Genesis 18:32
Question
Abraham pleaded with God to preserve the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah for the sake of the righteous, but not even ten righteous people could be found in the cities. Similarly, President Kimball expressed concern for the state of our modern world.
As you read President Kimball’s words, what are some things you could do to “guarantee righteousness in this world,” even if it’s only within your own home?
Scripture
32 And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.
Genesis 18:32
Quote
Abraham knew that the cities of the plains—Sodom and Gomorrah and other places—were wicked cities, housing wicked, godless people, saying with Cain, “Who is the Lord that I should know him?” He was aware that destruction of those cities was imminent; but in his compassion for his fellowman, he begged and pleaded with the Lord … but apparently there could not be found even ten, in those vicious cities, who were righteous. …
When we see the depravity of numerous people of our own society in their determination to force upon people vulgar presentations, filthy communications, unnatural practices, we wonder, has Satan reached forth with his wicked, evil hand to pull into his forces the people of this earth? Do we not have enough good people left to stamp out the evil which threatens our world? Why do we continue to compromise with evil and why do we continue to tolerate sin? …
We do not believe in situation-itis; we do not go with the people who think that this is a different age, this is a different time, these people are more enlightened, that was for the old times. Always the Lord will hold to his statements that he has given through the ages, and he will expect men to respect themselves, to respect their wives, and the wives to respect their husbands, and to respect their families, and to live righteously, as he has repeated thousands of times through the ages. …
What can we do that we are not doing? How far can we go? What changes can we make that will guarantee righteousness in this world?
President Spencer W. Kimball
Bethene Zetterquist Photography 