If I had to choose my biggest pet peeve, it would have to be being the victim of a false accusation. Hearing allegations such as “Zarella left the cap off the toothpaste tube,” “Zarella didn’t change the toilet paper roll,” or, worse, “Zarella ate the last cookie!” really grinds my gears. Although that last one may be true, my point is that false accusations and false witnessing is not a fair game.
It has been almost two months since we commemorated Resurrection Sunday, but what has stuck with me since has been the role played by the guards of the tomb. These guards witnessed the most amazing and powerful event in the history of the world, yet for a sum of money, they became terrible false witnesses.
Recall Matthew 28:11-14 which tells about the guards accepting a large amount of money to say that the disciples of Jesus came and stole His body.
I’m sure we’ve all felt a bit frustrated reading this scripture. I can’t help think what could’ve been if these guards didn’t lie. Where would the Jewish nation be at this point in time if those men told the truth rather than a lie?
When asked about the supposed “theft” by their wives, family members, or friends, would they have admitted to the visitation of the angel and the validity of the resurrection? What did they do later on when they heard the disciples preaching that Jesus had indeed been raised from the dead? What did they feel hearing those words spread throughout the land? Guilt? Shame?
What do I feel when my actions don’t align with what I have witnessed Christ do in my life? Guilt? Shame?
What do I do when asked about my convictions and faith? Most importantly, do I ask myself, “Will my actions now affect my children later? My other family members? My branch? Those who look to me as an example? My community? An entire nation of people (as in the case of these guards)?
The guards were not disciples, priests, men of power, or perhaps even educated, but their actions could have changed the course of history. What can we do today to be a witness of God’s true glory?
This article has undergone ministry review and approval.
This was a great article Sister. I always read the Editors favorite verse and it’s no coincidence that your favorite verse matches perfectly for this very important event in the history of mankind if not the most important period. No matter how bad mankind tries to mess things up, GOD’S plan will not be deterred.
I Nephi 9:6. But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men: for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen.