It is a difficult thing to stand up for what you believe in. It is even more difficult to do so when the people who you once trusted are the ones against you and against what you believe in. Martin Luther was an incredibly brave man who held to what he believed in. Luther witnessed the Catholic Church straying from his beliefs and all he had learned and come to trust in. He saw them stray from Christ. Because of this, on October 31, 1517 Luther shocked the world with his 95 Theses. He played out where the church had strayed, despite how controversial he knew this would be. Martin Luther would be excommunicated for these thesis and other writings he produced. He would be kicked out of the church he once loved. But didn't fear what would happen, he did what he needed to do because of his moral compass.
We all have a moral compass within each of us. Some call it the conscience. Some would call it the light of Christ, others the promptings of the Spirit. Whatever it is inside of us that tells us to follow what we feel is right, we all have it. To be true to oneself despite what other men will do to you is a very honorable thing. Luther changed the world with his courage. We all will have opportunities in out lives to stand up for what we believe. We all can create a change in the world by doing this. It may not be on such a grand scale as Martin Luther, but we can create change. And change is good when guided by morals.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther#Excommunication
In the first section of your post you could replace Luther’s name with Joseph Smith and almost every time it would fit. Men lead by God oftentimes do not conform to what man teaches, and that makes it so important to listen to everyone with an open ear and consider seriously the things that they are sharing. Like the scriptures say, that which brings light is from God.
ReplyDeleteOftentimes the issue is not so clear cut as to see what is right and wrong. On issues like abortion for example, both sides feel as though they are doing what is morally correct. Both sides are trying to be courageous. Sometimes that leads to serious conflicts and might not be the best path to follow
ReplyDeleteI would second Peter's comment. Perhaps one of the most important things I have learned recently is that there are far more shades than just black and white. Take people today, Republicans and Democrats see themselves as the "good guys" and the other side as bad or misguided while in reality both sides have strengths and weaknesses. At the same time we rightly need some sort of moral guidelines, but I think we need to more fully embrace the sprezzaturic idea of playing devil's advocate and trying to understand all sides
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts, Carter! I think Luther is an incredible example of doing what we think is the right thing, regardless of the consequences that came his way. He didn't retreat his position when the persecutions started, but stayed true and firm to what he believed in. I hope we can all follow his example!
ReplyDeleteI think your moral compass guides you to the truth and ultimately the truth is easier to live than lies. Martin Luther realized what was true and chose the more difficult truth in the short term, but what would have happened if he chose to disregard the truth. Would it have really been easier for him to live a lie, and for the peasant class to continue to be oppressed? From a long term perspective, I am grateful for Martin Luther's sacrifice, because it has made my life a lot easier.
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