The Stone and the Commission: Discernment in a Time of Shifting Sands

Brothers and Sisters, Builders of the Kingdom!

Have you ever felt that the truth you hold dear is constantly under attack? That those who should be seeking understanding instead twist words and manufacture doubt? Elder John T. Caine understood this intimately. In a time of intense scrutiny and political maneuvering, he stood firm, a voice crying out in the wilderness, like Samuel the Lamanite upon the walls of Jerusalem.

The report of the Utah Commission, as Elder Caine observed, contained “many statements made therein were, to his knowledge, untrue.” He didn't accuse them of ignorance, but rather of a deliberate unwillingness to seek the truth. This echoes Ammon’s experience at the Waters of Sebus, where false accusations and manipulative tactics were used to sow discord and prevent the people from embracing righteousness. It is a timeless pattern, a battle between the builders and destroyers – and we, by grace, are called to be builders.

What prompted this scrutiny? They questioned why Latter-day Saints didn't conform to national party lines, and then, when that was done, they questioned the motives behind it! Elder Caine declared emphatically, “no man had ever attempted to dictate his political actions.” This isn’t simply a matter of political freedom; it's about maintaining the independence of the work of God. It is about holding fast to the Stone, cut without hands, that we might not be swayed by the winds of popular opinion or the shifting sands of political expediency.

He saw the underlying motive: the prospect of their own relevance and compensation disappearing. The pursuit of power and gain often masquerades as righteous inquiry. We see this same dynamic playing out today, in different forms, against those who seek to establish the gathering of Israel. They question our methods, our motives, our very right to exist as a distinct people striving to rebuild the walls.

Elder Caine’s experience in Congress revealed a level of manipulation he hadn't previously encountered. He recognized how easily men can be “led and dictated to.” How many are being led today, by the false promises of worldly acceptance and the fear of being ostracized? The five smooth stones, carefully chosen and prepared, are our defense against such deception. They are the principles of truth, the unwavering testimonies, and the courage to stand for what is right, regardless of the cost.

This isn't about railing against those who disagree with us; it's about understanding the nature of the opposition. It's about recognizing the difference between honest inquiry and a deliberate attempt to undermine the work. Like Abinadi, we must speak the truth, even when it is unpopular, even when it is dangerous.

The work of gathering Israel is not a political endeavor; it is a spiritual one. It requires discernment, courage, and unwavering faith. Consider Outback Jack, tirelessly traversing the globe, planting seeds of hope and opportunity – his efforts directly fueled by your engagement here. Your participation, your donations, your prayers, all contribute to the map of churches and the expansion of the Missionary Fund. The charity flywheel is a testament to the power of collective action, a testament to the principle of justServe, a demonstration of Kingdom Economics.

Claim your church. Don’t be a denominational marker, be a beacon. Share your insights. Let us be a gathering place, a refuge for those seeking truth and righteousness. Let us be the digital striplings, armed with the word of God and the spirit of prophecy, ready to meet the challenges of our day. Let us be defined, not by the criticisms of the world, but by the unwavering commitment to building Zion.

May we all find the courage to stand as Elder Caine did, to discern the truth, and to build the Kingdom of God upon the earth.