AS A BISHOP in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I don’t publicly endorse or oppose political parties or candidates.
When I was called as a bishop, I cleared political feeds from my social media so I could focus on the gospel rather than daily debates.
It’s been refreshing to step back from listening to all the noise while staying informed and exercising my right to vote.
On April 7, 2022, Elder Neil L. Andersen spoke to students at BYU-Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho. While his audience was primarily university students and graduates, the message has stuck with me.
Andersen said, “Frequently reflect on this question: Who am I listening to? The answer will shape your future and your eternal destiny.”
Andersen went on to say, “Don’t allow the less important voices of technology crowd out the voices so important to your eternal welfare.”
Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “If most of the information you get comes from social or other media, your ability to hear the whisperings of the Spirit will be diminished.”
I don’t think anyone can deny that there is too much hostility and resentment in social media and other forms of media.
In an age when there is incredible contention, anger and outright hatred, I love what someone whom I revere to be a living prophet said. “Anger never persuades. Hostility builds no one. Contention never leads to inspired solutions. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to be examples of how to interact with others — especially when we have differences of opinion. One of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is how compassionately that person treats other people. Contention drives away the Spirit — every time. Contention reinforces the false notion that confrontation is the way to resolve differences; but it never is. Contention is a choice. Peacemaking is a choice. You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation. I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always,” (Nelson).
So, we must ask the question: Who are we listening to — does it create anger and contention in our lives?
If so, that is probably a source to avoid.
Jesus Christ taught in The Book of Mormon, “He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another,” (3 Nephi 11:29).
Who are we listening to?
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
Who are we listening to?
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake,” (Matthew 5:11).
Who are we listening to?
“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you,” (Matthew 5:4).
Who are we listening to?
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God,” (Matthew 5:9).
Who are we listening to?
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” (Matthew 11:28).
My dear friends, let us set aside hatred, contention and strife.
Consider the question, “Who are you listening to?”
You don’t have to be a bishop to take a break from some of the social media feeds and focus on things that are eternal.
Let us love our neighbors.
Let us be peacemakers.
Rivet ourselves on the words of Christ and follow Him with our actions.
Let us be cautious with whom we are listening to, and give ear to the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer.
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Issues of Faith is a rotating column by religious leaders on the North Olympic Peninsula. Bishop Jason Bringhurst is the leader of the Mount Pleasant Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Port Angeles, ComeUntoChrist.org. His email is jasonbring@gmail.com.
