In today’s world, Latter-day Saints need to become well informed so they can speak up and engage intelligently in causes that concern them. The February issue of the Ensign has a great article “Get Informed, Get Involved.”

The article encourages us to be a good influence in our communities by being well informed about current events and joining in community discussions and decision making.

Here are a few thoughts and partial quotes from the article:

• Follow a variety of trustworthy, reputable, and responsible news sources. (Consider their motives.)
• Liberty comes with the responsibility to be involved in our government and neighborhoods. All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
• The First Presidency encourages members to get involved in civic and political activities.
• As we exercise free speech, remember that we are disciples of Christ. What we say and how we say it ought to be tempered by kindness and respect.
• As the ways of the world become increasingly distant from the Lord’s ideals, we will need to speak up on issues of common concern.
• We cannot be bystanders in shaping our public environment. We have the duty and the right to get informed and get involved. Members are encouraged to support measures that strengthen the moral fabric of society, particularly those designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.
• President Thomas S. Monson: “As the winds of change swirl around us and the moral fiber of society continues to disintegrate before our very eyes, may we remember the Lord’s precious promise to those who trust in Him: ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness’ .”

There are many resources available to help stay informed, including trusted publications such as the Deseret News National Edition, a weekly publication with news and analysis on topics related to faith and the family in contemporary society. A sample copy was included in mailings of the February issue of the Ensign. People in the USA and Canada can subscribe for just $30 a year, which also includes the Church News. This offer was not previously available to people in Utah without also subscribing to the Deseret News newspaper.

For further study:

•  Scriptures: Constitutional law should be befriended: D&C 98:5–6. The Lord caused the Constitution to be established: D&C 101:77, 80. Church’s declaration regarding governments and laws: D&C 134:1, 5-6.
• Articles: “The Divinely Inspired Constitution,” Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Feb. 1992. “A Caring Community: Goodness in Action,” Alexander B. Morrison, Ensign, Feb. 1999. “Religious Values in the Public Square,” Newsroom. “Church and State,” Encyclopedia of Mormonism. “Political and Civic Activity,” Handbook 2, 21.1.29.