Obey and Honor the Law

In a publication of the church called "Preach My Gospel" it says:

"Latter-day Saints everywhere believe in obeying the laws of the country in which they live. Members of the Church are counseled to be good citizens, to participate in civil government and the political process, and to render community service. They do so, however, as concerned citizens, not as representatives of the Church."

During the time of Jesus, there was a great strain between the Jews and the Roman government that held power over them. Those who were against Jesus thought up a way to catch him in a snare. They decided to ask Jesus about paying tribute to Caesar in order to put Him in an awkward situation. If He said that one should pay tribute to Caesar, he would alienate himself from the people. If He said that the people shouldn't, then his enemies would could deliver him up to the Romans for treason.

Here is the story as it reads in Matthew Chapter 22:

16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, ^aneither carest thou for any man: for thou^bregardest not the person of men.

17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it ^alawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why ^atempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.

20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?

21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, ^aRender therefore unto ^bCaesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.

22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

Jesus taught that it was important to stay true to all of your obligations, even your obligations to the government. In addition to this, the Apostle Paul later taught:

Romans 13:1-7

1 Let every soul ^abe subject unto the higher ^bpowers. For there is no ^cpower ^dbut of God: the ^epowers that be are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that ^aresist shall receive to themselves ^bdamnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the ^apower? do that which is ^bgood, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is ^athe minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for ^aconscience sake.

6 ^aFor for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; ^ahonour to whom honour.

Paul was teaching that Gods Law's are higher than man's. If you are striving to keep Gods laws, you will most likely already be keeping the laws of the government by default.

The prophet Joseph Smith included sustaining the law in the articles of faith of the church:

Articles of Faith 1:12

12 We believe in being ^asubject to ^bkings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in ^cobeying, honoring, and sustaining the ^dlaw.

Joseph Smith also included a whole section of the Doctrine and Covenants which spells out the importance of upholding and honoring the law. That section is section 134. You can read it here if you would like: Doctrine and Covenants Section 134

In a revalation given to the prophet Joseph the Lord said:

D&C 58:21

21 Let no man break the ^alaws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land.

Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Lord Jesus Christ. And as a messenger of rightousness it's no surprise that the teachings of Joseph would agree with the teachings of our Savior and his early apostles.

If a man-made law is corrupt, it is our duty to work within the political and legal process to try to change that law. We should be active in our communities and work to protect true and virtuous principles within the structure of our governments.

I testify that the Lord will bless you as you live His laws, and sustain the laws of the government in which you live.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Click here for Missionaries