Who's On the Lord's Side, Who?

Who’s on the Lord’s side, who?

This question, “Who’s on the Lord’s side?,” echoes in my mind as I read what many, who claim to be faithful followers of the church, share. I remember singing the hymn for the first time in an Old Testament institute class. In that class period, we discussed Exodus 32:6 where Moses asks: “Who is on the Lord’s side? let him come unto me.” The only ones who stood for the Lord were the Levites. This passage seems exceedingly relevant today with the ongoing protests against the Honor Code, The Family: A Proclamation to the World, and the Brethren. We live in a world where the things most sacred to us are spit on by the world. Our doctrines are held in contempt, and we are barraged by voices yelling “homophobia,” “bigots,” or “that’s outdated doctrine.” This is the context and movement that has been ripening and waiting until days like these to attack.

One honor code protester began by saying they are out here to bring awareness that Queer students are treated like they don’t exist and are marginalized. Another protester, Jesús Ramos, said: “The church has always encouraged love and acceptance around the world, and I don’t see why they wouldn’t do that here on campus.” While he is correct the church has always encouraged love and acceptance, let’s first take a look at what love and acceptance mean.

What is loving or accepting?

Christ taught, “If ye love me; keep my commandments.“
John 14:15

“Charity is the pure love of Christ”
Moroni 7:47

“He doeth not anything save it be fore the benefit of the world; for he love the the world…he and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance”
2 Nephi 26:24, 27

”For the lord God cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.”
Alma 45:16

So what should we understand when we read that Christ is loving and accepting of all? We must understand His love language is repentance, and he accepts us only as children of God and nothing else. Christ cannot accept us if we relinquish that identity in favor of worldly titles.

Noah Blaylock, who found out about the protest through a post on Facebook, carried a sign quoting Elder Bednar, saying “There are no Homosexual members of the Church.”

Andy, one of those who helped organize the reading of The Family: A Proclamation to the World, stated it perfectly. “It’s more loving to ask our brethren to come back to our Heavenly Father’s fold than to advocate for condoning sin on campus… The Family Proclamation warns the disintegration of the family will bring about the Last Days and the catastrophes, and we are out here to counter it.”

When we choose any other identity we will undoubtedly leave the Lord’s side. We will cease to fight for Zion. We begin to kick against the pricks. How then can we measure which side we are fighting for?

It’s not just about the Honor Code

Whose side are we on?

In Doctrine and Covenants 1:37-38, we learn whether God gives us commandments by His own voice, or by the voice of His prophets it matters not. This right here is the crux of the situation. If you believe God exists, that Russell M. Nelson is his ordained Prophet, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ’s authorized church, why would you put yourself at odds with the key tenants of the faith? If you don’t believe that, it’s your prerogative – but then don’t advocate changes to a Church School while choosing to attend.

The tuition at Church Schools is subsidized by the tithing of the meek and lowly. It is estimated that up to $100,000 of subsidies goes into each bachelor’s degree. The Church, in exchange for this benefit, requires more of you. God requires you to be conscious of the sacrifices others have made so you could have a quality education, graduate with minimal student debt, and serve in His Kingdom. It is because of this that students at Church Institutions are held to a higher standard.

I believe having a diversity of views is important for the health of any community. LGBTQ+ students are more than welcome to stay at BYU and BYU-I, but just like any other attendee, they have to follow the Honor Code.

When we find ourselves consistently opposing the brethren, we and everyone we broadcast to can know that we are not on the Lord’s side. When the Apostles speak as one they speak for the Lord. To me, this is why The Family: A Proclamation to the World is so important. It is scripture, and it is doctrine.