The root of the word discipline is shared by the word disciple, suggesting to the mind the fact that conformity to the example and teachings of Jesus Christ is the ideal discipline that, coupled with His grace, forms a virtuous and morally excellent person.
Jesus’s own moral discipline was rooted in His discipleship to the Father. To His disciples He explained, “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34). By this same pattern, our moral discipline is rooted in loyalty and devotion to the Father and the Son. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ that provides the moral certainty upon which moral discipline rests.
The societies in which many of us live have for more than a generation failed to foster moral discipline. They have taught that truth is relative and that everyone decides for himself or herself what is right. Concepts such as sin and wrong have been condemned as “value judgments.” As the Lord describes it, “Every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god” (D&C 1:16).
As a consequence, self-discipline has eroded and societies are left to try to maintain order and civility by compulsion. The lack of internal control by individuals breeds external control by governments. –


This is what has happened in our country. We are now relying on the government to set the moral standard, instead of taking responsibility for ourselves. Remember that the government is setting a very very bad example of morality (debt ridden and passing it on). Why in the world are we relying on them? The answer is quite simply to look up. The answer is easy, although the application may be difficult. It may mean ending reliance on entitlements. But, I submit that any sacrifice we make now will be worth it, if our children can be more free.

Can you imagine how awesome it would be for a politician to just flat out say, ‘stop looking to the government for answers, look to God’ I know I know separation of Church and state. To that I say, EXACTLY, now get out of the way government. Separate yourselves from telling us our moral obligation. That’s God’s job.

On another note I have to ask why in the world, if the government was going to now start dictating moral obligation would they start with health care. I mean how about if they started with something that would have even more impact like outlawing adultery or something? Why? Because it’s ridiculous. It’s not the governments business; neither is making sure our nation is moral by creating a more socialized healthcare system. But, maybe they could pass some bill outlawing birds from strolling in front of cars, it’s not good for their health, and they really don’t deserve to get yelled at.

I think it is imperative that this country turn back to God. We need to stand up for what is right. Sometimes the most effective way of standing up is falling to our knees. He is there, He so wants to help. We ought to trust in Him. A good life is not one that is absent of trial and pain. A good life is one in which we grow and learn and become truly Disciples of Christ, of His cause, of all that is good and holy and moral. So, look up, stand up, be moral and take your personal power and responsibility back. That is dare I say our moral obligation.
God Bless.