Digital Only: Young Adults
How Can I Follow the Prophet When the World Makes It Hard?
I wanted to deepen my faith in the prophets.
I recently closed social media after seeing harsh comments directed at the prophet.
This wasn’t the first time I had seen cruel words aimed at our Church leaders. But it always stings.
The voices of the world can make it feel like I’m vastly outnumbered as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Sometimes I wonder how I can stand firm and follow our prophets when it feels like everyone is against my faith. At times, I’m afraid to be persecuted for believing.
However, through much pondering, I’ve realized that studying prophets and their actions can help us keep our faith in them and in Jesus Christ steady in this contentious world.
Learning about Prophets from the Scriptures
There have been times when words from leaders at the pulpit have caused some spiritual double takes, either because those leaders taught hard truths or because they had their words misinterpreted. When this happens, I sometimes see hostile comments that twist and criticize our leaders’ words.
One time after an instance like this, I felt a bit uneasy at the criticism being hurled at my leaders. And I realized I needed a better understanding of their words. I remembered a message from President Russell M. Nelson, who said: “I testify that the Book of Mormon is truly the word of God. It contains the answers to life’s most compelling questions.”1
So I studied diligently. And lo and behold, there was the answer I was looking for—clear as day.
In Helaman 13, Samuel the Lamanite prophesies: “If a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord … ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet” (verse 26).
I was stunned.
Samuel, a prophet, spoke the truth. I saw just how clearly he described what is happening in the latter days, where many are quick to disagree with prophets and instead agree with others who validate but don’t always share truths.
This experience taught me how pondering the prophets in the scriptures can deepen our faith in our modern prophets.
Taking a Closer Look
Looking closer at Samuel’s actions led me to think about what motivated him to testify of truths.
He received a message from the Lord for the Nephites. At first he was cast out when he attempted to teach them. So, not giving up, he scaled the city walls and stood alone (not to mention against flying arrows!) to testify of the coming of Christ.
Fear couldn’t stop him because Samuel loved the Lord and God’s people more than he feared their rejection.
The same goes for the prophets scattered throughout the scriptures. To name a few:
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Moroni witnessed the destruction of his entire civilization and spent years in solitude and on the run because he would not “deny the Christ” (Moroni 1:3).
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Most of the original Twelve Apostles were ridiculed and killed after the death of the Savior because they continued to teach His gospel.
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The Prophet Joseph Smith was persecuted and martyred as he brought about the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Even the Savior Himself “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), “taught the truths of eternity,” and atoned for our sins. Yet He “was despised for it,” “arrested,” “convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross.”2
Even looking at today’s prophets, I can see that while they spend their time doing good, their lives aren’t easy. They share messages that go against the grain of the world. So why do they share these truths, knowing that they will be persecuted, mocked, and even “canceled” in today’s culture?
Because they love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. And because they love us.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
“[Prophets] are not motivated by a desire to condemn. Their true desire mirrors the love of God; in fact, it is the love of God. …
“In President Russell M. Nelson’s words, ‘It is precisely because we do care deeply about all of God’s children that we proclaim His truth’ [’The Love and Laws of God,’ 3].”3
As I ponder the prophets in scripture and study messages from the men and women of God who lead us today, my heart is humbled and my faith in them and in the Savior deepens.
Choosing to Trust Them
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles once said: “Don’t be alarmed when the prophet’s warning voice counters popular opinions of the day. The mocking fireballs of annoyed disbelievers are always hurled the moment the prophet begins to speak. As you are humble in following the counsel of the Lord’s prophet, I promise you an added blessing of safety and peace.”4
His words give me comfort and help me continue forward with faith.
When I choose to believe the prophets, I see their deep, admirable courage; their pure love; and their unshakable faith in the Savior. And they inspire me to stand firm as well.
There may always be naysayers against the prophets and the gospel of Jesus Christ. But I believe that if I remain firmly on the covenant path, regardless of what the world thinks, I will be able to stand as a disciple of Christ and reap the blessings of joy, peace, and comfort that the Savior promises to all who choose to follow Him—and His prophets (see 3 Nephi 12:10–12).