Choose Not to Be Ashamed

Offended has a corrosive companion called ashamed.

In the Book of Mormon, we learn of Lehi's vision of the tree of life. The vision speaks of those noble souls who "[pressed] forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron," arriving and "[partaking] of the fruit of the tree."20

Nephi described the tree as "the love of God,"21 bearing fruit that "filled [the] soul with exceedingly great joy."22

After tasting of the fruit, Lehi saw "a great and spacious building … filled with people … old and young, … male and female; and their … dress was exceedingly fine; and they were … mocking and pointing their fingers [of scorn] towards those who … were partaking of the fruit."23 An angel explained that the mocking, the scoffing, the fingers of scorn represented the pride and wisdom of the world.24

Nephi declared plainly, "We heeded them not."25

Sadly, there were others whose courage faltered. The scripture reads, "After they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those [who] were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost."26

As disciples of Christ, we stand apart from the world. There may be times we feel uncomfortable as the fingers of scorn mock and dismiss what is sacred to us.27 President Thomas S. Monson warned, "Unless the roots of your testimony are firmly planted, it will be difficult for you to withstand the ridicule of those who challenge your faith."28 Nephi said, "[Heed] them not."29 Paul admonished, "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; … Be not … ashamed of the testimony of our Lord."30 We never leave Him.

While accompanying President Dieter F. Uchtdorf to Eastern Europe last year, I marveled at the faith and courage of the Saints. One priesthood leader in Ukraine told us of being called to the branch presidency in the spring of 1994, only six months after his baptism. This would require becoming public with his faith and helping to register the Church in the city of Dnipropetrovs'k. It was at a time of uncertainty in Ukraine, and openly showing faith in Christ and in the restored gospel could mean difficulty, including the possibility of losing his job as a pilot.

The priesthood leader told us, "I prayed and prayed. I had a testimony, and I had made a covenant. I knew what the Lord wanted me to do."31 Courageously, he and his wife went forward with faith, unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.