Who Are The "enemies" Of The Saints?

[Tacenda]

Last time it happened to me was about 10 years ago....a 12 year old repeating a joke trashing democrats, the President in particular. I recovered from shock first and broke it to her such comments were inappropriate. I don't think she actually understood the racist implications. When I finished the other two leaders spoke up.

We live about 50 miles apart so I don't think the culture is that different. I live in a ward where they speak up if they hear something like that. Someone had to start it. Tacenda should be the trend starter in her ward if there is a problem.

There are plenty good people in the ward, but we apparently attract the brats, or my husband does, or I'm an oddball. It's almost like cliques in high school, and through the years I've seen it in other wards. Probably just human nature. I just don't fit in a lot with who my husband likes in the ward.

Sorry if this derailed the topic, but I guess if anything can thwart the church's mission, it can be the member's behaviour.

Edited March 18, 2015 by Tacenda

[Calm]

Maybe it is given to you as a chance to do something to change their behavior.

[Bernard Gui]

I wish this was an isolated case. Maybe my husband and I are magnets for these kinds, we have went out with others in our ward who make fun of others. I can't count how many times.

You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friend's nose.

[Bernard Gui]

Here is my understanding of enemies of the Church: conspiring men.

An excellent talk by Delbert Stapley with an extensive list of such enemies.

 

http://emp.byui.edu/SATTERFIELDB/PDF/Satan%20and%20Wickedness/EvilDesignsDLS.pdf

 

"These are but a few areas in the affairs of mankind where the agents of evil prey upon the unsuspecting and innocent. It has ever been so in the history of man and today unfortunately, the picture has not changed, but operates upon a much broader scale. Man’s desires and actions are not always pleasing to God, and in this era of time it seems man’s conspiring designs and deceptions are destroying the ethics and morals pleasing to an all-wise and loving Father. Youth is systematically exploited with great energy by the unscrupulous and scheming agents of evil. Youth requires wise counsel, good example, and understanding teachers to guide them.

In the Church, as elsewhere, we are at grips with the trying problems of evil. Therefore, we should be on guard constantly and so live as to discern the designs and intents of the wicked and not fall prey to their sinister schemes and motives. The Lord has been most kind and considerate by giving us this knowledge and warning by revelation."

Edited March 18, 2015 by Bernard Gui

[Uncle Dale]

...this knowledge and warning by revelation.

Yes, I suppose that the enemies of the Latter Day Saints may be

discerned from what is communicated in revelation.

In 1838 practically all the Mormons in Missouri were barricaded

behind the Far West defenses, surrounded by the militia, and

about ready to face annihilation.

If ever they had "enemies" it was then. So, whatever revelation

President Smith was receiving at that critical point in our shared

history, ought to tell us something important about our enemies.

But I can find nothing relating to that period until Smith was in

Liberty Jail. Does his revelations from that time tell us anything

about such enemies? Did they include David Whitmer and

Martin Harris?

If so, then the Church's enemies are not just the wicked Gentiles,

but also the members who fail to hold fast to the rod of iron and

endure unto the end.

UD