Jesus said unto him, "Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice".
Peter said unto him, "Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee.” (Matt. 26:31, 33–36.)
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1979/04/and-peter-went-out-and-wept-bitterly?lang=eng
Jesus became deeply “troubled in spirit.” As they ate, the Savior testified, “Behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.” (Luke 22:21; see Matt. 26:21.)
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1990/04/passover-promises-fulfilled-in-the-last-supper?lang=eng
The Lord truly knew these men. He knows us. What we are capable of and what our weaknesses are.
I have been drawn back to thoughts of being true to ones self. Like the examples above the outcome is always the same when we betray ourself we have nothing but sorrow.
I have always enjoyed President McKay's story about finding the stone with the engraving "What e're thou art, act well thy part".
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ykfMvoHu6xA
If there is nothing we can take with us beyond the veil but our thoughts and acts then it is right to be true to ones self.
As I reflect on two different occasion I feel akin to Judas. I have been offered money and position if I would denounce and remove postings from my Facebook page.
It is such a simple request. Heck no one would even notice. These post are old. Who would even notice if they were gone. Who even notices they are still there.
Only me I guess. I would know. Because I would have to find them and remove them.
And the world would be mine.
But what of the world beyond this. Would it have a bearing on it? That is something to ponder.
The posts are truth. And there are times truth hurts. But we are taught to be kind. We are also taught to be truthful.
It is a fine line that we walk daily between being right and righteous.
I read one author that stated Peter never denied Christ only his association with Him. On any account the scriptures said he wept bitterly.
Then there is Judas. Another author put forth the idea that Judas got the exact amount that was owed in taxes and maybe just maybe if he gave the conspiring bunch the Christ and collected the money then paid the authorities Christ could be left alone. We will never know but what we read is he hung himself.
No matter our motives or how slightly we are involved, if we deceive or betray ourselves we live with it.
I believe compromise is a wonderful thing. It shows a willingness to consider others. An open mind and heart to others view and feelings. A give from both sides to say I respect you enough to meet in the middle. But to compromise yourself, values, morals or honesty only states you think nothing of yourself and seek praise or kindness from others.
I reflect on why I post the truth. Most times it is because I see a wrong. Or bullying. I think bullies should be challenged. Be it school yard, family, social group or government. When we don't push back they feel justified and others tend to believe by default the victim must of been in the wrong.
I could just digest what is happening around me. Like they say "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time". We can just bite, chew, swallow and digest. Now we have internalized this thing. It becomes a part of us. Hidden from sight. Is that truth? Hidden? Or we can "talk about the elephant in the room". Give opinions, thoughts, direction, truth.
I believe the only way to fight an untruth is with truth. But more than that the Lord knows I am that way. In my patriarchal blessing it states I have a "love for truth and righteousness". I have a drive for both. I look for and seek out answers to all "elephants" that cross my path.
I believe if you can be bought, it will only leave you hanging.
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