What Coronavirus and the War in Heaven have in common.
Last night I was talking to my mother-in-law when the conversation turned to Coronavirus. We talked about the shelter in place orders and the economic impact of Coronavirus. As I was leaving she asked me, "Do you think it is right for the government to force people to stay home?" Her question has caused me to ponder about our societies response to coronavirus, here are my thoughts:
COVID-19 is real.
Before we get started, I want to emphasize that I believe Coronavirus is a real threat. People are dying, livelihoods destroyed, entire nations' economies are on the verge of collapse, and governments around the world are piling on more and more debt in an attempt to keep the systems going. The big question is not "What should be done?" everyone agrees that this virus needs to be stopped. But the big question is "How should it be done?" I think that generally speaking, we can break down the approaches to dealing with COVID-19 into two different camps.
First, forced quarantine. This is the most common approach, you have mayors, governors, presidents and prime ministers declaring quarantines, stay at home/shelter in place orders, and forcing businesses to shut their doors, fining/arresting people who are outside, or prohibiting the selling of 'non-essential items,' for example, in Michigan they are not only forcing companies to shut their doors, causing many people to lose their jobs/companies. Those few that the government thinks are appropriate to remain open are being told they can't see non-essential items, aka they won't allow Wal-Mart to sell seeds! Or in Mississippi, they are ticketing people who are going to drive-in church services.
Entire countries are shutting down. The assumption is that people will not voluntarily choose to quarantine so a stay-at-home order must be in place. In Salt Lake City they have even set up ways for people to report their neighbors breaking the orders. Turning neighbor against neighbor. Salt Lake City is just one example, governments around the world are stepping up enforcement of these orders with heavy-handed tactics including arresting, fining, and in some countries literally shooting people who don't follow their plan to stop the spread of coronavirus. All notions of 'rights' have been suspended in pursuit of 'flattening the curve.'
The second camp believes that COVID-19 is real, but that the shutting down of entire economies is not the solution. They believe that we should socially distance, but that business should be able to figure out the best way to operate to ensure that the economic fallout does not cost more human lives than the disease. This group believes that you should take every reasonable measure to flatten the curve, but that it is not right for governments to suspend rights and force you to do so, they believe it should be voluntary. This is not to say the elected officials could not issue warnings, but the authoritarian tactics we are seeing would be off the table.
Within the second group falls the Church's approach. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint's has been closely monitoring the situation with the Coronavirus. Months ago they were quarantining missionaries, closing temples, and suspending services in Asia to be good global citizens and help stop the spread. Once Coronavirus broke out in Italy they pulled missionaries and suspended church services, again to be good global citizens. And finally, when Coronavirus hit the USA, before anyone was even worried about it, they suspended all Church services. They then recalled all missionaries to their home countries, and ultimately closed all the temples. All of these actions were voluntary and in an attempt to be a good global citizen.
What Coronavirus and the War in Heaven have in common.
So what does this have to do with the War in Heaven? Everything. In the War in Heaven, we faced a vitally important situation, who's plan were we going to support? Heavenly Father, who's plan was championed by Jesus Christ, presented the idea that we would all have the freedom to choose. We could choose to obey and be rewarded, or we could choose to disobey and be punished. Satan was pushing his own plan where he claimed he would save everyone, and that he would coerce people to choose the right.
It is a narrative we have all heard ten thousand times. God's plan was agency, Satan's was force. But today we have real-life examples of this when we look at Coronavirus. We have leaders of the world trying to force their citizens to do what they deem is best. They have suspended Godgiven rights, they have shut down small businesses, destroyed entire economies and the livelihood of millions of people, all because they do not believe we will choose the right, but that we must be coerced to do so. In juxtaposition, you have the Church and others encouraging people to voluntarily do everything in their power to stop the spread without government mandates and threats.
The war rages on.
Satan was cast out of heaven for his rebellion and for seeking to destroy the agency of men, but he has not given up. President Hinckley did not mince words when he described our day, "That war [the War in Heaven], so bitter, so intense, has never ceased. It is the war between truth and error, between agency and compulsion, between the followers of Christ and those who have denied Him. His enemies have used every stratagem in that conflict. They’ve indulged in lying and deceit. They’ve employed money and wealth. They’ve tricked the minds of men. They’ve murdered and destroyed and engaged in every kind of evil practice to thwart the work of Christ.” (An Unending Conflict, a Victory Assured, June 2007 Ensign).
