Do all things the Lord commands
Befriend the law which is constitutional and supports freedom
Laws of man that do not support principles of freedom are evil
The Lord commands us to forsake evil laws
And now verily I [the Lord] say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatever I [the Lord] command them, and that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting the principles of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges belonging to all mankind, is justifiable before me; therefore, I, the Lord, justify you and your brethren of my church in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land. And as pertaining to law of man, whatever is more or less than this comes of evil. I, the Lord your God, make you free; therefore, you are free indeed, and the law also makes you free. . . And I give unto you a commandment that you shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that you shall live by every word that proceeds forth out of the mouth of God. - D&C 98
Did you get that? The Lord commands us to forsake evil laws that do not support the principles of freedom. God has made us free and the law that governs the universe makes us free.
What are the rights and privilege belong to all mankind?
We hold from God the gift which includes all others. This gift is life – physical, intellectual, and moral life.
But life cannot maintain itself alone. The Creator of life has entrusted us with the responsibility of preserving, developing, and perfecting it. In order that we may accomplish this, He has provided us with a collection of marvelous faculties. And He has put us in the midst of a variety of natural resources. By the application of our faculties to these natural resources we convert them into products, and use them. This process is necessary in order that life may run its appointed course.
Life, faculties, production – in other words, individuality, liberty, property – this is man. And in spite of cunning and artful political leaders, these three gifts from God precede all human legislation, and are superior to it.
Life, liberty, and property do not exist because men have made laws. On the contrary, it was the fact that life, liberty, and property existed beforehand that caused men to make laws in the first place. [The Law by Fredric Bastiat (1801-1850), pages 1-2]
Do we trust God or man?
Do we trust a benevolent, loving, all-powerful God or do we trust corrupt, perverse, political leaders?
Do we obey God; or do we obey arbitrary, harmful mandates and laws?
Do we conform to the image of God, or do we conform to social pressure?
There is no need to fear, for the Lord has given a promise with an immutable covenant.
Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted, yea, rejoice evermore and in everything give thanks, waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth and are recorded with this seal and testament: The Lord has sworn and decreed that they shall be granted. Therefore, he gives this promise unto you with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled, and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory, says the Lord God.
- D&C 98
. . . To be continued . . . What does the Lord command? What are the Lord's expectations? What does it mean to proclaim peace?