A Peculiar People

In the 1960s there was a show about a very odd group of people known as the Addams Family. Over the years, it has been recreated in cartoons, comics, movies, TV reunions and revivals. I still prefer, though, the original black and white version. The opening to the show is a classic.

Despite their unusual appearance, the family was rather quite conventional. The parents, Gomez and Morticia, loved their two children, Wednesday and Pugsley, and would do anything to ensure they were well cared for. Grandmama and Uncle Fester were extended members of the family who also helped to take care of family matters. Lurch was the menacingly tall butler with a soft heart. Visitors to the Addams mansion were always warmly welcomed. Gomez was quite generous with his abundant wealth and gladly gave huge amounts of money to friends and worthy causes.

On the other hand, there aren't too many families who blow up model trains, light up light bulbs by sticking one in their mouth, have a lion as a pet, or include a torture rack in their rec room. To the outside world, the Addams household was weird and unusual. They were not like everyone else.

It seems to me that in some ways, we as members of the Church, are often viewed as though we are also just as strange. Our standards, values, and morals don't always go along with those of society at large. And, as the years go by and society's standards stray farther from those we hold dear we may find ourselves appearing more and more odd. For example, our views on same-sex marriage, chastity, alcohol, Sabbath day activities have already put us at odds with various groups of people.

It shouldn't matter to us, however, what other people think or say about us. What matters is what the Lord has said to us:
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."
(New Testament, 1 Peter 2:9 - 10)

Paul suffered greatly and was persecuted for his beliefs. That didn't stop him from believing.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
(New Testament, Romans 1:16)

And, if we are ridiculed or unpopular because of what we believe to be true the Lord has promised us his blessings and protection.
"Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail."
(Doctrine and Covenants, Section 6:34)

Try not to be discouraged by what friends or people may say about you because of who you are and what you believe. The Addams family was a happy bunch of people and they didn't care what anybody thought about them either. The Lord will bless you for your faithfulness. I believe that with all my heart.