It is not shocking to see governments attempting to use force. Anyone who is not ignorant of history knows that the mantra "the ends justify the means" has been the justification used by governments in committing atrocities and genocides. The Holocaust, Holodomor, Armenian genocide, and Great Leap Famine are the names of just a few of the actions by these governments following Satan's plan. So, no, it does not shock me to learn that governments are willing to let Satan guide them again. After all, President Benson warned, "The war that began in heaven over this issue is not yet over. The conflict continues on the battlefield of mortality. And one of Lucifer’s primary strategies has been to restrict our agency through the power of earthly governments." (The Constitution a Heavenly Banner. Ezra Taft Benson. 16 September 1986).
But what I do find shocking is how many members are falling into Satan's trap. Playing off the fear of Coronavirus, Satan has turned many Saints from the side they once fought for, agency, to the promises of safety that coercion brings. I have many friends on Facebook that are complaining that the rules by the government are not strict enough. They complain that the Governor of Utah and the President of the United States have not locked down the state/country, or suspending Godgiven rights fast enough! This is what shocks me! These members fought against Satan's plan in Heaven but now they are begging governments to embrace Satan's plan. They are so afraid that people won't voluntarily choose to do what they deem as 'the right thing', that they are begging the government to violate agency and to force people to obey.
Many members have been blinded by fear. They don't realize what they are supporting. Satan, the Father of all lies, has tricked them into believing that the War in Heaven is over, the ends justify the means and that government forcing people to do things is different than Satan's plan. Sadly when judgment day comes they will learn that they were fighting for the wrong cause. Make no mistake about it, as religious freedoms and other freedoms are curtailed around the world Satan rejoices.
As President Benson warned, in general conference, "As important as are all other principles of the gospel, it was the freedom issue which determined whether you received a body. To have been on the wrong side of the freedom issue during the war in heaven meant eternal damnation. How then can Latter-day Saints expect to be on the wrong side in this life and escape the eternal consequences? The war in heaven is raging on earth today. The issues are the same: 'Shall men be compelled to do what others claim is for their best welfare' or will they heed the counsel of the prophet and preserve their freedom?" (General Conference April 1965. Not Commanded in All Things).
In the words of Elder Bednar, "we can no more disregard the valid claims of religious freedom in a time of crisis than we can disregard the valid claims of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, or freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. Nor should we prioritize secular interests above religious ones. A health crisis should not become an excuse for a religious freedom crisis... never again can we allow government officials to treat the exercise of religion as simply nonessential. Never again must the fundamental right to worship God be trivialized below the ability to buy gasoline." I recommend reading his full address https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/bednar-byu-religious-freedom-review-speech
Conclusion.
So what does the War in Heaven have to do with Coronavirus? Everything. We are being tested, once again, on which plan we will embrace. Will we embrace personal freedom to do good or evil, knowing that some will choose evil? Or will we reject God's plan in favor of forcing others to do what we deem best because that sounds like it is less risky?
Remember, the score might be in question, but we know that God is in control and this too shall pass. So let us follow the example of our Prophet as we navigate the last days. Let us choose to use our agency to be good citizens, let us obey the laws of the land, and do our parts to help stop the spread of COVID-19. But, let us also be good Saints and stand up for freedom and choose once again the Lord's plan.
"Besides the preaching of the Gospel, we have another mission, namely, the perpetuation of the free agency of man and the maintenance of liberty, freedom, and the rights of man.”
John Taylor, General Conference April 1882.
I am of two minds on this. Yes, coersion is of Satan - no question. I support freedom, but also common sense. If you believe the virus is real, then why not follow the advice of medical professionals and practice social distancing? That one thing could save lives. This virus will not be with us forever. I know it looks like earthly governments are testing the people of various nations to see if they can exercise ultimate control over us. Some industries may never recover from this situation and that is really sad. I'm trying to see the big picture here with an open mind. People are scared - that is obvious. I intend to follow the counsel of the prophet and have faith. But I can not ignore the reality of this disease.
@Jim, there's a difference between choosing the right and doing the right. Jeremy isn't advocating against choosing social distancing. He's pointing out that it's wrong to force it (among other coersions).
True
I've been watching, reading, studying, and thinking about this virus and what our appropriate response should be. This post encompasses much of what I've concluded.
