Citizenship: More Than Just Voting

Approximately 92 BC , the Nephite civilization changed their government from monarchy, to a democratic form of government. This blessing meant greater personal freedom, and more responsibility. Five years following the peaceful transition in government in which the people became accountable for their own governance, a man called Amlici rose in power and sought to make himself a king over the people of Nephi. Fortunately, the majority of the Nephites were not deceived by Amlici and were diligent in their responsibility as citizens. “Now this was alarming to the people of the church, and also to all those who had not been drawn away after the persuasions of Amlici; for they knew that according to their law that such things must be established by the voice of the people.” Their diligence as citizens was manifest by knowing the law, perceiving the danger and knowing what to do. In short, they were practicing good citizenship.

But what is citizenship? What does it mean to be a good citizen? Elder L. Tom Perry commented on the subject of citizenship in conjunction with the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. He stated, “We should be familiar with the history, heritage, and laws of the lands that govern us. In those countries that allow us the right to participate in the affairs of government, we should use our free agency and be actively engaged in supporting and defending the principles of truth, right, and freedom”. This aricle illustrates that good citizenship is practiced by serving our community, serving in elected or appointed positions, wisely choosing leaders and being ”anxiously engaged” in a worthy cause.

Serving in the community

One of the simplest ways to practice good citizenship is through community service. Most of us have a charitable organization that holds a special place in our heart and we serve our community by contributing our resources. But community service can be performed without participating in organizations. Community service can be rendered by clearing litter from the street or helping an elderly neighbor with yard work. Often, acts of community service benefit in many ways. The Savior taught, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” Acts of service set an example for others and encourages them to do likewise.

Serving in elected/appointed positions

One of the most effective ways of practicing citizenship is serving in public positions, elected or appointed. Although this may entail sacrifice, there are compelling reasons for doing so. As an elected official, you can support constitutional measures or oppose legislation that goes beyond the scope of constitutional authority. Additionally, there will be opportunities to set an example for other lawmakers. Beyond these good reasons for serving the public, our church leaders have encouraged such involvement. “We strongly urge men and women to be willing to serve on school boards, city and county councils and commissions, state legislatures, and other high offices of either election or appointment”.

Choosing leaders

The scriptures teach that we should diligently seek and uphold good, wise and honest men. “Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil”. This raises the question of how do we select honest and wise leaders. Once again, we turn to the scriptures for guidance, specifically to the pattern that the Lord states as a “pattern in all things”. Do the leaders or candidates we are considering bear fruits of praise and wisdom? Discernment and knowledge are critical in having the ability to detect right from wrong, wisdom from foolishness and truth from fallacy. The Lord has warned us of the consequences for not choosing wisely: “Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn”. Recall the influence of the righteous leader, Lachoneus, and how he, and others, led the Nephites to victory over the Gadiantons of their day. It is not difficult to imagine the consequences had the Nephites, in the days of Alma the Younger, chosen Amlici as their leader. Are we choosing leaders who ‘bear fruits of praise and wisdom’, or are we choosing leaders who will cause ‘the people to mourn’?

Contributing to a worthy cause

The greatest cause we can contribute to is to build the kingdom of God. This entails raising righteous families (or preparing to do so) and forwarding the three-fold mission of the church: Perfect the Saints, redeem the dead and proclaim the gospel. But this does not prevent us from participating in other worthy causes. However, with so many good causes to choose from, how can we make the best choice? There are a plethora of noble organizations striving to preserve freedom in one way or another. When weighing the choices, it is helpful to consider the words of Henry David Thoreau, “For every thousand hacking at the leaves of evil, there is one striking at the root.” Whatever course of action we take to preserve the Constitution, let it be action that strikes at the root of the problem. Too often, efforts are focused on the symptom and not the disease itself. For instance, many people recognize that government control of personal firearm ownership poses a serious risk to our ability to protect ourselves from criminals or to serve as a last check against a tyrannical government.

Many join well-intentioned organizations that concentrate their efforts on protecting the Second Amendment unfortunately a myopic focus on the Second Amendment, or any other single-issue, limits our ability to act effectively in preserving the Constitution. Our efforts will be more successful as we add our strength to others who are striking at the root.

I would like to share with you a personal experience of being anxiously engaged in a worthy cause. I share this that you may know that I ‘practice what I preach’, but more importantly, to illustrate that strength is not necessarily found in numbers. Also, my role was minor and part of a group of well informed and concerned citizens. But first some necessary background information.

There are two ways to alter the Constitution. The most commonly known method involves making alterations through amendments, a challenging process that requires a two-thirds majority vote by Congress and ratification of the amendment by two-thirds of the states. This process was intentionally difficult to prevent changes being made for light or transient reasons. The other method is to convene a constitutional convention. A constitutional convention is convened when 36 states submit an application to Congress requesting such an event. The short version of describing how the Constitution can be altered in a convention is to compare it to signing a blank check. And the ones writing the check would primarily be today’s Gadiantons.

While living in Salt Lake City, the year of 2001, I learned that 34 of the 36 required applications for a constitutional convention had been submitted. The country was two states away from the CFR controlling he process for re-writing the Constitution. I, along with others, informed neighbors and friends of the impending danger. We also prepared information packets for state legislators that apprised them of the perilous potential to the Constitution and the process itself. A sponsor was found, Representative Fred Fife, who was willing to introduce a bill that would rescind Utah’s application.

With the Lord’s assistance, the measure passed without any dissenting votes. Two years later, an additional seven states rescinded their applications to convene a Constitutional Convention. And so a crisis was narrowly averted. This act of citizenship reminds me of a scripture that teaches how small things can make a big difference. “there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things. You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm”. This was indeed an example of how a few dedicated individuals made a difference because this effort was initiated and led by approximately 16 concerned people who were willing to raise the Title of Liberty and who understood that citizenship was more than just voting.