The Cost of Whispering: Boldness Before the Lord

How many times have we felt that uneasy prickle of conscience, that silent judgment of another’s actions, and then retreated into a comfortable silence? It’s a familiar feeling, isn’t it? The urge to hedge our bets, to avoid discomfort, to maintain a veneer of acceptability. But what cost does this whispering incur? What does it signify when we privately acknowledge truth, yet publicly shrink from proclaiming it?

Jase Robertson, in his characteristic candor, cuts to the heart of this matter. He highlights the hypocrisy of those who, like the Pharisees, outwardly acknowledged Jesus’ goodness while harboring doubts and anxieties.

We Latter-day Saints understand this struggle intimately. The Restoration itself demanded boldness – a willingness to stand against the prevailing currents of religious thought, to proclaim a message that challenged centuries of tradition. The early pioneers, driven by a fervent testimony, faced persecution and hardship with a conviction that transcended fear. Yet, how often do we, in our relative comfort and security, fall prey to the spirit of whispering?

Think of the teachings in the Book of Mormon. Consider Nephi’s unwavering commitment to his father’s prophetic visions, despite the opposition of his brothers (1 Nephi 3:1-7). Or the steadfastness of the Brother of Jared, who boldly demanded answers from the Lord (Ether 3:1-15). These were not men who equivocated or compromised. They were men of action, driven by a profound and unshakeable faith.

The Doctrine and Covenants cautions against “secret combinations” and “whisperings” (D&C 93:14), recognizing the insidious nature of subtle dissent. It's not always the overt rebellion that threatens the work of the Lord, but the creeping compromise that erodes the foundations of truth. The iron rod, as Moroni taught, requires a clear and unwavering path – not a meandering trail obscured by shadows and doubt (Alma 37:41-42).

President Russell M. Nelson has repeatedly urged us to “hear Him” and to “follow Him.” (General Conference, April 2023). How can we truly follow Him if we are hesitant to speak of Him, to defend Him, to live according to His teachings, especially when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular?

The “now and the not yet” that Robertson mentions – the tension between our present experience and the future glory – is a crucial point. Our earthly actions are a prelude to the judgment before God. Will we be able to stand confidently, knowing we lived a life of integrity and boldness, or will we be burdened by the weight of unspoken truths and unfulfilled commitments?

Let us examine our hearts and ask ourselves: where are we whispering? Where are we compromising? Where are we failing to be a bold witness of the Restoration?

Consider this prompt: Identify one area in your life where you’ve been hesitant to speak truth or defend your testimony. Pray for the courage to act with boldness and integrity in that area.