As Joseph Smith said, "Every man who is afraid, covetous, will be taken in a snare." (TPJS pg 161)
Or as Ezra Taft Benson warned, "Satan argued that men given their freedom would not choose correctly, therefore he would compel them to do right and save us all. Today Satan argues that men given their freedom do not choose wisely; therefore a so-called brilliant, benevolent few must establish the welfare government and force us into a greater socialistic society. We are assured of being led into the promised land as long as we let them put a golden ring in our nose. In the end we lose our freedom and the promised land also." (CR April 1965)
If we exercise our agency in obedience to the words of the prophet as he has been
inspired of the Lord, then we knew that we are on the safe side. There is no coercion but a blissful resultant effect of righteous agency, this enable us to enjoy protection. As a practicing Latter Day Saint, I realized that you and I have many layers of defenses against all sort of challenges, difficulties, temptations and etc. We have the knowledge of the Gospel, Covenants, Ordinances, Scriptures, Priesthood, Prophets and Guidance of the Holy Ghost - all centered in Him, the Lord Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.
Loved your comments on freedom. We will see what our leaders advise us in the future battle ahead. Lots of God given rights being taken away. I am very concerned with the probability of being forced to receive vaccinations with aborted fetal cells in them. That is too morally wrong! Lots of evil. On a positive note, I loved this article and quotes by Elder Holland how to turn this into a positive. As of now, we can see this situation as a blessing. Praying and fasting today for all those who have been effected negatively by this. I know as we turn to Go during this we can all be blessed. The war in heaven continues here on earth and we knew and accepted to face and overcome the challenge in the Spirit World.
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2020-04-01/elder-holland-covid-19-shelter-in-place-enforced-solitude-opportunity-179127
Yep, YEP, YEP. So true!
Do you struggle with SSA?
Nope, I have other crosses to bear. I am happily sealed to my wife. We have been best friends for three years and married for 8 months.
Appreciate your content Jeremy. I've thought about this much over the years not only on this current issue of Covid 19 but other issues where governments have intervened. I believe it is more so about elected officials fulfilling their proper role and mandate to "enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience" (Doctrine and Covenants 134:5). In making those judgments there is room for differing views on how and when governments should act, or not.
President Benson's personal political views as expressed in his book "The Proper Role of Government" are not the doctrine on the topic in the sense that they do not express the Church's official position on the role of government. I believe a member of our Church can have a different view and not be "blinded by fear" or having "[fallen] into Satan's trap".
Based on the latest numbers, the early government-enforced lockdown here in New Zealand is working and many look to return to work next week at the end of the nationwide 4 week lockdown. Yes some businesses have been destroyed by the measure and it will take time, in some case years (as will be the situation with our tourism industry), before our economy fully recovers. World leaders face difficult decisions but letting 'the market do it's thing' on Covid 19 could potentially cost a whole lot more than elected leaders tackling the hard issues based on the science and information available to them. God bless America.
Love your article. I am taking the opportunity of homeschooling my youngest son and 2 grandkids who live with me to teach true principles of liberty. I homeschooled my older kids buy had to stop because of major health difficulties. It has always weighed on my mind that I was not able to teach many of these things to my youngest except in casual conversations. I'm using the Tuttle Twin books with my grandkids 4& 6. We are memorizing the preamble with song. Love tye words of Pres. Benson.The war is not over..
As Ronald Reagan said we are always just one generation away from losing our liberty.
100% AMEN. I have been saying exactly this when the gov was discussing forced quarantined. I've shared this on FB because it says eloquently what I have been unable to express because of brevity. Thanks!
I really liked this article and actually shared it on social media. I had a sibling that does not feel the same way I do. I thought I would leave the comments below and ask for thoughts:
OK, time out, hold on a minute. Our church leaders did not give us the choice to continue going to Sunday meetings or continue attending the temple if we want to. They closed them all, full stop.
They sent many missionaries home. They stopped having mutual for the young women and young men. They stopped in-person ministering.
This article makes it sound like we are righteous people because we stopped those social interactions voluntarily. We did not. Our leaders set the limits and we did not have the option to disobey.
I guarantee you if attendance had been left as optional, we would still be having temple weddings and our chapels would still be holding Sunday services for some of the congregants.
Our church leaders did not give us that option. I'm sure you are not trying to say that our church leaders are evil for setting these rules, or that they are taking away our agency. The article praises them for being "good citizens."
I believe our church leaders are wise and inspired. I'm grateful we have a prophet who is also a surgeon and understands public health and infectious disease.
