It might sound a little strange, but I’m deeply grateful for the opposing votes that were voiced during the April General Conference.
I had just lain down on my couch and propped my laptop open on my lap when President Uchtdorf read the names of the First Presidency for the sustaining vote. If you’re anything like me, you may have found the shouting that followed more than a little jarring–especially at an event that advocates unity and harmony.
Immediately, I sat bolt upright, thinking that this was the beginning of a riot. But, to my surprise, President Uchtdorf noted the dissension, and calmly moved forward. I quickly scanned the #ldsconf feed on Twitter to figure out what had just happened.
I soon learned about Any Opposed, a group organized with the specific intention of voicing their opposition to the current leadership of the Church.
At first, I was angry.
Why would they do that? I thought to myself. Why would they shout at a peaceful event? How could anyone NOT sustain these leaders–these wonderful, kind men who have spent their lives in the service of others?
As I pondered these questions another, more poignant question came to my mind: Do YOU sustain them, Seth?
I paused, realizing that this thought was not my own, but the whispering of the Spirit.
Of course I do! I thought. I raise my hand every time!
The voice of the Spirit spoke again, this time more forcefully: Yes, but do you SUSTAIN them? Do you support them? Do you believe their counsel to be the word of God, or do you see it as merely suggestion? Do you strive to be a faithful Latter-day Saint, pressing forward to the Tree of Life, or would you rather lie down and simply be comfortable?
My conscience began to sting a little.
But I wouldn’t shout out in the Conference Center, I rationalized. I would never vocalize my opposition like that!
You might not vocalize your opposition ‘like that,’ the Spirit replied, but you vocalize your opposition in numerous, wordless ways: You neglect your callings, you skip church when possible, you doubt the Church’s direction, and you sometimes even doubt that the brethren are really called of God. Simply raising your hand at an event doesn’t mean you sustain the Prophets.
And with that, the Spirit had exposed the hypocrite within me. Despite my outward show of loyalty, I am now painfully aware of just how little I’ve actually supported the Brethren.
Sustaining is much more than the raising of the hand. Instead, it’s a commitment to continuously raise, lift, and support those we believe to be called of God. It doesn’t mean we obey mindlessly; we can pray for further light and knowledge on any subject. However, if we sustain them, we work together to move Zion forward.
Before I heard the opposing votes, the sustaining of Church officers had become a bland, almost meaningless thing to me. Although probably not its purpose, that public display of opposition has suddenly made the ritual of sustaining deeply significant. In my heart, I’ve recommitted to sustaining the Prophets , living my faith, and following the Savior.
To that end, I’m very grateful for the opposing votes—they have awakened and deepened my faith in the Restored Gospel.
CharlieBrown2292April 18, 2015
I would like to suggest that the purpose of the sustaining vote is twofold: 1. As Seth so well expressed it, it is essentially a way for us to recommit to the Lord and those He appointed to lead His Church. 2.There are exceptional situations when someone would know something about the individual being sustained that would not qualify him to be, and this would justify an opposing vote. I do not believe that the opposing vote was meant for anything else. Therefore, voicing one's opposition because one does not agree with Church policies or the way General Authorities are leading the Church is another perversion of a principle that is meant to protect the Church and strengthen it.
ManuelApril 16, 2015
I have to say that I lean more in support of the individuals to voice their opposition. That is in fact, why members of the church are asked to sustain those called to serve, although to do so has become a serious faux pas. If the Church or God, did not want people to voice their opposition, they wouldn't provide people with the opportunity to do so. That said, this is the most thoughtful, kind, and considerate opinion I have read on the subject so far. The world is a better place when members of the Church and others act with the love and the tolerance that we have been told God has for all of us. Thank you.