Maxwell Moments--August 29, 2004

In continuing tribute to the late Elder Neal A. Maxwell:

In such a climactic time as the last days, we shall see things both wonderful and awful. Joel and Zephaniah prophesied that the last times would be a "day of gloominess" (Joel 2:2; Zeph. 1:15). Even so, this is all the more reason for us to "shine as lights in the world" (Philip. 2:15). So illuminated, we can better help to gather the Lord's flock in "the last days" from wherever they have been scattered in the "cloudy and dark day" (Ezek. 30:3; 34:12).

Yet even as some things clearly worsen in the world, the true Saints will simply get better. Furthermore, letting our lights shine includes a measure of wise public and community service by doing what we can do to better our small portion of the world. We of all people can thus be, to borrow a phrase, "idealists without illusions" by contributing to and by being "anxiously engaged" in good causes.

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Scriptural illustrations are especially instructive. Jesus told the original Twelve to be of good cheer when at that time, on the roiling surface of circumstance, there was nothing to be cheerful about (John 16:33). How could Jesus expect the Twelve to be of good cheer? Because, the Savior explained, "in the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). His impending triumph was to become the central fact of human history!

Thus it is vital that we not let grim prophecies "weigh [us] down," but, rather, we are to let Christ and all He accomplished lift us up. This will occur if the Atonement["[rests] in [our minds] forever," said Mormon in his counsel to Moroni amid their own very difficult conditions back then. (Moro. 9:25.)

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This same precious perspective was needed on another occasion when at night the resurrected Jesus stood by an imprisoned Paul, instructing Paul to be of good cheer (Acts 23:11). Once again, the circumstances of the moment hardly favored cheer. They included Paul's having been humiliatingly and publicly struck on the mouth by order of Ananias, the high priest. Forty individuals were plotting Paul's death. He faced a trial for sedition. Why, therefore, should he be of good cheer? Because, Jesus announced, Paul, though then in depressing circumstances, would soon take the "glad tidings," the good news of the gospel, to Rome! Never mind either that martyrdom also awaited Paul there.

(One More Strain of Praise [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1999], pgs 18,21,24.)