The Rod and the Savior: Finding Christ in the Crucible

The iron rod, as we know, is not merely a physical object; it is a symbol of the doctrine of Christ, the line upon which the children of Israel may hold fast (John 17:3). To grasp it requires more than simple acceptance; it demands a relentless pursuit of truth, even when that pursuit leads into uncomfortable and challenging terrain. Clint Haglund’s recent conversation with Latter Day Logic provides a stark, honest portrayal of one such journey.

His willingness to share his experience as a gay Latter-day Saint remaining active in the Church, and his recent public coming out, offers a profound lesson for us all. It’s not a call for policy changes or doctrinal reinterpretation, but a clarion call to deepen our understanding of what it truly means to follow Christ. As Clint himself observes, it’s easy to place our faith in the institution – the Church – rather than in the Savior who established it. This is a subtle but critical distinction, one that can determine whether we navigate life's storms with unwavering conviction or find ourselves adrift in a sea of doubt and disillusionment.

The temptation to seek solace and justification by finding fault with the structure, the traditions, or even the people of the Church is a familiar one. It’s a way to attempt to rationalize a disconnect between personal feelings and perceived expectations. But as Clint discovered, this path ultimately strengthens one’s faith, not weakens it. The pursuit of answers, driven by a genuine desire to understand, leads inevitably back to the bedrock truth: the gospel of Jesus Christ is true.

He speaks of a desire, early in his life, to find a reason to walk away. To find a flaw so significant that it would absolve him of the perceived burden of adhering to a system that felt at odds with his identity. Yet, the very act of searching for that flaw solidified his testimony. This mirrors Nephi’s experience in 1 Nephi 11:3, where the spirit testifies of truth even as it reveals the deepest mysteries. The Spirit, like the iron rod, guides us not to easy answers, but to a deeper understanding of the divine.

Furthermore, Clint's experience highlights the importance of agency and discipleship. He is not a victim, he insists, but an active participant in his own faith journey. He acknowledges his imperfections, his hypocrisy, and his ongoing efforts to align his actions with his beliefs. This humility is a hallmark of true discipleship. It’s not about achieving perfection, but about striving forward, always reaching for the light of Christ. His unwavering commitment to attending church, receiving support from local leadership, and maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus Christ exemplifies the power of choice and the transformative potential of discipleship.

His story prompts us to examine our own priorities. Where do we place our faith? Is it in the rituals, the traditions, the pronouncements of leaders, or in the redeeming power of Jesus Christ? Do we seek validation from others, or do we find it in the quiet witness of the Spirit?

Let us remember the words of President Howard W. Hunter: “The adversary is a liar, and he will try to deceive us. He will try to convince us that we can find happiness in the world without the gospel. He will try to convince us that we don’t need the Church.” (Ensign, May 1993, 20).

May we all strive to hold fast to the iron rod, to fix our eyes on the Savior, and to find joy and purpose in our individual journeys of faith.

What is one question Clint's story prompts you to consider about your own relationship with the Savior?