So why the double standard? Why call the church leaders good for setting limits on social gathering, but the government leaders bad? For the most part I believe government leaders are also good people trying to keep people safe. I pray every day that they will be blessed with wisdom and good judgement.
I totally agree there are some government leaders that are probably going WAY overboard and some that are pushing a political agenda. It makes me sick to watch that. I don't deny it is happening.
But how can you say church leaders are "good citizens" to limit our ability to congregate and at the same time say government leaders are "taking away agency" when they do the same thing? Some limits and rules are absolutely needed at this moment in time.
Leaders are leaders. Leaders are supposed to evaluate the information available to them and make the best decisions they can. To act like suspending Sunday services and closing temples is not "forcing" people to not attend is a very strange position.
I'm very proud of how our governor and our state leaders have handled things. Our "stay home directive" has helped stop the spread. Now that we have testing capacity ramped up, we will start to see things opening up soon. Then if we get hot-spots we can test and quarantine as needed. We will move past this. This is a very trying time for everyone. People are being stretched beyond belief.
Right now we need to be very kind-hearted and non-judgemental of others. Some people will react out of fear - they will tend to judge others for not being careful enough, they worry about their health and the health of their loved ones. They don't want to lose important people in their lives and want to blame someone besides the virus for loss of health and life.
Some people are suffering so much economically, they are also fearful. They will tend to judge others as being over cautious and over strict with rules. They see economic devastation all around and want to blame someone besides the virus for loss of economic stability and normalcy in daily life.
Getting people all riled up with "holier than thou," type of language and accusing them of "falling into Satan's trap" because of how they are feeling and reacting right now is not going to help. There is not a "right" way to react in these circumstances. No one is going to be perfect in all of their reactions. These are difficult times beyond belief!
Of course we will have different points of view because of our life experiences and background knowledge. Of course we should engage in discussion and learn as much as we can. Of course we should object when restrictions go way overboard and are not reasonable (e.g. arresting people for being outside but not near other people).
We should NOT engage calling other citizens names for thinking people should be more careful/ or thinking people should relax the rules a bit. We should not act as if there is a righteous and a non-righteous way to respond. This situation is not as clear cut as that
The simple reply to his long post is that the Church is choosing to close their buildings. You never had the 'right' to go to a particular church building. So their closing is no violating your rights. But if the government was to come in, and tell the Church "you can't operate anymore or else we will arrest you and or fine you and your members." That is their taking away our freedom of religion Which is mentioned by name as something that they are NOT allowed to do in the USA.
I see many similarities between temples and churches being temporarily closed with the days of the Manifesto. President Woodruf explained that if we did not stop practicing polygamy that he had seen in vision the government confiscating the temples and putting an end to work for the dead.
When we saw local government leaders threating to close churches permanently who did not follow local guidelines, it was very sobering for me.
Polygmany wasn't evil, but evil men forced it to end. There is an odd verse or two in the Sermon on the Mount that has often baffled me: "Agree with thine enemy while thou art in the way with him."
In many ways I have seen the church needing to follow this directive of the Savior.
I don't hear the Brethren saying - This pademic will be the end of civilization and therefore me must go into hiding. I keep hearing - be good citizens and neighbors.
This is from the church -
"Global Citizen Responsibility
Members of the Church are grateful for the laws of many nations around the world that protect religious freedom and respect the sacred freedom of conscience.
The Church teaches that its members should sustain and uphold the laws where they reside. These governments enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest. We acknowledge that in exceptional circumstances all individual rights may be reasonably restricted, for a time to protect the safety of the general public.
In times of pandemic or natural disaster, the Church will respond to official orders to take needed actions such as canceling or postponing meetings or other gatherings. The Church and its members are committed to being good citizens and good neighbors. The Church has a long history of reaching out and providing assistance to those in need.
Along with our commitment to be good global citizens, we respectfully assert that reasonable accommodations be extended to all people of faith as they strive to participate in rites that are foundational to their faith."
If you believe in the Temple & saving ordinances. Follow the brethren.
If you read the article I am saying we should follow the Prophet, and of our own free will and choice do what is in our power to flatten the curve. And at the same time, we should be vocal about defending our liberties.
WE HAVE THE PROMISE OF JESUS CHRIST IF WE FOLLOW HIS REQUEST TO FOLLOW HIM: PEACE, CONTENTMENT, GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY GHOST, PROTECTION. HE HAS GIVEN US THE TOOLS OF THE PRIESTHOOD, THE SCRIPTURES TO HELP US AND A PROPHET TO TEACH US.
ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS LISTEN TO THOSE WHO ARE IN THE LEADERSHIP OF THE RESTORED GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. PAY ATTENTION!
Great article. Another similarity at work here driving bad decisions is that the politicians, like Satan, desire the glory of saving us from ourselves! I guarantee their egos are driving a lot of the decisions. Many if not most of the politicians are doing what they think is best for them, not us!
What has repeatedly come to my attention is the inconsistencies that I have seen through out this entire thing:
One locale where drive-up restaurants culd remain open, but not drive-in churches (which had less exposure that the eatery did). Box stores could remain open - serving hundreds of customers at a time, but a local barbershop with 2 customers at the most could not. Governor Neusom on California shut down businesses across the state -- while keeping his own vineyards/wineries open.
Again, people could go to Walmart all they wanted, but not to church or to visit a loved one (wearing a mask and all).
Excellent article! Thank you for the effort you put into this. A very good description of what is going on, providing a logical perspective. I would caution people against the use of the term "global citizen". To many this describes more than just taking actions for the good of others, our neighbors both near and far. It can be interpreted as support for globalism and the efforts to remove nation and state's rights, a.k.a. New World Order. I cringed when I saw that term used in the priesthood recommendations for dealing with pandemics. I know the intent is to just love and serve all Heavenly Father's children but to many the term means acceptance of our loss of freedom. As always, the adversary twists things to deceive.
Just another thought, going in a different direction.
I’ve always had the opinion that Satan would take the easy way out and take away laws, which takes away right and wrong, and everyone gets in. No coercion necessary.
Whatever one chooses, he is right and then anyone and everyone can do whatever they want to and still go to Heaven no matter what. But, that kind of Heaven, isn’t Heaven to me.
This is what I believe too! And it's the first time ever that I've seen or heard another member express it! Thank you! I've had members get quite angry with me when I've voiced it, but it was an understanding that came of much study and prayer for me.
Those who are trying to justify the loss of liberties falsely frame the argument as being one between choosing profits over lives. They are either unaware or deliberately ignoring the number of lives being lost to suicides, domestic violence, and the general despair caused by their efforts to make people behave the "right way." Economists call those the "hidden costs" of a decision. The media almost gleefully report all the COVID-19 caused deaths but rarely even mention the "collateral damage" being caused by the shutdown.
Hi, i havent been active mormon member in years, I am deaf. i fall long way, and i am on the road coming back, all the books are all connected, Book of Daniel, Book of Ezekiel, and Book of Revelation. about last days, i am seeing the "shadows of 4 horsemen", 4th rider not yet appear. also Matt C24.
The 1948 generation is the generation that will not pass till all things prophesied by Jesus in Mathew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21 be fulfilled.
i dont know exact hour, it is coming very soon.
Daniel describing the Fall of Chaldean Statue.
Ezekiel describing war.
and revelation mentioning church members live in fear and mislead by leaders of nations, and turning on other members and families so completely corrupted and abandoning the faith, as we seen riotings and protestings.
Do we follow the law of the land, falling into the trap? what we do if we did wrong and not knowing it? How do we answer when we face to face with Jesus? we are all accountable and avoid "blaming others" like Adam and Eve did passing the blames instead taking responsible for themselves honestly. we all have human traits, we fear when he is angry. But by his grace and mercy if we confessed.
"What we do if we did wrong and not knowing it?"
You can not sin in ignorance. But neither can you be saved. This is why it is important to have the Holy Ghost as your constant companion so that you can know the truth of all things.
Yes, there is a much bigger issue here that people are afraid so much that they aren't stepping up the way they need to. Rioters are getting away with destruction in a terrorist manner and the government is allowing it and we are sitting back saying nothing. All lives matter! What they are doing is terrorist methods of silencing the people and then they can do whatever...take whatever...destroy whatever. What kind of society is that to love and cherish as a freedom country!!!!
Thank you for addressing this subject. I have seen this for several months now and I continue to hear the same arguments now as were given in the pre-existence:
"That not one soul should be lost." (or words to that effect).
We have seen this play out in countries like Sweden that didn't shut down, and in states like South Dakota --- who's contagion rate, and death toll has not been any more severe than states with the strictest mandates.
I know people are getting sick and I know some are even dying -- but its no worse than during flu season (and who can tell when we keep reading reports on how the counts have been messed up - deliberately or by mistake). More people die in automobile accidents, but we don't take away driver's licenses to flatten the curve.
