Article by J.M.S. 

Honor Sacred Trusts by J.M.S. December, 2011
Historic figures, exhibiting constraint, have proven themselves honorable not only by the things they have said but by the things they have not said. Mary, the mother of Jesus, kept special things in her heart for pondering, regardless of their magnitude.1. Her fiancé, Joseph, though troubled and perplexed, felt to address shocking matters privately, rather than make a public spectacle.2. Jesus quietly wrote in the sand.3. Esther and Abraham kept their real identities hushed for a time.4. Would any of these individuals have been chosen for, let alone able to perform, the mission God had in mind for them if they had not possessed personal restraint? Such skills are improved upon with practice and study.
Desiring to fortify personal sovereignty, after making a mistake of divulging information not mine to give, and after feeling the painful consequences of my weakness, I have studied those who kept sacred trusts. Historically, I relished transparency and openness. I am working on bridling my tongue and thoughts. Even in matters of journal writing, I seek the approval of the Lord and, accordingly, omit some items. Moroni refrained from recording oaths of evil combinations, recognizing the destructive nature of that data.5. Nephi tried only to write things upon the plates that pleased God.6. 
Trustworthy character is imperative in fields of friendship, law, medicine, education, psychology, business, social work, national defense, ecclesiastical callings and public safety. Keeping information classified may go against natural inklings to impress, educate, entertain, relate, speculate, debate, persuade, influence and engage. Yet, isn’t it astounding to know that He who carried our sins does not tell others about them?
Curiosity can get the best of the best people. Luckily, several habits may prevent the spread of gossip. I have found that some matters are handled most securely with a professional counselor and by keeping things between me the person who confides in me. Refraining from asking questions beyond designated stewardships is another practice I try to heed so that honor is kept in tact for both he who bears trust as well as those for whom they bear it. God is always available to talk with, for free, about any situation, so that we need not share sensitive details of others with family or friends. Pressures to reveal proprietary news may come from authoritarian but unrighteous and potentially harmful sources. Thankfully the Wise Men did not return to Herod after they found the baby Jesus.7. Not expounding upon data outside of the bounds of trust shows honor to those who need the safety of mystery to others. I now understand it is best to only agree to a promise if I can follow through with it and that it shows maturity to remain mute, at times, because I choose to and not because it is required. This takes a lot of self-control, emotional regulation and quiet strength. It reaps unseen medals for the anonymous guardians of another’s assurance. It fosters nonpublic progress, repentance and healing. 
Those who honor sacred trusts show consistency and earn confidence by not conforming to circumstances of compromise. I now clearly state that there are some things that I will not discuss, period. Joan of Arc possessed this trait of a covenant keeper. She did not mention things she had promised God she would not speak to others about, even as beautiful, astonishing and unique as they were.8. Managing divine insight with discretion goes hand in hand with personal revelation and foreordained callings. 
Those who navigate conversations, in politics and royal governance, while keeping privacy bright, astound me. I still feel like a rooky, but even Mormon and Joseph Smith needed time to prepare to receive the sacred trust of gospel records.9. Patience in this process develops the restraint necessary to honor sacred trusts like Stripling Warriors.10.

1. Mary (Luke 2:19)
2. Joseph (Matthew 1:19)
3. Jesus writing in the sand (John 8:8)
4. Esther (Esther 2:10) and Abraham (Genesis 20)
5. Moroni (Ether 8:20-12)
6. Nephi (1 Nephi 6:5)
7. Wise Men (Matthew 2:12)
8. Joan of Arc (http://smu.edu/ijas/1431trial.html) Found December 27, 2011
9. Mormon (Mormon 1:3) and Joseph Smith (Joseph Smith History 1:27-54)
10. Stripling Warriors (Alma 53:20) “true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.

To contact the writer, email: articlecommentary@gmail.com

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