No need to panic, BYU professor says

PROVO, Utah — It's simple to avoid panicking.

"Panic comes when you don't know what is happening or what the

outcome will be," said Randy L. Bott, BYU professor of church history

and doctrine, at Campus Education Week on Monday, Aug. 17. His session

was titled, "Staying in the Light and Avoiding Panic — The Lord's

Promises of Safety for His Saints."

In the last days, the outcome is pretty clear, Bott said. Those who

have been faithful will be saved. The wicked? Well, they won't.

"How much you panic depends on what team you're on: the Saints or the ain'ts," Bott said.

Many of the signs outlined in the scriptures are happening now, he

said. There are "wars and rumors of wars," false prophets are prevalent

and the hearts of men are failing them. The scriptures also document

what will happen to the wicked, or the "ain'ts," as Bott called them.

In fact, the scriptures detail how to be in one group or the other, and what will happen to both sides.

"You and I are not immune from deception, except we keep an eye on

the prophet and hold on to the iron rod," Bott said. "We must live so

that we have the spirit."

There are several reassurances to those who are faithful and have testimonies.

"The key is not what you're going through, but how you react," Bott

said. "Quit worrying.

It's how I'm living that will make a difference [at the Second Coming]."

The Saints have been told through the scriptures to treasure up the

word of the Lord to avoid destruction in the last days, and to stay

close to the words of the prophets.

"Look at your life, how much time you use in recreation versus how

much for reading the gospel," Bott said. "Just preparing for Sunday's

gospel doctrine class isn't enough. Take time to read the scriptures."

Be prepared to share the gospel and open your mouth when the

situation arises, Bott said, adding that you don't need a doctorate

degree to share the gospel.

"The commandments of God are not up for legislation or popular vote," Bott said.

Through all of this, Heavenly Father is mindful of all of us, globally and individually, Bott said.

"Hang on to the end of the road," Bott added.

E-mail: crappleye@desnews.com