When we were asked, in the beginning of this whole thing, to take certain precautions, we had no problem with it and did our best, but now we are being told we must, or else, some churches have been told that they may be shut down forever -- our governor has forestalled any degree of reopening (no one moves from phase one to phase two) not just until the counts come down, just indefinitely.
Give me thine honor and I will ensure that no one loses their soul . . . . the war wages on.
There is a very valid point to this that you have missed. The same people exercising the control are the same people telling us to wear face masks and to social distance. By the CDC numbers that were wrong and then corrected COVID-19 is less deadly than the flu. Yes it's real, yes, it has killed people but the death total is less than the flu numbers. The over reaction to this is one big giant hoax. Any Dr that says to boost your immune system and how is blocked from many platforms. Everyone wears the mask out of fear, but if you don't know how or why COVID-19 could kill you, the mask won't save you anyway. I am a high risk cancer patient so I'm very close in prayer to my Heavenly Father. Please, I implore the leaders of the church to pray about this and ask in the name of Jesus Christ if I'm right and then take action to remove the fear from the saints. You need essential vitamins and minerals and if you are deficient in something like Vitamin D or C then you are prey to COVID-19 and you will die even if you wear a mask.
I agree that we as good citizens obey the laws of the land. But, this lockdown, this forcing businesses to shut down, closing our churches and Temples, shutting off family members in nursing facilities and loved ones having surgeries to face alone, livelihoods taken, is not a law but a mandate. My states Governor was seen disobeying his own mandate orders. I feel by doing nothing we are choosing the side of Satan.
I agree with this, but it raises the question of why the church fights so hard for laws against marijuana and gay marriage. Shouldn't agency also be the standard there?
Great question Justen. I actually talk about that question in detail in this article, so it may interest you:
https://mylifebygogogoff.com/2019/10/abortion-agency-and-two-lies-latter-day-saints-are-believing.html
If you read this than you already know what choice you made in heaven, life is the test. Our temporary lack of freedom to go to a building and worship with others in a time of world wide crisis is not a denial of our religion or our religious freedom. If we have been promised that the church will never again be lost, then why do we question it now? Personal agency cannot be given or taken by government laws. Laws can be broken, the fee agency you practice can affect other people for good or bad. Throughout history disasters both natural and manmade have limited people ability to practice religion in large groups. Our religion endures, our people must endure too. Nothing has changed with regard to points of this article, the answers will always be the same. Let us all be strong together, show love to those who have lost, and endure to the end.
This is something I recognized from the beginning. Then again, I also notice the ongoing War in Heaven every time a parent tells their 20 year old they can't date the kid next door who has long hair or be disowned.
I also struggle as I see this pandemic divinding people into "maskers and non-maskers, vaxers and non-vaxers". I worry as I see otherwise worthy, temple attending church members turning violent against their fellow temple attending church member: Because one is giving in and getting the jab, or is killing us all by not wearing a mask.
I try to respect that someone can't wear a mask for legitimate reasons (which are none of my business) or that someone has been cancelled not to get the jab for also legitimate reasons -- I don't need to tell them they aren't welcome in the Lord's Kingdom. I don't need to shun or fear them. We do the best we can and accept that the same God will direct his saints individually according to their specific needs. Just because I pray and the Lord tells me to take the job in Podunk Ville doesn't mean you are less worthy when you opt for a career in New York. For some the vaccine might be problematic and that is legitimate too - hence we were urged to follow WISE medical and government advice (I think it interesting that the prophet didn't just say to follow medical advice, but added "wise" in there, as the same answer may not be "wise" for everyone.)
I feel like the War in Heaven team has won this one. The governments of the world have pretty successfully shut everyone down. And, the true Church on the face of the earth shut its Temples. How many people didn't get sealed? How many didn't get their baptisms performed? How more backlogged are we now? When personal hygiene, Lysol, bleach, could have kept the Temples open, the schools open, etc., yes, I think the adversary is enjoying the victory of this battle. I know that he knows the War isn't won though.
Once we returned to having church services and opening temples, I was surprised by number of members who refused to wear masks or sit on alternating rows in church or temple. In my ward it was probably 90%. Despite being asked by church leaders, they exercised choice. Something so small and simple, but they couldn’t be obedient. I am still shocked three years later by the number of ward members who never returned to church—many were viewed as strong ward members. It was really a sifting of the tares.