Fashion and 8 Track Players

"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson

We have a calendar in our apartment and today I just changed it from the month of February to March. The calendar is one that has pictures of beautiful things, mountains, rivers, trees, animals ECT, and it also has a quote. And that is the quote that was for the month of March.

And as I have reflected on it, the quote has really struck me and made me think. To go with the flow in style, but to stand like a rock in matters of principle. I wish we had government leaders who would do that. But that’s beside the point. Because style is constantly changing and new fads are coming out and others fading out, it’s ok for us to move with them. But important things, matters of principle we should stand as a rock. I don't know about you, but for me, this world isn't too hip on having values really. Right now I have the pleasure of teaching this family and they have expressed concerns that they don't like the fact that religious groups don't make a stand because they don't want to offend anyone... And that is something that separates The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from others, is the fact that we stand for something. There are values and virtues that the world tramples under their feet, saying that they are old fashioned, out-dated, and irrelevant in society today. But that is not truth. Sure, the 8 track player in cars is out-dated, and the CD player is going to be pretty soon, but living a chaste life is not. Living an honest life is not. Being a virtuous person is not.

The morals of society will continue to decay, fashion will change, but the values that strengthen individuals, families, communities, societies, nations, and the world will hold fast and stand strong, and if necessary alone. Because God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Our Heavenly Father loves all of His children and wants nothing more than for our happiness. That’s why He has given us families and the gospel to strengthen us and our families. I know Heavenly Father knows me and answers my prayers. You can too. Just try Him.