No Other Gods

No Other Gods

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

What stood out to me:

1. For Latter-Day Saints, God's commandments are based on on and inseparable from God's plan for His children-the great plan of salvation. This plan, sometimes called the "great plan of happiness"(Alma 42:8), explains our origin and destiny as children of God-where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. The plan of Salvation explains the purpose of creation and the conditions of mortality, including God's commandments, the need for a Savior, and the vital role of mortal and eternal families. If we Latter-Day Saints, who have been given this knowledge, do not establish our priorities in accord with this plan, we are in danger of serving other gods.

2. We look on marriage and the bearing and nurturing of children as part of God's plan and a sacred duty of those given the opportunity to do so. We believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity.

3. We are also respectful of the religious beliefs of all people, even those increasing numbers who profess no belief in God. We know that through the God-given power of choice, many will hold beliefs contrary to ours, but we are hopeful that others will be equally respectful of our religious beliefs and understand that our beliefs compel us to some different choices and behaviors than theirs.

4. But man's laws cannot make moral what God has declared immoral. Commitment to our highest priority-to love and serve God-requires that we look to His law for our standard of behavior.

5. President Thomas S. Monson taught, "Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God's approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully, but as the determination to live decently. A moral coward is one who is afraid to do what he thinks is right because others will disapprove or laugh. Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with dignity have courage as well."

6. We how know God's plan for His children-we who have made covenants to participate in it-have a clear responsibility. We must never deviate from out paramount desire, which is to achieve eternal life. We must never dilute our first priority-to have no other gods and to serve no other priorities ahead of God the Father and His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.