“Sustainable Societies (excerpts),” New Era, November 2020, 46–47.
Sustainable Societies (excerpts)
What are the fundamentals that sustain a flourishing society, one that promotes happiness, progress, peace, and well-being among its members? …
… “The truth of God” points a better way, or as Paul said, “a more excellent way” [1 Corinthians 12:31], a way to personal happiness and community well-being now and to everlasting peace and joy hereafter. …
The truth of God refers to the core truths that underlie His plan of happiness for His children. These truths are that God lives; that He is the Heavenly Father of our spirits; that as a manifestation of His love, He has given us commandments that lead to a fulness of joy with Him; that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and our Redeemer; that He suffered and died to atone for sins on condition of our repentance; that He rose from the dead, bringing to pass the Resurrection of all humankind; and that we will all stand before Him to be judged, that is, to account for our lives. …
If enough of us and enough of our neighbors strive to make our decisions and guide our lives by the truth of God, the moral virtues needed in every society will abound.