Moroni tears his coat and writes on a piece of it the following inscription: “In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children” (verse 12). He fastens this icon of freedom to a pole and displays it as “the title of liberty” (verse 13) to be hoisted among the people as an ensign of faith in God and commitment to the cause of freedom. Declares Moroni: “Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them” (verse 20).
Liberty in the pursuit of God’s agenda “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39) is a cause that supersedes all mortal priorities and worldly interests. The security and well-being of our families, an environment of liberty in which the kingdom of God can flourish, and the right to practice our inalienable rights of conscience—all these are invaluable assets worth preserving and fighting for in order that spiritual progress can continue unimpeded. Moroni, being inspired of God, raises the title of liberty to inspire the people in remembering their ancient Israelite heritage (including the rent coat of their forebear Joseph) and taking a stand in the cause of righteousness. We all need a motto, a mission statement, a standard to live by. We can make one for our family in the spirit of Moroni’s leadership.
Memories: A Personal Credo
We can make an inviolable commitment to meet the challenges of life head-on with courage and in keeping with covenant principles of righteousness. To prepare ourselves for all eventualities and help translate our gospel values into action, we can a write mission statement, our own title of liberty. It becomes our map for our journey here upon the earth. When goals and purposes are established and people agree to them, there is greater unity. Think of this statement by Abraham Lincoln giving his personal creed:
I believe in God, the Almighty Ruler of nations, our great and good merciful Maker, our Father in heaven, who notes the fall of a sparrow and numbers the hairs on our heads. I recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proved by all history that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord. I believe that the will of God prevails. Without him, all human reliance is vain. With that assistance I cannot fall. I have a solemn vow registered in heaven to finish the work I am in, in full view of my responsibility to God, with malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives me to see the right.
Mahatma Gandhi wrote the following resolution for his life:
Let then our first act every morning be to make the following resolve for the day:
I shall not fear anyone on earth.
I shall fear only God.
I shall not bear ill toward anyone.
I shall not submit to injustice from anyone.
I shall conquer untruth by truth.
And in resisting untruth I shall put up with all suffering.
These great leaders from the past made a big difference in the lives of countless individuals. Take the time to write down your values and standards for your life—the roles you fulfill—and merge them together so you will have your plan to follow our Savior and enjoy the blessings of exaltation. (Ed J. Pinegar)