I’ve been thinking about a statement made by the Lord in the Answer to Prayer for Covenant. We have been told, “Even a single soul who stirs up the hearts of others to anger can destroy the peace of all my people.” T&C 157:19
That is a sobering thought. The peace of a whole community can be destroyed by a single individual.
It is little wonder the scriptures report of so few places of peace and unity.
When believers were driven away from the designated gathering place in 1833, the Lord explained their failure: “Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore, by these things they polluted their inheritances. They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God, therefore the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble. In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel, but in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me.” T&C 101:2
As I think about it, the voice of the Lord tells us how to conduct ourselves. Some of our behavior seems to reflect very light esteem for His counsel.
I know the Lord is determined to fulfill His covenants, the prophecies, and keep His word. But if a single soul can disrupt all the people (and he/she can), then there are only two ways I can see the Lord accomplishing His work. The first would be for Him to be selective about who He gathers. The second would be to send “the day of trouble” again to humble people enough to change their pride into humility.
He is watching us, and taking note of our conduct. I’m assuming the first choice will be the one the Lord follows. At least initially. Then, later, maybe the second will be added.