EQUALITY... Here is a word that I want to talk about. This is a word that is very favored in our society right now.
Equality-e·qual·i·ty
noun
1.the state or quality of being equal; correspondence in quantity, degree, value, rank, or ability.
"Of being equal"
Equal-e·qual
adjective
1.as great as; the same as:2.like or alike in quantity, degree, value, etc.; of the same rank, ability, merit, etc.3.evenly proportioned or balanced
"The same"
Same
adjective
1.identical with what is about to be or has just been mentioned:2.being one or identical though having different names, aspects, etc.
"Identical"
Identical-
adjective
1.similar or alike in every way2.being the very same; selfsame3.agreeing exactly
Interesting how the two words, equality and identical, are so far apart from one another. But if you drop down one more rabbit hole with me.
"Similar"
Similar
adjective
1.having a likeness or resemblance, especially in a general way:
Let me state now before there is confusion. Seeking Equality in society is not the problem. The golden rule in life; Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This is not based on race, gender, or age.
Now that I have set up all these words let's look at the problem that is happening in this world. The problem is that Society has fallen down the rabbit holes that I have taken you through just now. Thinking that equality is to mean identical, is just another lie that as been twisted into this world by Satan to corrupt and destroy.
For those that may be reading this that don't know there is a very small, but very loud, group of people inside the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that have a very liberal view of the word equality. Also for those of you that don't know. In our faith righteous males hold the priesthood. The priesthood is the authority to act in God’s name. The same priesthood authority that existed in the original Church established by Jesus Christ exists in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today. The Church is directed and led through this authority.
So this group was started by women that believe that in order to achieve equality they need to be able to hold the priesthood. Because fitting under their definition of equality they must be identical. Elder Oaks last night at the 184 annual general conference priesthood session, gave a talk about the topic of the priesthood in this area. Take the time to read or listen to it.
I want to more direct my focus on the concern that some people have about my faith not holding women equal to man. Because of the distorted view that society has on the subject of equality, it has caused a lot of dispute and debate. To quote Elder Oaks in his talk last night "Women and men are equal, but with different responsibilities."
The last hole that I dropped you down was to focus on the word similar. We(Men and Women) are similar and equal in that we are all children of our Heavenly Father. We are similar and equal in that we are all, if we live righteously, going to inherit the kingdom of God. We are not similar but equal in that Men have the Priesthood and Women have Motherhood. And to think that those are not equal is evil and distructive.
It is sad to look all around the world and see that Motherhood is not upheld by women and men. That it is under attack and one of the biggest offenders are women. To undermined their beautiful and amazing gift to bring life into this world is the true offender to equality.
Let's not make the mistake that just because society says that it should be so, does not mean that God needs to accept it. In this time in the world, popular vote of society will never be in favor of God.
Both men and women have divine duties and responsiblities they need to uphold in this life. Duties and responsibilities that have been given to them from the beginning by The Lord. These are gifts given by him and for him, and all these gifts need to be held with the absolute humility and gratitude. These gifts are not transferable. Just as men have not been given the right to hold Motherhood, women have not been given the right to hold the Priesthood. For either men or women to seek after each other's gifts would be wrong.
Let's not let the twisted lie that has poisened the thought that to be seen as equal we must be identical. Our differences are our strengths it completes, and brings the two halves of one whole together. I know that the plan of salvation is completed by the pairing balance and acceptance of those two halves.
I will not claim to speak for anyone but myself, but I know many who share my feelings and I know my faith shares the opinion that: men and women are and have always been from the beginning EQUAL but not the SAME!!
