Conspiring Men in the Last Days

Given all that has gone on in the world, all that is currently going on, and those things that will yet go on, I find myself, from time to time, doing a reality check, realizing that I am living in the days that all the holy prophets saw and prophesied about.

These are the Last Days, the days just prior to the end of the world and the coming of Christ. We are privileged to have been selected to come and live on the earth at this time, and be part of God's righteous army to prepare for the Lord's return and rein upon this earth.

There are many issues that we need to be aware of and overcome during these final days. One is that of "conspiring men in the last days."

In D&C 89:4, the Lord said, "Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you."

What did he mean when he referred to "conspiring men in the last days?"

Since this scripture is in the 89th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants, it refers mostly to the Word of Wisdom, and indicates how Satan is influencing conspiring men to use mind and body controlling substances to murder, break up families and destroy homes. Thus Satan is keeping more of God's children away from the promised blessings of eternal life through these devices.

From his book "Behold I Come Quickly," Holt Brewster writes, "And what about the advertising for alcoholic beverages? A wide variety of alcoholic products is portrayed as fun and popular, the way to success, the "in" thing to do. Yet the promises are shallow and short-lived. The reality of alcohol's destructive power was described in a speech given by Neal A. Maxwell when he was vice president of the University of Utah. To a group of college students, he spoke of the "awful arithmetic" of alcohol: "If as many of your generation maintain, the ultimate obscenity is violence and needless death, then alcohol is obscene in terms of the people it kills and maims on our highways and the numerous child beatings it causes in homes and all the other tragedies that grow out of the misuse of alcohol." ("This Matter of Relevancy," 16 May 1969, pp. 2-3.)

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gives some indication of how different society might be if the resources now used in rectifying abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs were free to be used in other areas: "Imagine the results we would see if the total populace were to live this law of health and never abuse their bodies with alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and other harmful substances. What magnitude of decline would we see in automobile accidents, illness and premature death, fetal defects, crime, squandered dollars, broken homes, and wasted lives resulting from alcohol and other addictive drugs? How much would lung cancer, heart disease, and other ailments caused by cigarette smoking decrease?" (Ensign, November 1991, p. 16.) The cost to society in suffering, loss of lives, loss of income, destruction of families, and disruption of employment from the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs is almost incalculable, the terrible cost rising each year. However, some idea of the annual cost is gleaned from the following figures of the late 1980s:

• 10.6 million adults are alcoholics
• Alcohol is a factor in one-half of traffic deaths.
• More Americans have now been killed in alcohol-related auto accidents than in all the wars ever fought by Americans.
• 320,000 annual deaths can be attributed to tobacco.
• 125,000 annual deaths can be attributed to alcohol.
• An estimated one-half of Americans have tried drugs.
• An estimated one-half of crimes are drug related.

President Ezra Taft Benson said: "The Lord foresaw the situation of today when motives for money would cause men to conspire to entice others to take noxious substances into their bodies. [SeeD&C 89:4.] Advertisements which promote beer, wine, liquors, coffee, tobacco, and other harmful substances are examples of what the Lord foresaw. But the most pernicious example of an evil conspiracy in our time is those who induce young people into the use of drugs. My young brothers and sisters, in all love, we give you warning that Satan and his emissaries will strive to entice you to use harmful substances, because they well know if you partake, your spiritual powers will be inhibited and you will be in their evil power. Stay away from those places or people which would influence you to break the commandments of God. Keep the commandments of God and you will have the wisdom to know and discern that which is evil." (Ensign, May 1983, pp. 54-55.)

Satan uses the weakness of the flesh, the desire for unnatural stimulants and experiences, and the curiosity to taste forbidden fruits to enslave men, women, youth, and even children in his ongoing, relentless battle to destroy agency. The success of the adversary in this respect was noted by Elder Russell M. Nelson: "Through chemical means, one can literally become disconnected from his or her own will!" (Ensign, November 1988, p. 7.)

Another area of concern that we need to pay attention to are "secret combinations." We have also been warned of "secret combinations" in the last days, groups that are organized to gain power and control over others. 

In the Book of Mormon: "And whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed. . . .

Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain. . . .

Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up.

For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies." (Ether 8:22-25.)

President Ezra Taft Benson added his own insights regarding the secret combinations of the last days: "I testify that wickedness is rapidly expanding in every segment of our society. (See D&C 1:14-16; 84:49-53.) It is more highly organized, more cleverly disguised, and more powerfully promoted than ever before. Secret combinations lusting for power, gain, and glory are flourishing. A secret combination that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries is increasing its evil influence and control over America and the entire world."

The secret combinations of the last days are not confined to one group nor to worldwide organizations, but include any combination of people whose purpose is to get unrighteous gain and power over others. The far-reaching tentacles of secret combinations were described by President Benson in a talk given in 1978: "Yes, there is a conspiracy of evil. The source of it all is Satan and his hosts. He has a great power over men to 'lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken' to the voice of the Lord. (Moses 4:4.) His evil influence may be manifest through governments; through false educational, political, economic, religious, and social philosophies; through secret societies and organizations; and through myriads of other forms. His power and influence are so great that, if possible, he would deceive the very elect. As the second coming of the Lord approaches, Satan's work will intensify through numerous insidious deceptions." (Ensign,May 1978, p. 33.)

Bottom line - pay attention to these things. Realize that we are privileged, called and fore-ordained to be here on the earth. Satan has pulled out all the stops, and is waging one final battle to win over souls. Things will not get better, but worst. 

Don't allow yourself to get gently lulled into complacency, of being more accepting of things that, a few decades ago, were considered shocking. Realize that you are also part of this waging battle, but you are on the good-guys side, and that you have many billions more that have joined you from the other side to win this battle in the end. You have help, good influences, still small voices, to guide and protect you.

Listen, follow and pray - And you'll be happy.

As always, Love, Dad.